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How much do metadata assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for metadata assistant in California is $20.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Metadata Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Metadata Assistant, you need a detail-oriented mindset, familiarity with metadata standards, and a background in library science or information management. Experience with cataloging systems, library management software, and knowledge of standards such as MARC or Dublin Core is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, accuracy, and effective communication help you excel in updating and maintaining metadata records. These skills ensure the accurate organization, retrieval, and accessibility of digital and physical information resources.

What are Metadata Assistants?

Metadata Assistants are professionals who support the organization, management, and maintenance of metadata in libraries, archives, museums, or digital collections. Their primary role involves creating, editing, and ensuring the accuracy of metadata records, which helps users locate and access resources efficiently. They may also assist with data entry, quality control, and the application of cataloging standards. Metadata Assistants work closely with librarians, archivists, and other information professionals to maintain high-quality information systems.

What is the difference between Metadata Assistant vs Data Entry Clerk?

AspectMetadata AssistantData Entry Clerk
Required SkillsKnowledge of metadata standards, attention to detail, basic database skillsTyping accuracy, data input, basic computer skills
Work EnvironmentLibraries, archives, digital repositoriesOffices, administrative settings
CertificationsOften none, but familiarity with cataloging standards helpsNone typically required
Industry UsageLibraries, museums, digital asset managementVarious industries, administrative roles

The main difference is that Metadata Assistants focus on organizing and maintaining digital or physical metadata to improve asset retrieval, while Data Entry Clerks primarily input and manage data accuracy in databases. Metadata Assistants require knowledge of metadata standards and work in specialized environments, whereas Data Entry Clerks perform general data input tasks across various industries.

What are some common challenges faced by Metadata Assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Metadata Assistants often encounter challenges such as ensuring data accuracy, maintaining consistency across different cataloging standards, and managing large volumes of information. Staying up-to-date with changing metadata standards and mastering various database systems can also be demanding. To address these challenges, it’s helpful to participate in ongoing professional development, collaborate closely with catalogers and IT staff, and utilize quality control tools to regularly audit and correct metadata entries. Building strong communication skills and being detail-oriented are key assets in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Metadata jobs in California? The most popular types of Metadata jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Metadata Assistant jobs in California? For Metadata Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Metadata Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Metadata Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Metadata Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Metadata Assistant job openings:
Metadata Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Metadata Assistant job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 71% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,258 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Metadata Specialist I

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$62K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Job Summary
Getty seeks a forward-thinking Metadata Specialist to join the Getty Research Institute's (GRI) Digital Stewardship and Metadata Optimization team within Special Collections. This full-time, limited term position (July 2026 until June 2029) will support a major initiative to migrate archival content into a centralized digital asset management system and data management platform. This work will help to consolidate systems and enable advanced technologies such as IIIF and Linked Open Data to enhance discovery and access. The migration will lay the foundation for streamlined operations across the organization, improving consistency, standardizing practices, and opening new opportunities to generate and enrich metadata for archival collections at scale. The Metadata Specialist will play a key role in managing and implementing innovative workflows for digital asset migration in close collaboration with internal teams and Getty technology partners.
Based in Los Angeles, the GRI is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of the visual arts and their histories. Serving an international community of scholars, the Research Library is one of the world's largest art and architecture libraries, with holdings exceeding 1.5 million volumes. Our Special Collections encompass rare books and journals, photographs, prints and drawings from the 15th century to the present, architectural plans and models, art multiples, film, audio and video recordings, born-digital content, and extensive archives and manuscript collections.
Major Job Responsibilities
  • Manage the migration of digital assets from the digital preservation repository into the digital asset management system, data management platform, and collections viewer
  • Apply professional judgment, standards, best practices, research, and analysis to create complex new metadata and/or to edit, aggregate, enhance, transform, and disseminate existing metadata
  • Analyze archival description source metadata to identify opportunities for reconciliation, normalization, and enrichment that improve discoverability and interoperability
  • Maintain quality control processes to evaluate the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of migrated assets and metadata
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to migration workflows and legacy metadata
  • Utilize project management and tracking tools to monitor progress and keep the project on schedule
  • Collaborate with stakeholders across the GRI and Getty Digital by participating in working groups and/or project teams
  • Support metadata remediation and enrichment projects that strengthen and expand the GRI's linked data infrastructure
  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of documentation for standards, procedures, and workflows
  • Assist in the creation and management of new digital assets and their ingest into systems, as needed
  • Participate in additional projects as assigned

Qualifications
  • Undergraduate degree in appropriate discipline; additional graduate degree in an appropriate discipline and/or MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited library school preferred
  • 0-2 years related professional experience
  • Requires strong communication skills
  • Experience working in the visual arts, library, and/or archives domains highly desirable

Please note: This position is not eligible for employer-based immigration sponsorship. Applicants must have authorization to work for Getty in the United States without the need for sponsorship, currently or in the future.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Experience working with digital collections and an understanding of the role metadata plays in enhancing search and discovery within user interfaces
  • Ability to design and optimize workflows with an understanding of how changes impact systems, staff, and existing processes
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines, apply policies and procedures consistently, and present recommendations
  • Knowledge of current metadata standards used in libraries, archives, and museums, such as EAD, Dublin Core, MARC21, and other emerging standards
  • Familiarity with data exchange standards, such as XML and JSON
  • Basic understanding of batch data functions using OpenRefine, Python, XSL, APIs, and/or UNIX Command Line
  • Experience with, or ability to learn, library and archives-specific databases, software applications, and digital asset management systems, including ArchivesSpace, OpenText Media Management, and ExLibris products (Rosetta, Alma, Primo)
  • Familiarity with linked data concepts and technologies
  • Tolerance for detail-oriented, high-volume, and, at times, repetitive work
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in team-based environments with colleagues across domains
  • Adaptability and effectiveness in dynamic and evolving work environments

Benefits and Perks
Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected
  • 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
  • Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
  • Educational Assistance and professional development
  • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
  • On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
  • Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.

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