CAREER PROFILE

DAM Metadata Specialist

Salary Range (US$)

$65,000–$95,000
Metadata Specialists ensure assets are tagged and structured in a way that supports discoverability and compliance. They create metadata models, maintain controlled vocabularies, and collaborate with librarians and IT teams to enhance search efficiency.

Core Responsibilities

Define metadata schemas, maintain controlled vocabularies, audit asset tagging, support taxonomy updates.
$80,000
Average salary
900
US postings 2024
75% by 2030
AI tagging automation
40% publishing
Industries
2–4 years
Experience required
Metadata/DAM training
Certifications

Impact of AI

AI will automate tagging and propose metadata fields, but specialists remain essential for governance and quality assurance.

Skills to Learn

Metadata standards (IPTC, XMP), taxonomy design, DAM UX, accessibility metadata.

Personality Fit

Organized, detail-focused, thrives in data-driven environments.

Ways to Shine

Introduce innovative metadata strategies, support AI training for tagging models, create governance playbooks.

Career Path

Metadata Specialist → Metadata Manager → Head of Information Architecture

Growth Potential

Consistent growth due to AI reliance on high-quality metadata.

Industries

Publishing, media, healthcare, government, global enterprises.

Further Reading

Controlled Vocabulary resources, DAM Foundation training, TdR Metadata Guides.

DAM Guides

Click here to explore our in-depth Guides—step-by-step walkthroughs designed to help you master DAM, AI, integrations, and workflow optimization.

DAM Articles

Click here to dive into our latest Articles—insightful reads that unpack trends, strategies, and real-world applications across the digital asset world.

DAM Resources

Click here to access our practical Resources—including tools, checklists, and templates you can put to work immediately in your DAM practice.