Administrative Assistant: Job Description, Pay & Outlook

What does an administrative assistant do?

Administrative assistants keep offices running by managing calendars, communications, documents, records, travel, meetings and supplies: supporting managers and teams in every kind of organization. The median pay is $47,540 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Weeks to months, and employment is projected to grow -6.0% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$47,540
$22.86/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-6.0%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
163,900
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
Weeks to months
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
1,889,800
Employment, 2025

What administrative assistants do

Administrative assistants are the organizational hub of an office. They answer phones and emails, schedule meetings, prepare documents and spreadsheets, maintain files, process expense reports, coordinate travel and events, and handle the countless details that let others focus on their work.

Most positions require a high school diploma and strong computer skills; employers often train on the job. BLS projects fewer jobs overall as software automates routine tasks, but skilled assistants who master technology and take on project and coordinator responsibilities remain in demand.

Typical duties

Manage calendars and schedule meetings
Answer phones, emails and visitors professionally
Prepare documents, presentations and spreadsheets
Organize physical and digital files and records
Coordinate travel, events and meeting logistics
Process expense reports, invoices and purchase orders
Order supplies and coordinate with vendors

Work environment and schedule

Administrative assistants work in offices across every industry: schools, hospitals, law firms, government, construction companies and corporations. The work is computer-based, and many roles are hybrid.

Schedule: Usually full-time, weekday business hours. Some roles offer hybrid or remote options.

A day in the life

8:00 AMCheck the shared inbox and voicemail, flag urgent items for the manager and update today’s calendar.
9:00 AMPrepare the agenda and materials for the 10 a.m. leadership meeting.
10:00 AMTake minutes and capture action items during the meeting.
11:30 AMBook travel for a regional sales trip and build an itinerary.

See a full day in the life of an administrative assistant →

Administrative Assistant salary

Half of administrative assistants earned more than $47,540 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $33,280 for the lowest 10% to $66,350 for the top 10%.

$33,28010th$47,540Median$66,35090th

Full administrative assistant pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an administrative assistant

Build office skills
Consider a short program
Get an entry-level role
Earn certifications
Advance

A high school diploma is typical, plus strong computer and communication skills. Many assistants take a business or office administration certificate, and executive assistants often have college coursework or degrees.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an administrative assistant →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
Calendar and email management
Document formatting and spreadsheets
Records management
Travel and event coordination

People skills

Organization
Professional communication
Discretion and confidentiality
Anticipating needs

All administrative assistant skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Works in every industry and location
Predictable office hours
Quick entry with a high school diploma
Path to executive assistant, office manager or operations roles

Cons

Projected decline in overall jobs as software automates tasks
Constant interruptions and juggling priorities
Work can be undervalued
Pay growth depends on expanding your skills

Certifications and licenses

CAP (IAAP): Certified Administrative Professional from the International Association of Administrative Professionals.
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Proves skill in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Google Workspace certification: Shows proficiency with Google’s productivity tools.
Notary public commission: A useful add-on in many offices; requirements vary by state.

Career path

Administrative Assistant: Support teams and managers.
Senior or Executive Assistant: Support executives and manage complex calendars.
Office Manager: Run office operations and vendors.
Operations Coordinator or Chief of Staff: Manage projects and business operations.

Learn the job before day one

Our Administrative Assistant training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as take effective meeting minutes and manage a busy executive’s calendar, safety and how to land your first job.

View Administrative Assistant training Is this career right for me?

Bookkeeper

Record transactions, reconcile accounts and keep a business’s books accurate.

$50,670
3–12 months

Customer Service Representative

Help customers solve problems by phone, chat and email, and keep them coming back.

$44,770
2–6 weeks (paid training)

Human Resources Specialist

Recruit, hire, onboard and support employees while keeping the company compliant.

$75,940
1–4 years

Paralegal

Research, draft and organize legal work that supports attorneys and their clients.

$62,890
6 months to 2 years

Compare: Administrative Assistant vs. Bookkeeper · Administrative Assistant vs. Customer Service Rep · Administrative Assistant vs. HR Specialist · Administrative Assistant vs. Paralegal

Administrative Assistant FAQ

Do administrative assistants need a degree?

Usually not. A high school diploma, strong computer skills and professionalism are the core requirements. Some executive assistant roles prefer college coursework.

Are administrative assistant jobs disappearing?

BLS projects a decline in overall employment as software automates routine tasks, but many openings remain from turnover, and assistants with advanced skills remain in demand.

How can administrative assistants earn more?

Master advanced software, earn certifications, specialize (legal, medical, executive) and take on project or office manager responsibilities.

How much does an administrative assistant make?

The median annual wage for administrative assistants was $47,540 ($22.86 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $33,280 and the highest 10% earned more than $66,350.

How long does it take to become an administrative assistant?

Most people need about Weeks to months of training. A high school diploma is typical, plus strong computer and communication skills. Many assistants take a business or office administration certificate, and executive assistants often have college coursework or degrees.

Do you need a degree to be an administrative assistant?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

More administrative assistant questions →

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-6014 (Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Administrative Assistant