Records Management Technician
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- File and index records using clear naming and folder rules
- Scan paper documents and verify image quality and completeness
- Enter and update record details in tracking systems
- Retrieve requested records for staff, audits, and public requests
- Apply retention schedules to determine how long records are kept
- Prepare records for secure destruction when retention periods end
- Maintain chain of custody for sensitive records
- Support privacy and confidentiality practices for protected information
- Respond to basic records questions and guide staff on correct filing
- Assist with records inventories and clean up projects
Top Skills for Success
Attention to Detail
Organization
Written Communication
Time Management
Customer Service
Confidentiality
Document Scanning
Data Entry
File Naming Standards
Records Indexing
Retention Scheduling
Records Disposition
Privacy Compliance
Access Control
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Records Coordinator
Records Analyst
Records Management Specialist
Compliance Coordinator
Information Governance Specialist
Transition Opportunities
Office Manager
Administrative Services Supervisor
Document Control Specialist
Data Governance Coordinator
Legal Operations Assistant
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Retention SchedulingPrivacy ComplianceRecords DispositionDigital Records ManagementQuality ControlProcess DocumentationAudit ReadinessSpreadsheet Skills
Development SuggestionsBuild a simple portfolio of records work, such as a sample file plan, a retention tracker, and a scanning quality checklist. Ask to assist with one cleanup or digitization project to gain hands-on experience with retention, access control, and secure disposal.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 38,000 to 48,000
Mid LevelUSD 48,000 to 62,000
Senior LevelUSD 62,000 to 78,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, driven by compliance needs, digitization projects, and higher expectations for fast information retrieval.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Local government agenciesState government agenciesFederal agenciesHospitals and health systemsUniversities and collegesBanks and credit unionsInsurance companiesLaw firmsConstruction firmsManufacturing companies
Industry Sectors
GovernmentHealthcareEducationFinancial ServicesLegal ServicesConstructionManufacturingUtilitiesTransportationTechnology
Recommended Next Steps
1
Learn the organization retention schedule and practice applying it to common record types2
Create a consistent file naming guide and use it in daily work3
Improve spreadsheet skills for inventory lists and tracking logs4
Practice scanning workflows and document quality checks5
Request exposure to audit requests and access logs to understand compliance expectations6
Update your resume with measurable results such as boxes processed, files indexed, and turnaround time for retrieval requests7
Explore entry certifications in records and information management if common in your target employers