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Office and Administrative Support Occupations

In these occupations, workers prepare and organize documents, track products, and provide information to the public.

Overall employment in office and administrative support occupations is projected to decline 4 percent over the next ten years, resulting in a decrease of about 880,800 jobs over the decade. Despite declining employment, opportunities are expected to arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 2.2 million openings each year, on average, are projected to come from replacement needs.

The median annual wage for office and administrative support occupations is $38,050, below the median for all occupations of $45,760.

Administrative Services and Facilities Managers

Administrative services and facilities managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities that help an organization run efficiently. The specific responsibilities vary, but these managers typically maintain facilities and supervise activities that include recordkeeping, mail distribution, and office upkeep.

Bill and Account Collectors

Bill and account collectors try to recover payment on overdue bills. They negotiate repayment plans with debtors and help them find solutions to make paying their overdue bills easier.

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks produce financial records for organizations. They record financial transactions, update statements, and check financial records for accuracy.

Customer Service Representatives

Customer service representatives work with customers to resolve complaints, process orders, and provide information about an organization’s products and services.

Desktop Publishers

Desktop publishers use computer software to design page layouts for newspapers, books, brochures, and other items that are printed or published online.

Financial Clerks

Financial clerks do administrative work for many types of organizations. They keep records, help customers, and carry out transactions that involve money.

General Office Clerks

General office clerks perform a variety of clerical tasks, including answering telephones, typing documents, and filing records.

Information Clerks

Information clerks perform routine clerical duties such as maintaining records, collecting data, and providing information to customers.

Material Recording Clerks

Material recording clerks track product information in order to keep businesses and supply chains on schedule. They ensure proper scheduling, recordkeeping, and inventory control.

Postal Service Workers

Postal service workers sell postal products and collect, sort, and deliver mail.

Public Safety Telecommunicators

Public safety telecommunicators, including 911 operators and fire dispatchers, answer emergency and nonemergency calls and provide resources to assist those in need.

Receptionists

Receptionists perform administrative tasks, such as answering phones, receiving visitors, and providing general information about their organization to the public and customers.

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Secretaries and administrative assistants perform routine clerical and organizational tasks. They arrange files, prepare documents, schedule appointments, and support other staff.

Tellers

Tellers are responsible for accurately processing routine transactions at a bank. These transactions include cashing checks, depositing money, and collecting loan payments.

Additional Office and Administrative Support Occupations

Cargo and Freight Agents

Cargo and Freight Agents expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks.

Communications Equipment Operators (all other)

All communications equipment operators not listed separately.

Couriers and Messengers

Couriers and Messengers pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or directly to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance.

Data Entry Keyers

Data Entry Keyers operate a data entry device, such as a keyboard or photocomposing perforator.

Dispatchers (Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance)

Dispatchers (Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance) schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles for the conveyance of materials, freight, or passengers or for normal installation, service, or emergency repairs rendered outside the place of business.

Financial Clerks (all other)

All financial clerks not listed separately.

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators (Except Postal Service)

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators (Except Postal Service) prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution.

Meter Readers (Utilities)

Meter Readers (Utilities) read meters and record the consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.

Office and Administrative Support Workers (all other)

All office and administrative support workers not listed separately.

Office Machine Operators (Except Computer)

Office Machine Operators (Except Computer) operate one or more of a variety of office machines, such as photocopying, photographic, and duplicating machines.

Proofreaders and Copy Markers

Proofreaders and Copy Markers read transcripts or proof type to detect and correct any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors.

Statistical Assistants

Statistical Assistants compile and compute data according to statistical formulas for use in statistical studies.

Switchboard Operators (Including Answering Service)

Switchboard Operators (Including Answering Service) operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls.

Telephone Operators

Telephone Operators provide information by accessing alphabetical, geographical, or other directories.

Word Processors and Typists

Word Processors and Typists use a word processor, computer, or typewriter to type letters, reports, forms, or other material from rough draft, corrected copy, or voice recordings.

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