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Office / Administrative Assistant (General)

Quick Facts

Median Salary$44,266
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth-21.24%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

An Office or Administrative Assistant performs administrative work in an office. Works in a wide variety of office settings, such as a company or business, or a government office or school. Manages paper and electronic files, uses office equipment including computers, responds to phone calls and emails, routes mail and maintains calendars and schedules.


Core Tasks:

  • Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
  • Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.
  • Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.
  • Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.
  • Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions.
  • Set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material.
  • Operate electronic mail systems and coordinate the flow of information, internally or with other organizations.
  • Schedule and confirm appointments for clients, customers, or supervisors.
  • Compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence, or reports, such as presentations or expense, statistical, or monthly reports.
  • Maintain scheduling and event calendars.
  • Complete forms in accordance with company procedures.
  • Locate and attach appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies.
  • Open, read, route, and distribute incoming mail or other materials and answer routine letters.
  • Make copies of correspondence or other printed material.
  • Review work done by others to check for correct spelling and grammar, ensure that company format policies are followed, and recommend revisions.
  • Conduct searches to find needed information, using such sources as the Internet.
  • Learn to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.
  • Train and assist staff with computer usage.
  • Order and dispense supplies.
  • Prepare conference or event materials, such as flyers or invitations.

What to expect as an Office / Administrative Assistant (General)

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

40% of people achieve this level of education.

3Land a job

15884 openings for Office / Administrative Assistants (General)

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Office / Administrative Assistant (General). Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.