What does an Administrative Assistant do?
Administrative assistants perform general clerical tasks, generally on behalf of a leader in the organization. If you are highly motivated and organized then this might just be the job for you. Day-to-day life as an administrative assistant includes coordinating various calendars, taking phone calls and messages, sending emails, prepping for large meetings and presentations, capturing notes in meetings, and many other related tasks.
Administrative assistants are typically outgoing and friendly people who work well with many leadership personality types. Strong administrative assistants excel at organization, management of multiple peoples' time and expectations, and have a self-starter attitude, getting things done before others recognize the need. People that are successful in this role will usually progress into assisting higher level leaders (sometimes becoming an Executive Assistant), managing other administrative assistants, or working as an office manager.
- Greet visitors and point them in the right direction, answer inquiries, and create a welcoming environment
- Organize and maintain files and databases in a confidential manner
- Manage communication including emails and phone calls
- Screen phone calls, redirect calls, and take messages
- Schedule appointments, meetings, and reservations as needed
- Receive deliveries; sort and distribute incoming mail
- Maintain and order office supplies
- Receive invoices and review for accuracy
- Coordinate staff travel arrangements including transportation and accomodations
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. associate's degree in Business Administration preferred.
- 2-3 years of clerical, secretarial, or office experience
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Comfortable with routinely shifting demands
- High degree of attention to detail
- Data entry experience
- Working knowledge of general office equipment
How much does an Administrative Assistant make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$42,937
/ yrAdministrative Assistant Career Path
Learn how to become an Administrative Assistant, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Administrative Assistant Insights
Daiya Foods“The office atmosphere is so uplifting and positive and I really enjoy working with everyone here!”
Office Solutions IT“I don't see any cons working with the people who are great and amazing.”
ABTA“The people who don't enjoy it but stay anyway............ Most people are nice and fun to work with.”
Haven Health Group“They are supportive and encouraging of me and others to go to school and further my career.”
Securly“I've experienced nothing but solid and easy communication with everyone I have worked with here.”
Globe Telecom“Working as a Sales Admin at Globe Telecom offers an exciting and rewarding career path.”
Pine Cone Therapies“No reason to work Bobbye Records she is manipulative person and is selfish and greedy.”
Alternative Management“Hated most of the property owners and constant complaints although the majority of the job was pleasant.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of administrative assistants
Administrative assistants perform a variety of clerical tasks that may include bookkeeping, filing, and invoicing. They may also complete research projects and prepare reports, record the minutes during meetings, make travel arrangements for senior staff members, and handle scheduling.
Yes, administrative assistant is a great entry-level job that's often accessible without a college degree. In other words, it's relatively easy to become an administrative assistant. This makes it a great start to your career. Training is usually short-term and takes place on the job so you can get started quickly. This is an office position that doesn't require manual labor.
Administrative assistants can earn a great salary, with an average annual wage of $42,937. Pay typically increases with experience. You can also command a higher salary by familiarizing yourself with platforms like Salesforce and Workday. Administrative assistant salaries are often higher in more specialized fields, like legal or medical services.
In some environments, working as an administrative assistant may become overwhelming if you don't have clear systems in place to handle the myriad responsibilities that can fall on your shoulders. Administrative assistants must have good time management and organization skills to keep their jobs running smoothly.