Document Management Specialists

SOC code 15-1299 · O*NET-SOC 15-1299.03 · Considerable preparation needed · Computer and IT

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Document Management Specialists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$116,580

a year

Hourly

$56.05

per hour

10th$55,940Median$116,58090th$188,470

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$122,230

$58.77 per hour

Middle 50%

$79,370 – $157,500

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$55,940 – $188,470

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

435,370

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Computer Occupations, All Other”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $55,940; $26.89/hr
25th percentile: $79,370; $38.16/hr
Median percentile: $116,580; $56.05/hr
75th percentile: $157,500; $75.72/hr
90th percentile: $188,470; $90.61/hr

What does a document management specialist do?

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Assist in determining document management policies to facilitate efficient, legal, and secure access to electronic content.
Assist in the development of document or content classification taxonomies to facilitate information capture, search, and retrieval.
Implement electronic document processing, retrieval, and distribution systems in collaboration with other information technology specialists.
Identify and classify documents or other electronic content according to characteristics such as security level, function, and metadata.
Develop, document, or maintain standards, best practices, or system usage procedures.
Assist in the assessment, acquisition, or deployment of new electronic document management systems.
Administer document and system access rights and revision control to ensure security of system and integrity of master documents.
Prepare and record changes to official documents and confirm changes with legal and compliance management staff, including enterprise-wide records management staff.

How to become a document management specialist

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 60% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree60%
Master's Degree15%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree10%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate10%

Common questions

How much does a document management specialist earn?

The national median is $116,580 a year. The full range runs from $55,940 at the 10th percentile to $188,470 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a document management specialist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Active Listening3.8/5
Writing3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Monitoring3.6/5
Active Learning3.3/5
Speaking3.1/5

Knowledge areas

English Language3.9/5
Administration and Management3.9/5
Computers and Electronics3.8/5
Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
Administrative3.5/5
Law and Government3.5/5
Education and Training3.4/5
Sales and Marketing2.8/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Systems Analysis, Systems Evaluation.