Archives Technician

Career Guide

An Archives Technician supports the day to day care, organization, and access of historical records and collections. The role focuses on processing materials, maintaining storage conditions, helping people find information, and supporting digitization so collections can be used safely and responsibly.

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Key Responsibilities

Receive and log incoming records and donated materials
Sort and arrange materials into a clear order
Create basic descriptions so materials can be searched and found
Rehouse items in protective folders and boxes
Label containers and update location tracking
Monitor storage areas for temperature, humidity, pests, and damage
Pull and reshelve materials for staff and approved visitors
Support researchers by answering basic reference questions
Scan or photograph items for access copies when permitted
Apply handling rules to protect fragile or restricted materials
Follow privacy and access policies for sensitive records
Assist with inventories and collection audits

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Organization

Written Communication

Customer Service

Time Management

Records Handling

Collection Processing

Digitization

Metadata Entry

Cataloging

Preservation Basics

Privacy Compliance

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Archives Assistant

Library Assistant Records Management Technician Digitization Technician

Transition Opportunities

Archivist

Digital Archivist Records Manager Collections Manager Metadata Specialist Library Technician

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Metadata StandardsDigitization Quality ControlDigital File ManagementDatabase SearchingRecords Retention BasicsReference Interview SkillsPreservation Handling Techniques

Development SuggestionsBuild a small portfolio that shows before and after organization work, a simple finding aid style description, and a digitization sample with consistent file naming. Seek supervised volunteer shifts or internships to practice handling, description writing, and patron support.

Market Intelligence Report

Archives Technician is part of the Records & Data Processing category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 32,000 to 42,000

Mid LevelUSD 42,000 to 55,000

Senior LevelUSD 55,000 to 70,000

Growth Trend

Stable demand. Hiring is strongest in universities, government agencies, museums, and healthcare systems, with steady need for digitization support and records access.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

National Archives and Records AdministrationLibrary of CongressSmithsonian InstitutionState ArchivesCity and County Government ArchivesUniversity LibrariesMuseum ArchivesHospital ArchivesCorporate Archives

Industry Sectors

GovernmentHigher EducationMuseumsLibrariesHealthcareCorporate ServicesNonprofit Organizations

Recommended Next Steps

Create a resume section that highlights collection processing, digitization, and customer support tasks

Learn consistent file naming and folder structures for digital collections

Practice writing short item and folder descriptions that are clear and searchable

Take a short course in metadata and basic cataloging

Apply for internships or part time roles in universities, museums, and local government archives

Ask to support an inventory project to gain tracking and audit experience

Build references by volunteering for a defined project with deliverables