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Office Managers


At a Glance

  • Usually work in either customer service or clerical support
  • Plan the work of office and support staff
  • Hire, train, and supervise employees
  • Often deal with customers
  • Have several years of work experience

Career summary

Office managers plan and oversee the work of office staff.

Office managers may also be called office supervisors or first line supervisors/managers.

#I removed the ref to office administrators so as not to confuse with administrative service managers.

Office managers usually work in either customer service or clerical support. Their specific work tasks depend on the office, but they share many common duties.

Managers plan the work of office and support staff. They consider the strengths of each worker, deadlines, and the requirements of the job. Managers oversee staff to ensure the work is done properly and on time. They review each person's clerical work, or evaluate how they deal with customers.

Office managers evaluate staff performance and record the information in personnel files. If workers perform poorly, managers meet with them to discuss problems. They help workers to improve their performance. They might send them to a training course or arrange personal counseling.

Office managers interview and hire new staff. When new employees start work, managers orient them to the office and its procedures. They often teach new staff how to use the phone system, office equipment, and computer system. In addition, managers explain new procedures for regular staff. They train workers to operate new equipment or computer software. In some cases they arrange for outside training.

Managers resolve conflicts with upset customers or among staff members. They sometimes meet with union representatives to discuss work problems. Managers also consult with top managers about progress or issues in their department. They often suggest ways to improve office procedures.

Office managers perform many administrative duties. They perform routine work during busy periods. They compile data about their department and present it to top managers. They write progress reports. They make sure that office equipment runs properly. When it is needed, they request new equipment. In addition, office managers:

Related careers

This career is part of the Business Management and Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to office managers.

Common work activities

Office managers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, office managers:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Office managers frequently:

It is important for office managers to be able to:

It is not as important, but still necessary, for office managers to be able to:

Skills and abilities

Office managers need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Work with people

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as an office manager, you typically need to:

Education after high school

You must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent to be an office manager. Many office managers have formal training beyond high school. An associate degree in office management is common. For some jobs you need a bachelor's degree in office administration.

You need basic office skills in accounting, word processing, and recordkeeping. In addition, you need to know how to manage an office as well as be familiar with database and spreadsheet software.

Work experience

Most office managers are promoted from within the company. You usually begin working in customer service or on the clerical staff. You usually need several years of experience before you can become a manager.

On-the-job training

Because of the fast changing nature of this field, employers may offer training in the newest office technologies and software. Some employers will offer short-term training, lasting about a month, to new hires to orient them to particular practices and policies.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be administrative support specialists. Training lasts from six to ten weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer office managers who have leadership skills and are good at solving problems. They look for managers who are organized and efficient. Employers also prefer managers who get along well with people and can motivate them. Good working knowledge of the company's computer system is also important.

Many employers require office managers to have college training. Some require an associate degree, while others require a bachelor's degree.

Experience and knowledge of the organization are necessary for many positions.

Tips

Get as much formal education as possible. Concentrate on subjects you are good at and enjoy. Work on developing leadership and communication skills by getting involved in community, academic, or service clubs.

Costs to workers

Office managers may need to buy business clothing. They may also need to pay for extra college classes to keep up with changes in the occupation.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link).

Wages

First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers (SOC 43-1011)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $18.25 $23.20 $29.39 $37.42 $47.57
Monthly $3,163 $4,021 $5,093 $6,485 $8,244
Yearly $37,950 $48,250 $61,130 $77,830 $98,940
    Bellingham Hourly $19.44 $25.02 $28.97 $33.02 $39.67
Monthly $3,369 $4,336 $5,021 $5,722 $6,875
Yearly $40,427 $52,039 $60,258 $68,698 $82,523
    Bremerton-Silverdale Hourly $21.38 $25.02 $31.07 $42.92 $51.26
Monthly $3,705 $4,336 $5,384 $7,438 $8,883
Yearly $44,460 $52,046 $64,624 $89,260 $106,601
    Clarkston-Lewiston Hourly $15.89 $17.99 $22.86 $30.12 $37.91
Monthly $2,754 $3,118 $3,962 $5,220 $6,570
Yearly $33,042 $37,415 $47,564 $62,669 $78,851
    Kennewick-Richland Hourly $18.32 $22.61 $28.87 $36.69 $47.26
Monthly $3,175 $3,918 $5,003 $6,358 $8,190
Yearly $38,122 $47,010 $60,067 $76,314 $98,309
    Longview Hourly $16.09 $20.57 $27.74 $37.17 $46.28
Monthly $2,788 $3,565 $4,807 $6,442 $8,020
Yearly $33,480 $42,788 $57,703 $77,325 $96,252
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes Hourly $17.96 $22.90 $29.87 $37.59 $45.02
Monthly $3,112 $3,969 $5,176 $6,514 $7,802
Yearly $37,342 $47,643 $62,131 $78,199 $93,632
    Olympia-Tumwater Hourly $17.46 $21.44 $25.44 $32.60 $41.23
Monthly $3,026 $3,716 $4,409 $5,650 $7,145
Yearly $36,334 $44,595 $52,918 $67,814 $85,758
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $19.66 $25.02 $31.45 $40.15 $50.82
Monthly $3,407 $4,336 $5,450 $6,958 $8,807
Yearly $40,880 $52,056 $65,413 $83,519 $105,709
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $17.23 $21.57 $27.46 $34.16 $41.07
Monthly $2,986 $3,738 $4,759 $5,920 $7,117
Yearly $35,843 $44,872 $57,116 $71,049 $85,442
    Vancouver Hourly $18.11 $23.17 $29.24 $36.31 $43.10
Monthly $3,138 $4,015 $5,067 $6,293 $7,469
Yearly $37,663 $48,195 $60,818 $75,529 $89,662
    Walla Walla Hourly $17.01 $20.61 $25.18 $30.86 $37.00
Monthly $2,948 $3,572 $4,364 $5,348 $6,412
Yearly $35,384 $42,859 $52,360 $64,202 $76,949
    Wenatchee Hourly $18.54 $21.81 $26.13 $34.31 $39.85
Monthly $3,213 $3,780 $4,528 $5,946 $6,906
Yearly $38,557 $45,369 $54,343 $71,364 $82,893
    Yakima Hourly $17.38 $21.83 $27.45 $32.25 $39.79
Monthly $3,012 $3,783 $4,757 $5,589 $6,896
Yearly $36,164 $45,394 $57,094 $67,083 $82,775
United States Hourly $16.27 $20.56 $26.83 $34.40 $43.43
Monthly $2,820 $3,563 $4,650 $5,962 $7,526
Yearly $33,850 $42,750 $55,810 $71,550 $90,320

Wages vary by area of the country and by employer.

Most full-time office managers receive typical benefits. These include sick leave, vacation, and health insurance. In addition, some office managers who work for private companies receive bonuses or stock options.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers (SOC 43-1011)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 30,858 13.4% 16.1% 4,015
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 785 10.2% 13.4% 96
    Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties 585 7.0% 8.6% 66
    Benton and Franklin Counties 856 11.6% 15.0% 108
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 1,066 9.8% 11.9% 129
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 2,105 10.9% 15.2% 260
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 1,795 9.5% 14.1% 216
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 1,532 10.8% 14.6% 190
    King County 12,908 18.3% 19.6% 1,838
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 1,024 12.4% 13.8% 131
    Pierce County 3,830 -2.7% 15.2% 332
    Snohomish County 2,634 7.9% 12.4% 307
    Spokane County 2,401 9.5% 13.9% 289
United States 1,557,500 -0.9% 5.2% 161,100

National employment

Office managers work in almost every industry.

Major employers:

National outlook

Growth for this occupation will show little to no change. Most new jobs for office managers will be created in health care settings. The health care industry is growing rapidly and there are more people in it who need to be supervised. Schools, department stores, and temporary worker agencies will also add many new jobs for office managers. However, office automation will limit growth.

Job openings will also occur as people leave the occupation to retire or move to other jobs.

Other resources

American Management Association (external link)
Association of Executive and Administrative Professionals (external link)
900 South Washington Street, Suite G-13
Falls Church, VA 22046
703.237.8616
Careers in the Military (external link)
International Association of Administrative Professionals (external link)
10502 North Ambassador Drive, Suite 100
Kansas City, MO 64153
816.891.6600
Washington Business Week (external link)
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupation

O*Net job zone (external link)

DOT occupations

Holland occupational cluster

COPSystem