There are a variety of administrative jobs that provide support to individuals, departments and businesses. Every April for 61 years, the International Association of Administrative Professionals has been asking businesses around the world to show gratitude for the people who get the job done in their office. Invariably each year employees who want to honor their administrative staff ask which jobs are included? These could include clerical, secretarial, receptionist, specialized support staff, office management and administrative roles, sometimes referred to as pink collar jobs. The backgrounds and experiences of people who work in these roles vary significantly too but the competencies tend to include: an ability to carry out ongoing office administration tasks effectively and efficiently in support of local and remote teams; knowledge of and ability to use office support tools available at the desktop (e.g., word processing, e-mail, presentation software and spreadsheets), and knowledge of and ability to use personal computers or workstations.
How much do administrative professionals make and what influences the going rate? Considering the prior list of jobs, in our clients’ companies, we have seen this role pay between $12 per hour/$24,000 annually to $48 per hour/$100,00 annually. This range captures the outliers of the various roles that would be included in the statistical pool of what administrative employees are paid. Other influencers include geographic location, industry, and size of company, with industry and size of company having less of an impact. According to the Companalyst Survey by Kenexa, the median US annual base salary for several of the roles are as follows:
- Secretary I – $37,800
- Administrative Assistant I – $40,200
- Secretary II – $43,000
- Administrative Assistant II – $46,800
- Secretary III – $49,500
- Administrative Assistant III and Executive Assistant – $52,700 and $57,100
- Administrative Assistant IV – $63,900
- Secretary to the Chief Executive Officer – $73,500
Description of an Administrative Assistant
Performs a variety of administrative functions. Schedules appointments, gives information to callers, and takes dictation. Composes memos, transcribes notes, and researches and creates presentations. Generates reports, handles multiple projects, and prepares and monitors invoices and expense reports.
Description of a Secretary
Performs clerical duties such as filing, typing, and copying documents. Screens and transfers callers, arranges meetings and may handle travel accommodations. May distribute mail and maintain office supplies.
Description of an Executive Assistant
Relieves the executive of administrative type functions in order to increase the time an executive has available for executive level responsibilities. May handle a wide variety of situations and conflicts involving the clerical and administrative function of the office. Responsible for confidential and time sensitive material. Prepares routine and advanced correspondence including letters, memoranda, and reports.
As shown, there is a range of responsibilities, salaries and industry factors that affect the market rates.