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What is a document control manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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A document control manager develops policies and procedures that ensure that the documents of an organization are properly stored and easily accessible. They set up and maintain a records management system that captures all record control requirements, ensures they are in the correct versions and is updated as necessary. They also control access to sensitive documents by making sure that specific documents are only accessed by authorized personnel.

Document control managers report to a member of the executive management. They usually work in a wide array of companies that deal heavily with paperwork, such as law firms and government institutions. A successful document control manager should have strong organizational skills, time management skills, administrative skills, computer competencies, attention to detail, communication skills, and exceptional accuracy.

A document control manager typically works in an office setting. They usually work 40 hours a week Monday to Friday from 9 to 5.

ScoreDocument Control ManagerUS Average
Salary
6.6

Avg. Salary $83,944

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 60.89%

male 39.11%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Document control manager career paths

Key steps to become a document control manager

  1. Explore document control manager education requirements

    Most common document control manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    56.2 %

    Associate

    23.7 %

    Master's

    8.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific document control manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    SharePoint9.02%
    Data Entry7.89%
    Project Management7.37%
    ISO6.18%
    EDMS5.14%
  3. Complete relevant document control manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New document control managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a document control manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real document control manager resumes.
  4. Gain additional document control manager certifications

    Document control manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific document control manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for document control managers include Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and Project Management Professional (PMP).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research document control manager duties and responsibilities

    • Create and manage new department responsible for developing and implementing systems to meet FDA requirements for document control and design control.
    • Manage quality of care improvement initiatives for patients and other mandate hospital standards through surveys and information sessions.
    • Review and approve QA compliance documents, as required.
    • Represent administration at NRC QA reviews and respond to inquiries.
  6. Prepare your document control manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your document control manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a document control manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable document control manager resume templates

    Build a professional document control manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your document control manager resume.
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    Document Control Manager Resume
    Document Control Manager Resume
    Document Control Manager Resume
    Document Control Manager Resume
    Document Control Manager Resume
    Document Control Manager Resume
    Document Control Manager Resume
    Document Control Manager Resume
  7. Apply for document control manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a document control manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first document control manager job

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Average document control manager salary

The average document control manager salary in the United States is $83,944 per year or $40 per hour. Document control manager salaries range between $55,000 and $126,000 per year.

Average document control manager salary
$83,944 Yearly
$40.36 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do document control managers rate their job?

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Document control manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Cons

Deception and non cooperation throws a wrench into you efforts.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

The position lets me use my skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. My original training was as a newspaper copy-editor, a "dying" field. Document Control in biotech gave me the opportunity to use those skills in a field which is growing and which pays better.

Cons

Biotech field is volatile. Most other departments have high changeover in personnel. Frequent changes in policy / expectations due to changes in management and ownership. The company I work for has been bought and sold twice to larger companies in my fifteen years here.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

You get bits of information about many fields and across departments

Cons

There is no room for careless mistakes


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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