Document Management Specialists
Document Management Specialists set up and run systems that help organizations store, find, and manage electronic records and files. They work in corporate offices, government agencies, healthcare facilities, and other large organizations that handle significant volumes of documents. The role involves configuring software, establishing procedures, and ensuring documents can be captured, retrieved, shared, and securely destroyed according to legal and business requirements.
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A day in the work
A typical week involves configuring document management software, training employees on new systems, and troubleshooting technical issues. Specialists audit existing filing systems to identify inefficiencies, develop retention policies that comply with regulations, and monitor system performance. They may conduct meetings with department heads to understand workflow needs, generate reports on system usage, and implement updates or security patches to keep systems current and secure.
Who this work suits
Holland code CIE. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to be detail-oriented and enjoy setting up organized systems and procedures. You're drawn to investigating how things work and finding logical solutions to storage and retrieval problems. You prefer structured environments and take satisfaction in building processes that help others work more efficiently.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $123,360 | $156,590 | $180,480 | 17,200 |
| Maryland | $114,920 | $144,680 | $165,730 | 19,060 |
| Colorado | $100,150 | $139,580 | $160,520 | 11,800 |
| Virginia | $108,160 | $139,030 | $165,320 | 17,000 |
| Delaware | $103,620 | $137,470 | $170,170 | 860 |
| California | $87,350 | $134,440 | $179,730 | 80,150 |
| Washington | $84,540 | $128,940 | $168,030 | 14,360 |
| Connecticut | $88,980 | $127,720 | $150,440 | 3,100 |
| New Mexico | $92,560 | $127,090 | $167,970 | 1,650 |
| Hawaii | $99,630 | $120,100 | $135,680 | 2,080 |
| New York | $83,790 | $116,990 | $162,510 | 11,460 |
| South Carolina | $80,120 | $112,260 | $136,990 | 4,300 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) — Construction Specifications Institute
- Data Governance and Stewardship Professional - Executive Management (DGSP) — Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals
- Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) — Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists
- Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist-Outpatient (CCDS-O) — Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists
- Certified Business Professional - Project Management (CBP-PM) — International Business Training Association
- Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) — Project Management Institute
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against document management specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 15-1299.03 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.