Administrative Assistant
Keep offices organized: calendars, communication, documents and logistics.
- $47,540
- Weeks to months
Business & Office career
Office Manager
Also called: Office Administrator · Administrative Supervisor · Business Office Manager · Operations Coordinator
What office managers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an office manager do?
Office managers supervise administrative staff and office operations, managing budgets, vendors, supplies, facilities, procedures and support services. The median pay is $69,500 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 3–5 years of administrative experience, and employment is projected to grow +0.1% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$69,500$33.41/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+0.1%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year127,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train3–5 years of administrative experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs1,506,100Employment, 2025
What office managers do
Office managers keep workplaces running. They supervise receptionists and administrative staff, manage budgets and vendors, order supplies, coordinate facilities and IT support, handle onboarding paperwork, and set office procedures. In small businesses they often handle bookkeeping, HR coordination and customer service too.
Most office managers are promoted after several years in administrative roles. Strong organization, leadership and problem-solving skills matter more than a specific degree, though business coursework helps. It is a natural next step for experienced administrative and executive assistants.
Typical duties
- Supervise administrative and front office staff
- Manage office budgets and expenses
- Negotiate with and manage vendors
- Order supplies and manage inventory
- Coordinate facilities, maintenance and IT support
- Support onboarding and HR paperwork
- Create and improve office procedures
Work environment and schedule
Office managers work in offices of every kind, from medical practices and law firms to construction companies and nonprofits. The work is mostly at a desk with frequent interruptions.
Schedule: Most work full-time business hours, with occasional early or late days for moves, events or emergencies.
A day in the life
- Check in with the front desk team and review staffing for the day.
- Meet with the IT vendor about new laptops for new hires.
- Review monthly office expenses against budget.
- Coordinate a repair for the conference room HVAC.
See a full day in the life of an office manager →
Office Manager salary
Half of office managers earned more than $69,500 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $45,610 for the lowest 10% to $104,710 for the top 10%.
Full office manager pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an office manager
- Start in an administrative role
- Take on more responsibility
- Learn budgeting and supervision
- Get promoted to office manager
- Advance
A high school diploma plus several years of administrative experience is typical. Associate or bachelor’s degrees in business are helpful, and certifications such as the CAP strengthen applications.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an office manager →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Office operations
- Budgeting
- Vendor management
- Supervision
- Office software
People skills
- Leadership
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Organization
All office manager skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Leadership role without a required degree
- Variety of responsibilities
- Needed in every industry
- Central role in the organization
Cons
- Constant interruptions
- Responsibility for many problems
- Managing people and conflicts
- Budget pressure
Certifications and licenses
- Certified Administrative Professional (CAP): IAAP credential for administrative leaders.
- QuickBooks Certified User: Bookkeeping software certification.
- SHRM-CP or aPHR: HR certifications helpful for office managers with HR duties.
- Project management training: Courses that help with office moves and projects.
Career path
- Administrative Assistant: Support office operations.
- Office Coordinator: Coordinate supplies and vendors.
- Office Manager: Lead office operations.
- Operations or Facilities Manager: Manage larger operations.
Learn the job before day one
Our Office Manager training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as onboard a new employee and manage a vendor relationship, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Office Manager vs. Administrative Assistant · Office Manager vs. Executive Assistant · Office Manager vs. Receptionist · Office Manager vs. HR Specialist
Office Manager FAQ
Do office managers need a degree?
Not always; experience often matters more.
What industries hire office managers?
Nearly all: healthcare, law, construction, tech and nonprofits.
What’s next after office manager?
Operations, practice or facilities manager roles.
How much does an office manager make?
The median annual wage for office managers was $69,500 ($33.41 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $45,610 and the highest 10% earned more than $104,710.
How long does it take to become an office manager?
Most people need about 3–5 years of administrative experience of training. A high school diploma plus several years of administrative experience is typical. Associate or bachelor’s degrees in business are helpful, and certifications such as the CAP strengthen applications.
Do you need a degree to be an office manager?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
More office manager questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-1011 (First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers (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.