Information Specialist Salary

By Henry Steele - January 8, 2018
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The following article discusses the career path of Information Specialist. Learn about how to become one, education requirements, job duties, traits and qualities, national salary outlook as well as top national employers of Information Specialists.

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Job Duties

Information specialists are responsible for managing secure files and data, analyzing it, speaking to stockholders about it, and training others to gather it and understand it. They help to coordinate various processing systems in the organization, ensuring they are all streamlined. They also create quarterly reports. Typically, these professionals work closely together with their supervisors to make sure all the company’s data is properly available and accurate. Additionally, they work together with colleagues, shareholders, and clients.

Other job duties of information specialists are:

  • To create and provide information inside the company, sharing this with clients where needed
  • To ensure all data is properly and securely maintained
  • To ensure the information needs of the organization are being met
  • To have standard operating processing in place in terms of distributing and writing information and reports

Where We Work

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 198,800 computer network support specialists in 2016. The largest employers of these professionals were:

    • Computer systems design and related services: 18%
    • Wired telecommunications carriers: 10%
    • Finance and insurance: 8%
    • Management of companies and enterprises: 6%
    • Data processing, hosting, and related services: 4%

Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also classified computer user support specialists as information specialists. There were 636,600 of those specialists in 2016, working in:

      • Computer systems design and related services: 21%
      • Educational services; state, local, and private: 12%
      • Management of companies and enterprises: 5%
      • Temporary help services: 4%
      • Software publishers: 3%

How to Become

An information specialist is usually required to hold a bachelor’s degree at least in a field related to information. They are also expected to have significant work experience.

Education Requirements

Exact education requirements vary depending on the type of information the information specialists works with as part of their role. However, a bachelor’s degree is commonly required. Degrees relating to computer systems, computer sciences, information security, and other such fields are most often looked for. In some occasions, someone only holds an associate’s degree and then grows into the position of information specialist through internal promotions.

Of key importance is that an information specialist is committed to lifelong learning. Computerized systems change incredibly rapidly, and they must be able to remain current. While not necessarily required, many also choose to become certified in specific systems that they use. These are often offered through the vendors of the information systems that are used. Certifications are usually only valid for a limited amount of time and must be maintained through continuous education.

Traits & Qualities

The most effective information specialists have the following traits to some degree or other:

      • Excellent customer service skills
      • Ability to listen and hear what is said between the lines
      • Strong problem solving skills
      • Excellent speaking skills, being able to convey technical information in layman’s terms
      • Strong writing skills to ensure information is properly understood across the organization
      • Strong data analysis skills
      • Excellent multitasker
      • Excellent understanding of statistics and mathematics
      • Being able to work under minimal levels of supervision, while being a team player at the same time.

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s Degree

National Salary

The national average salary estimate for Information Specialist was $56,877. This number is estimated from over 492,724 employees, users past and present job advertisements from Indeed.com. This equates to an hourly salary of $29.62 and monthly of $4,740.

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$14,000

$148,000

Salary Distribution

Salary by State

The following section lists Information Specialist salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings through Indeed.com. For example, Massachusetts had the largest quoted salary of $89,604 while Illinois had the smallest quoted salary of $25,728.

AlabamaLouisianaNew York
ArkansasMassachusettsOhio
ArizonaMarylandOklahoma
CaliforniaMaineOregon
ColoradoMichiganPennsylvania
ConnecticutMinnesotaSouth Carolina
DCMissouriSouth Dakota
FloridaMississippiTennessee
GeorgiaMontanaTexas
IowaNorth CarolinaUtah
IdahoNorth DakotaVirginia
IllinoisNebraskaWashington
IndianaNew JerseyWisconsin
KansasNew MexicoWest Virginia
KentuckyNevadaWyoming
Alabama – $48,431Rank: 21st
The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Federal Government Jobs, Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Army, and BACTES Imaging Solutions.

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$14,000

$112,000

Salary Distribution
Arkansas – $42,299Rank: 33rd
The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Arkansas Department of Health.

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$14,000

$92,000

Salary Distribution
Arizona – $28,608Rank: 43rd
The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of the Interior, Maricopa County, Maricopa County, AZ, and Yuma Union High School District.

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$7.25

$27.60

Salary Distribution
California – $77,593Rank: 3rd
The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Los Angeles World Airports, Department of Veterans Affairs, West Basin Municipal Water District, and County of Alameda.

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$14,000

$215,000

Salary Distribution
Colorado – $53,013Rank: 15th
The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior, Adecco, and AppleOne.

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$14,000

$127,000

Salary Distribution
Connecticut – $66,499Rank: 8th
The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Veterans Affairs.

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$14,000

$181,000

Salary Distribution
DC – $84,573Rank: 2nd
The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, and USAJOBS.

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$19,000

$197,000

Salary Distribution
Florida – $41,276Rank: 34th
The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Miami Dade College, Department of Veterans Affairs, CyberCoders, and U.S. Air Force.

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$14,000

$106,000

Salary Distribution
Georgia – $42,331Rank: 32nd
The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Army, and Georgia State University.

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$14,000

$107,000

Salary Distribution
Iowa – $54,904Rank: 12th
The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Cr Area Convention Bureau.

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$14,000

$124,000

Salary Distribution
Idaho – $32,275Rank: 39th
The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like IDAHO DEPT. OF LABOR.

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$7.25

$34.85

Salary Distribution
Illinois – $25,728Rank: 45th
The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like S & S Lab Management, Inc., U.S. Army, RSNA, and Allsup.

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$7.25

$36.65

Salary Distribution
Indiana – $43,887Rank: 28th
The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Mindlance and State of Indiana.

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$14,000

$108,000

Salary Distribution
Kansas – $49,790Rank: 19th
The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Johnson County Kansas.

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$14,000

$114,000

Salary Distribution
Kentucky – $43,263Rank: 31st
The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like U.S. Army, University of Kentucky, Humana, and OfficeTeam.

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$14,000

$94,000

Salary Distribution
Louisiana – $45,483Rank: 26th
The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of the Interior, Local Non-Profit, and Lafayette General Medical Center.

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$14,000

$104,000

Salary Distribution
Massachusetts – $89,604Rank: 1st
The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Select Source International, ELDER SERVICES OF THE MERRIMACK VALLEY, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Manpower.

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$14,000

$253,000

Salary Distribution
Maryland – $66,895Rank: 7th
The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Government Jobs, and Laguna Source.

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$17,000

$148,000

Salary Distribution
Maine – $43,620Rank: 29th
The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Maine and State of Maine Office of Information Technology.

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$14,000

$89,000

Salary Distribution
Michigan – $34,214Rank: 36th
The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Cass County Board of Commissioners, AppleOne, The University of Michigan, and S & S Professional Services.

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$7.25

$39.85

Salary Distribution
Minnesota – $31,353Rank: 40th
The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Minnesota and Express Employment Professionals.

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$7.25

$33.45

Salary Distribution
Missouri – $29,203Rank: 42nd
The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Anheuser-Busch, Department of Homeland Security, CITY OF JEFFERSON, and Volt.

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$7.25

$32.45

Salary Distribution
Mississippi – $50,654Rank: 18th
The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like U.S. Army.

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$14,000

$113,000

Salary Distribution
Montana – $54,677Rank: 13th
The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of the Interior.

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$21,000

$102,000

Salary Distribution
North Carolina – $45,226Rank: 27th
The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like East Carolina University, U.S. Army, VCA Animal Hospital, and Forsyth County.

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$14,000

$107,000

Salary Distribution
North Dakota – $48,175Rank: 23rd
The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, and AA Temps/Ardelle Financial.

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$18,000

$91,000

Salary Distribution
Nebraska – $56,041Rank: 11th
The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Nebraska.

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$15,000

$122,000

Salary Distribution
New Jersey – $73,041Rank: 5th
The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rutgers University, Novartis, Select Source International Pvt Ltd, and Aerotek.

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$17,000

$166,000

Salary Distribution
New Mexico – $46,724Rank: 25th
The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Clovis Community College and University of New Mexico.

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$14,000

$98,000

Salary Distribution
Nevada – $48,241Rank: 22nd
The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like RSCONSULTING SERVICES, Department of the Interior, and Wellness Green Products – Work From Home.

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$14,000

$139,000

Salary Distribution
New York – $73,514Rank: 4th
The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Mental Health and Hygiene, Ithaca College, Capital Region BOCES, and New York City Department of Education.

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$16,000

$173,000

Salary Distribution
Ohio – $36,441Rank: 35th
The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Southern State Community College, Department of Veterans Affairs, Ohio State University, and Southwest General Health Center.

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$7.25

$44.25

Salary Distribution
Oklahoma – $53,005Rank: 16th
The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Western Farmers Electric Coop, U.S. Army, and C.H. Robinson.

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$14,000

$119,000

Salary Distribution
Oregon – $63,852Rank: 9th
The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of the Interior, State of Oregon, Asante, and Rogue Valley Medical Center.

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$2,100

$9,900

Salary Distribution
Pennsylvania – $49,328Rank: 20th
The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Veterans Affairs, JobConnection Services, RecordFx, and Select Source International.

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$14,000

$127,000

Salary Distribution
South Carolina – $32,376Rank: 38th
The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of South Carolina and Medical University of South Carolina.

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$14,000

$85,000

Salary Distribution
South Dakota – $62,550Rank: 10th
The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Health and Human Services and Indian Health Service.

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$22,000

$123,000

Salary Distribution
Tennessee – $48,019Rank: 24th
The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Ober Gatlinburg, Manpower, Adecco, and Randstad Professionals.

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$7.25

$65.60

Salary Distribution
Texas – $43,449Rank: 30th
The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Texas Medical Branch, United States Department Of Defense, Electronic Data Systems, and U.S. Army.

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$14,000

$117,000

Salary Distribution
Utah – $26,380Rank: 44th
The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Intermountain Healthcare, Intermountain Home Care, United Way of Salt Lake, and Unified Police Department.

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$7.25

$30.10

Salary Distribution
Virginia – $68,523Rank: 6th
The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like U.S. Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and Department of Justice.

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$17,000

$153,000

Salary Distribution
Washington – $30,950Rank: 41st
The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Washington, Washington State Government, University Of Washington, and SE WA AGING & LONG TERM CARE.

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$8.15

$25.90

Salary Distribution
Wisconsin – $32,390Rank: 37th
The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin–Madison, DEN Services Inc, and Spherion.

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$7.25

$34.20

Salary Distribution
West Virginia – $51,418Rank: 17th
The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of the Interior and U.S. Army.

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$14,000

$125,000

Salary Distribution
Wyoming – $53,079Rank: 14th
The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of the Interior and University of Wyoming.

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$19,000

$103,000

Salary Distribution

Top 20 National Employers

According to Indeed.com, the following states had employers looking to hire a Information Specialist. The quoted salary figure represents the average salary from all job postings by this employer.

Employer NameLocationAverage Salary
US General Services Administration Information SpecialistDC$127,697
Placement: Permanent Full-Time Position Information SpecialistNew Jersey$120,000
CyberCoders Information SpecialistOhio$118,367
Innovative Management Solutions Information SpecialistPennsylvania$110,000
Clinical Management Consultants Information SpecialistCalifornia$108,991
Department of Labor Information SpecialistDC$104,610
Department Of Housing And Urban Development Information SpecialistDC$101,009
Food and Drug Administration Information SpecialistMaryland$98,796
Department of Veterans Affairs Information SpecialistDC$96,648
Department of Health and Human Services Information SpecialistDC$96,599
Department of Homeland Security Information SpecialistDC$91,521
U.S. Department of Commerce Information SpecialistVirginia$90,889
Anheuser-Busch Information SpecialistMissouri$89,247
Federal Government Jobs Information SpecialistMaryland$87,620
Laguna Source Information SpecialistMaryland$86,621
FBI Information SpecialistVirginia$86,542

Learn More

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Henry Steele
Managing Editor
Henry is Managing Editor of BusinessStudent.com. He is a seasoned business professional who regularly consults with local business's throughout Southern California. Henry pursued his undergrad in Business and Economics at the University of San Diego and gained valuable life changing experience through a unique internship upon graduation.

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