Profession · Full profile

Administrative Manager

An administrative manager coordinates support services, office operations, facilities, and staff.

Average salary

$114,130

Salary range

$67,100 – $207,720

Training time

4 years full time

Job market

Faster than average

8/10

Work-life balance

Good

7/10

An administrative manager plans and oversees core support services, including records, mail, reception, and office supplies. The role involves supervising administrative and clerical staff, managing office budgets, and negotiating contracts with vendors. Administrative managers also look after building maintenance, workplace security, and space planning. They develop organizational policies to maintain regulatory compliance and refine operational procedures to help support teams work productively across corporate offices, healthcare systems, higher education institutions, and public agencies.

A workday

A day in the life

What does a workday really look like?

A standard weekday focused on staff oversight, vendor coordination, and office budgeting.

8:00 AM
Facility walk-through
Inspect the building, check reception and mail areas, and verify supply inventory.
9:00 AM
Administrative team meeting
Review clerical tasks, assign daily priorities, and address operational questions with staff.
10:30 AM
Budget management
Review departmental operating expenditures, process invoices, and track office supply costs.
12:00 PM
Lunch break
Take midday break.
1:00 PM
Vendor contract management
Meet with service contractors to review cleaning, security, and maintenance agreements.
2:30 PM
Process improvement and compliance
Update administrative procedures and check records management systems against regulations.
4:00 PM
One-on-one staff check-ins
Provide guidance to administrative assistants and review completed clerical assignments.
5:00 PM
Daily wrap-up
Respond to urgent emails and organize priorities for the following workday.

Task breakdown

A busy day dedicated to space planning, facility maintenance, and logistics.

7:30 AM
Early facility inspection
Walk through areas undergoing office layout changes and coordinate with maintenance crews.
9:00 AM
Space planning coordination
Review floor plans and workstation allocations with department leaders.
11:00 AM
Vendor oversight
Supervise contractors installing office furniture and updating security systems.
12:30 PM
Lunch break
Take midday break.
1:30 PM
Support staff supervision
Ensure front desk and mail operations run smoothly despite ongoing building adjustments.
3:00 PM
Budget and invoice reviews
Examine change orders and project invoices related to ongoing facilities work.
4:30 PM
Policy and safety audit
Confirm office configurations comply with building regulations and safety standards.
6:00 PM
Evening project review
Oversee after-hours moving staff and secure the facility before departing.

Salary data

What do you really earn?

Salary by experience, sector and region.

Minimum

$67,100

Average

$114,130

Maximum

$207,720

Salary by region

Region	Min	Avg.	Max
National	$67,100	$114,130	$207,720
California	$75,030	$108,890	$215,360
Texas	$71,990	$114,190	$202,370
Florida	$51,330	$94,850	$192,970
New York	$85,760	$142,280	$294,370
Georgia	$61,210	$108,250	$214,060

Typical benefits

Health insurance

Coverage for general medical, healthcare, and wellness needs.

Retirement plan with employer match

Retirement savings program supported by contributing employer matches.

Paid time off

Allotted paid leave for vacations, personal requirements, and illness.

Professional development support

Employer funding or assistance for certifications, courses, and skills training.

Pathways

Education pathways

Which paths lead to this profession?

Bachelor's degree

4 years full time

Bachelor's degree in business administration or facility management

This four-year program covers business operations and facility planning. A bachelor's degree is typical for this role, and employers usually expect several years of administrative experience alongside it.

Costs: About $11,950 a year in average published tuition and fees at a public four-year college for in-state students, and $45,000 at a private nonprofit four-year college
Entry requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

On-the-job training

Several years

Promotion from administrative or office manager roles

Some administrative managers move up into the position through practical workplace experience in office support roles rather than by earning a degree.

Costs: Paid by the employer
Entry requirements: Experience in administrative support

Master's degree

1 to 2 years

Master's degree in business administration (MBA)

An advanced business degree covering organizational strategy, finance, and management. This degree is helpful for obtaining senior leadership roles at large organizations.

Entry requirements: Bachelor's degree

Profile

Skills & personality

Is this a good fit for you?

Hard skills

Budget managementManaging departmental spending, monitoring operating expenses, and allocating office funds.
Vendor contract managementNegotiating agreements and supervising third-party contractors providing building services.
Facilities planningCoordinating physical workspace arrangements, building maintenance, and security systems.
Records managementStructuring and supervising organizational filing systems to store internal records securely.
Office software and databasesUtilizing specialized administrative software and database platforms to track office tasks.
Regulatory complianceEstablishing internal office policies that ensure adherence to external standards and regulations.

Soft skills

LeadershipDirecting, coaching, and supervising clerical and administrative team members.
OrganizationBalancing diverse responsibilities spanning budgets, personnel, mail, and physical assets.
Problem solvingHandling facility issues, logistical delays, and unexpected office emergencies promptly.
CommunicationInteracting clearly with staff, external vendors, and executives across the organization.

Is this a good fit for you?

✓
DependableMaintains steady business support operations and handles urgent office issues reliably.
✓
Detail-orientedCarefully examines vendor agreements, office budgets, and compliance regulations.
✓
CollaborativePartners effectively with staff, departmental heads, and outside service providers.
✓
AdaptableResponds constructively to sudden building problems, urgent requests, and facility relocations.
✓
DecisiveMakes clear decisions regarding vendor contracts, purchasing, and staff supervision.

Market

Job market & outlook

What does the market look like?

Openings per year

22,000

Trend

Growth

+5.2%

AI impact

4/10

Software automates records, scheduling, purchasing and facility tracking, while managing people, vendors and unexpected problems stays human.

Regional demand

Georgia

Strong demand supporting growing corporate facilities and public sector agencies.

8/10

California

High demand for administrative managers across major office centers and institutions.

7/10

Florida

Ongoing openings within health systems, professional firms, and government facilities.

5/10

New York

Consistent requirements for administrative leaders in corporate offices and public organizations.

5/10

Texas

Steady hiring across corporate headquarters, healthcare networks, and university campuses.

5/10

Growth

Career paths

Where can this profession take you?

Vertical growth

Office manager
0-3 years
Oversees daily office tasks, supply purchasing, and local administrative support.
Administrative manager
3-7 years
Manages department budgets, support operations, facilities planning, and administrative teams.
Director of administration or facilities
7-12 years
Directs high-level operational strategy, multi-site facility projects, and administrative policy.
Vice president of operations
12+ years
Leads organizational operations, executive strategy, and enterprise-wide resource allocation.

Horizontal move

Property manager
Transitions operational expertise to managing commercial or residential real estate assets.
View Property Manager
HR specialist
Applies organizational and personnel skills to human resources programs and staffing.
View HR Specialist

Good to know

Practical info

Working hours: Full time, sometimes more than 40 hours a week when deadlines or building issues come up. Mostly regular business hours on weekdays, with occasional evening or weekend work for moves or emergencies.
Remote work: Hybrid work is possible for planning and budgeting, but overseeing facilities and staff usually needs on-site presence.
Physical requirements: Office work with some walking through buildings to check facilities and meet staff.
Typical employers: Hospitals and health systems, colleges and universities, government agencies, corporate offices, and professional services firms.
Professional associations: International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does an administrative manager do?

An administrative manager plans and oversees core support services such as records, mail, reception, and office supplies. They supervise administrative and clerical personnel, direct office budgets, and manage contracts with external service vendors. Additionally, they look after office space planning, building maintenance, and workplace security while ensuring compliance with regulations.

What education do you need to become an administrative manager?

A bachelor's degree in business administration or facility management is typical for this profession. Employers generally look for candidates with several years of administrative experience. Alternatively, some professionals work their way up into the position through practical experience in administrative or office manager roles without completing a degree.

Can administrative managers work remotely?

Hybrid work is possible for duties such as operational planning and budget management. However, full remote arrangements are rare because administrative managers must oversee physical facilities and coordinate directly with on-site support personnel. Visiting office locations and meeting staff in person remain key elements of the position.

What certifications are available for administrative managers?

Voluntary credentials include the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) and the Facility Management Professional (FMP). These credentials demonstrate expertise in facility operations and building management. Belonging to professional groups like the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) or the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) can also support professional development.

What are the typical working hours for this role?

Work hours are mostly regular business hours on weekdays. However, administrative managers work full time and sometimes log more than 40 hours a week when deadlines arise. Occasional evening or weekend work may also be necessary to oversee office moves or respond to unexpected building emergencies.

Who typically employs administrative managers?

Administrative managers work in corporate offices, hospitals and health systems, colleges and universities, government agencies, and professional services firms. Organizations across these sectors rely on administrative managers to maintain clean, safe, well-equipped facilities and to direct essential clerical and support operations.

How is artificial intelligence affecting administrative managers?

Software automates records, scheduling, purchasing, and facility tracking throughout office environments. Despite these automated tools, managing people, negotiating with vendors, and resolving unexpected operational problems stay human responsibilities. Administrative managers use digital systems to improve efficiency while maintaining interpersonal leadership across departments.

Explore further

Related professions

In depth

All about administrative manager

The background, context and details.

What an administrative manager does

An administrative manager oversees the essential daily operations that keep an organization running smoothly. Daily responsibilities include coordinating support services such as records management, mail delivery, front desk reception, and office supplies. These managers directly supervise clerical and administrative personnel, establish department schedules, and improve support processes for better efficiency. They also direct building maintenance, monitor facility security, plan office seating arrangements, and ensure adherence to safety regulations and internal office policies.

Workplace and working hours

Administrative managers work in corporate offices, hospitals and health systems, colleges and universities, government agencies, and professional services firms. The work is full time and generally takes place during regular weekday business hours. Workweeks can extend past 40 hours when unexpected building issues arise or during major office relocations. Physical demands are mostly office based, alongside walking through facilities to inspect spaces and connect with team members. While hybrid work arrangements can accommodate budgeting and operational planning, direct oversight of staff and physical facilities typically requires an on-site presence.

Education, experience, and certifications

A bachelor's degree in business administration or facility management is typical for administrative managers, alongside several years of administrative work experience. Some professionals advance into the role from administrative or office management positions through practical experience rather than formal degree completion. Senior positions in large institutions may favor candidates holding a master's degree in business administration (MBA). Voluntary credentials, including the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) and the Facility Management Professional (FMP), validate specialized expertise in managing workplaces and physical facilities.

Career growth and market demand

Administrative managers often build their careers by starting as office managers before advancing into administrative management. Experienced managers can step into higher executive positions, such as director of administration or facilities, or vice president of operations. Lateral career transitions into property management or human resources specialist positions are also possible. Professional organizations such as the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) support ongoing professional networking and career growth.