Typical salaries of administrative assistants vary based on the type of company or firm employed with, the size of employer and the location of employment. Salaries range from $29,120 per year to $33,252 per year. California boasts the highest paid administrative assistants while those employed in Florida report wages in the lower brackets. Administrative assistants employed in Illinois earn average yearly salaries of $31,000 per year while those employed in Pennsylvania earn about $30,000 per year.
Generally, secretaries and administrative assistants earn promotions to higher responsibilities with increased education and acceleration in the learning of policies and procedures associated with the specific company or firm. There are a few titles that represent a promotion; they are senior or executive secretary or administrative assistant, clerical supervisor, or office manager. Along with the new title, assistants will also gain more responsibilities along with possible management and supervisory duties. It is also possible to be promoted into other, higher positions within the company.
Administrative assistants will become more productive and necessary in coming years due to the increases in office automation and the abilities to organize and restructure electronically. Secretaries and administrative assistants are able to perform more of a variety of tasks now with the help of such digital functions as email, scanners and voice messaging systems.
Administrative assistants are now able to focus on more specialized needs of the office and the staff primarily because of the professionals and managers capabilities of corresponding via computer and cell phone. This has reduced the need for a “middle man” such as an administrative assistant to perform tasks such as taking messages, scheduling and canceling appointments and general notation and correspondence.
Overall, the salaries that are implemented for administrative assistants will vary depending on many things. The continuing of education, learning and keeping up with the changing needs of the industry will make an administrative assistant more in demand and more valuable. Those who seek to continue education with the hopes of becoming a specialized administrative assistant or secretary will benefit from the education and the increased salary that is typically associated with those with higher education and degrees. Completing a certification program and being recognized as a certified administrative assistant becomes beneficial to the individual as well as the employer.
Those seeking a career in this field such make sure they are proficient at the basic clerical duties. Many employers are willing to train on the job. Entry-level positions often lead to higher, more advanced positions for those who exemplify outstanding performances.
