Administrative Manager: Careers and Job Information
An administrative manager, or office manager, oversees an organization’s administrative operations. An administrative manager can be the sole person providing administrative support, or he or she may supervise the company’s receptionists, administrative assistants and other office help.
Job Outlook for Administrative Managers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for office managers is expected to increase 11% through the year 2018. Administrative managers should gain additional administrative support thanks to continuing advances in technology.
Since all businesses need administrative assistance, the administrative manager position can be found in virtually any industry. However, with more applicants than job openings, the competition for administrative manager positions is expected to be fierce. Those managers who have leadership and team-building skills, solid organizational communications capabilities and an updated knowledge of technology will succeed in the position.
Job Duties
An administrative manager generally handles managing the office budget and maintenance schedule for supplies, equipment and technological systems. Additionally, the administrative manager may manage the schedules of the company’s top executives.
Administrative managers are usually the first point of contact for general business questions. Additionally, an administrative manager may also handle human resource duties such as new-employee orientation, contracts and payroll issues.
Job Environment
The administrative manager position can be a predictable 9-to-5 job or a hectic, high-stress environment, depending on the company and type of business. The pressure can be significant, particularly if you manage a large office or are in charge of multiple locations. Being able to manage different personalities, handle shifting priorities and maintain a calm, professional demeanor are among the key tools for success in this role.
Administrative managers need to be highly organized multi-taskers who are comfortable managing others, providing feedback, motivating the administrative support team and handling office conflicts.
While the plusses are a high degree of visibility and responsibility, a potential downside is that administrative managers may be blamed for problems they have no control over. If you’re considering a position as an administrative manager, you must be able to handle criticism without taking it personally.
Administrative Manager Salary Potential
The BLS reports that the median annual salary of administrative managers was $46,910 in May 2009. Incomes ranged from $28,400 to $76,100 per year, with the middle 50% earning between $36,270 and $60,590. According to PayScale.com, as of July 2010, administrative managers around the country can expect salaries in the following ranges:
| New York | $38,775 - $61,512 |
| Houston | $37,780 - $52,856 |
| San Francisco | $43,771 - $61,998 |
| Chicago | $34,749 - $52,145 |
| Atlanta | $35,357 - $47,132 |
| Los Angeles | $37,505 - $54,088 |
| Washington | $38,660 - $54,134 |
Associate’s degree holders often start off at the lower end of the salary range, but can advance with experience or further education.
Education and Training
Most administrative managers have a minimum of an associate’s degree and some hold a bachelor’s degree. The first step for those looking to become an administrative manager can be an associate’s degree in business administration.
A typical business administration education program prepares graduates to:
- Communicate more effectively in the business environment.
- Integrate skills from a number of disciplines, including accounting, economics, law and management.
- Utilize practical, modern applications of computers.
- Exercise critical-thinking methods to identify and solve problems.
Is an Administrative Manager Job Right for You?
Administrative management offers a structured environment with clearly defined duties for those with financial, organizational and interpersonal skills. If you like handling multiple projects every day, managing people and being in charge of an office, then an administrative manager job may be the career for you.
