Archivists and archive assistants Records clerks and assistants
A global AI analysis is below; pick a country for local salary, licensing and migration data.
AI will significantly reduce demand for archivists and assistants; daily record updates, archival searches, and other core tasks can be automated, with entry-level jobs notably decreasing.
More exposed than about 66% of occupations (percentile; higher = more exposed to AI)
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Replaced the work of file clerks handling paper document signing, mailing and physical storage by digitizing contracts and automating approval processes for efficiency.
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Replaces manual tasks of filing officers in classifying, merging, and formatting electronic records, saving time through automated workflows.
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Replaced the manual tasks of filing clerks in inputting and filing paper archives by automatically recognizing fields in scanned documents and storing them into a database.
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Replaced the work of archivists in scanning, indexing, and archiving large volumes of paper documents, reducing manual intervention through automatic classification.
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Replaced the archivist's manual maintenance of file directory structures, using metadata and search functions to automatically classify records.
- Automatic classification and filing of electronic documents and paper letters
- Automatic retrieval and viewing based on keywords or metadata
- Automation of record updates and version control
- Automatic generation and distribution of standard letters and template documents.
- Data extraction and integration for complex queries and analysis reports
- Human review of document compliance checks and anomaly marking
- Optimization of archival classification schemes and metadata design
- Quality monitoring of cross-system data migration and format conversion
- Ethical judgment and security responsibility in handling sensitive or confidential records
- Non-standard archive appraisal and classification decisions requiring domain knowledge
- Data governance and compliance interpretation in response to regulatory changes
- Soft skills in teamwork and cross-departmental communication
- Proficient in electronic document management systems (e.g., Alfresco/SharePoint)
- Big data analytics and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
- Basic data cleaning and automation scripts (Python/RPA)
- Information governance and compliance regulations (e.g., GDPR)
- Metadata standard design and knowledge organization methods
Entry-level positions such as document filing and digitization of paper files have been significantly reduced due to the prevalence of AI and OCR technology, as organizations lower demand for such repetitive clerical roles, intensifying competition for newcomers.
Transition into information governance officer or data administrator roles, responsible for organization-level data strategy and compliance. Can learn RPA and AI tools to optimize archival processes, and advance into knowledge management or data analyst roles with domain knowledge.
Local data by country
Ratings · Overall 6.2/10
Salary
| Experience | Annual (GBP) | |
|---|---|---|
| 薪资中位数 | £28,656 ~ £28,656 | 全职年薪 gross 中位数（来源：ONS ASHE 2025，SOC 4位） |
| Entry level (0–3 years) | £18,000 ~ £22,000 | Entry-level salary |
| Mid-level (3–7 years) | £23,000 ~ £28,000 | Salary increases with experience |
| Senior (7+ years) | £29,000 ~ £35,000 | Senior specialist or supervisor level |
| 平均薪资 | £29,985 ~ £29,985 | 全职年薪 gross 均值（来源：ONS ASHE 2025，SOC 4位） |
Education Path
| Stage | Duration | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| High school (A-Levels) | 2 years | £0~£0 |
| Diploma/Bachelor's degree (optional) | 2-3 years | £9,250~£30,000 |
Qualifications
| Qualification | Issuer | |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Information and Records Management | ARMA International | Optional |
| Diploma in business management or related field | Various further education colleges | Optional |
Migration (to United Kingdom)
Not a skilled migration occupation. Visa pathways depend on matching the specific duties to the correct SOC and salary threshold; refer to the latest UKVI rules.
Who it fits
- Detail-oriented, organized person
- Someone who enjoys document management in an office environment
- People seeking stability rather than high salary
- Those pursuing high salary and rapid development
- People who desire creative and highly autonomous work
Career outlook
Junior archive assistants can advance to senior archive administrators or records managers by gaining experience, and then progress to information governance, data protection, or archive management leadership. Some transition to information management professional roles by obtaining vocational qualifications.
With digital transformation, demand for paper-based records management has declined, but electronic records management remains stable. Government, healthcare, finance, and large enterprises still require many records managers. Overall employment outlook is stable, with an annual growth rate of about 1%.
Growth areas：
Data ManagementDigital RecordsInformation GovernanceCompliance
FAQ
Data sources
Salary ranges are estimates aggregated from public listings on Indeed, Glassdoor, Reed and ONS ASHE (Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings); employment and demand outlook cite the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and HMRC PAYE data; visa and migration details follow the latest UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Health and Care, and Immigration Salary List rules. Figures are indicative only — always refer to the latest official sources.
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