Archival Technician
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Process incoming collections by sorting, labeling, and rehousing materials
- Create and update item lists and basic catalog records
- Follow handling and preservation procedures for fragile items
- Prepare materials for digitization and track digitization status
- Scan documents and images using standard file naming rules
- Perform basic quality checks for digital files and metadata
- Support reference requests by retrieving and reshelving materials
- Maintain storage areas with environmental and security guidelines
- Track location and movement of materials to prevent loss
- Assist with collection inventories and periodic audits
- Use collection management systems to log updates and actions
- Follow privacy, copyright, and access restrictions when serving users
Top Skills for Success
Attention to Detail
Organization
Time Management
Written Communication
Customer Service
Confidentiality
Collection Handling
Preservation Basics
Digitization
File Naming Standards
Metadata Entry
Collection Management Systems
Inventory Control
Records Management Basics
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Archival Assistant
Archives Specialist
Digitization Technician
Records Technician
Library Assistant
Museum Collections Assistant
Transition Opportunities
Archivist
Digital Archivist
Collections Manager
Records Manager
Digital Asset Manager
Metadata Specialist
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Metadata StandardsDigitization Quality ControlDigital Preservation BasicsCopyright BasicsPrivacy ComplianceDatabase Skills
Development SuggestionsBuild competence through short courses and supervised practice. Ask to own a small end-to-end workflow such as scanning, file naming, metadata entry, and quality checks for one collection so you can document measurable results.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUS$32,000 to US$42,000
Mid LevelUS$42,000 to US$55,000
Senior LevelUS$55,000 to US$70,000
Growth Trend
Stable demand, with increased hiring tied to digitization projects, records cleanups, and grant-funded preservation work.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
National Archives and Records AdministrationLibrary of CongressSmithsonian InstitutionState archives officesCity and county records departmentsUniversity libraries and special collectionsLarge public library systemsMuseum archives and research centersHospital and healthcare records departmentsCorporate archives programsRecords storage and information management firms
Industry Sectors
GovernmentHigher EducationLibrariesMuseumsHealthcareLegal ServicesFinancial ServicesMedia and PublishingTechnologyNonprofit Organizations
Recommended Next Steps
1
Learn one collection management system used in your target employers2
Practice creating clean item lists and consistent metadata entries3
Build a small portfolio that shows before and after organization work4
Complete a short training in preservation handling and environmental controls5
Strengthen scanning and file organization habits using a structured folder plan6
Volunteer or intern with a local archive, museum, or special collections unit7
Update your resume with quantified outcomes such as boxes processed and items scanned8
Network with local archivist associations and attend one event or webinar