Tasks and roles need to be clearly and neatly separated in order for an office or company to function efficiently. Roles and responsibilities may overlap in small offices and family-run businesses, but large organizations require a definite hierarchical structure. The manager and administrator roles are two of the most crucial ones, and in small businesses, they are frequently filled by the same person. The success of the company depends on managerial and administrative duties, which call for distinct skills and abilities.
What does an office manager do?
Managing an office’s administrative support staff is the responsibility of an office manager, a member of the leadership team. Office managers employ procedures aimed at preserving a positive work environment to keep things moving along smoothly and productively. Depending on the business they work for, an office manager’s typical responsibilities and duties typically include the following:
What does an office administrator do?
An administrative support specialist who employs procedures centered on the technical aspect of effectively and strategically managing an office is known as an office administrator. The typical responsibilities and duties of an office administrator can change from day to day, but generally consist of the following:
Office administrator vs. office manager
The following sections compare and contrast an office manager and administrator based on:
Responsibilities
Their level of seniority and authority is the main distinction between the duties of an office administrator and an office manager. Typically, office administrators are in charge of the routine tasks that keep a workplace productive and efficient. Office managers typically oversee the administrative staff to make sure they have the necessary support, training, tools, and resources to be happy and productive while also developing and managing office policies and procedures.
Skills
Both office manager and administrator success requirements have a number of similar and distinct skills.
The following are the main skills a successful office administrator must possess:
The following are the main skills a successful office manager must possess:
The following skills are also necessary for office managers and administrators to succeed in their positions:
Education
You need at least a high school diploma to work as an office manager or administrator. Although many office administrators start their careers without a college degree, most employers prefer candidates for office manager positions who have at least an associate degree. Candidates may benefit from having a bachelor’s degree in management, business administration, or information technology when applying for either of these positions.
Experience
Depending on the employer, different amounts of experience are required to become an office manager or administrator. For the position of office manager, employers typically favor candidates with at least two to four years of experience, and at least one to two years of administrative experience for the role of office administrator. Candidates who want to work as office managers would benefit from having a solid background in leadership or management. Additionally, some employers favor applicants who have industry-specific experience.
Office administrators typically undergo on-the-job training after being hired to become familiar with the systems, processes, and procedures the office uses. This training typically lasts between a few weeks and a month. Office managers with backgrounds in the medical or technical fields might need more specialized training. Because they have extensive administrative and leadership experience that has prepared them for their role, the majority of office managers do not receive on-the-job training when they first start their jobs. Office administrators can advance to the position of an office manager as they gain experience in their current position.
Salary
Office administrators and managers may earn different salaries depending on their geographic location, the size of the business they work for, their educational background, and the amount of relevant experience they have. Office administrators typically receive a lower base salary than office managers. Office managers may also earn additional compensation, such as bonuses. Here are the average salaries for these roles:
Jobs similar to office administrators and office managers
There are numerous jobs to consider if making an office or organization run smoothly appeals to you. These 10 positions are comparable to those of an office manager and administrator:
Administrative Assistant vs Office Manager – What Is the Difference?
FAQ
Is an office administrator higher than an office manager?
Office administrators typically receive a lower base salary than office managers. Office managers may also earn additional compensation, such as bonuses. Here are the typical pay rates for these positions: U.S. average base salary for office administrators S. : $34,021 per year.
Which is higher manager or administrator?
Yes, an administrator is higher than a manager. In the management structures of the majority of businesses, an administrator is typically a position above a manager.
Is an administrator and a manager the same?
Instead of ensuring the effective implementation of strategies, the administrator establishes the overall objectives and policies of the business. The manager advances the business by ensuring high productivity and ensuring that every employee is aware of their responsibilities and completes their work effectively.
Which is better administrative assistant or office manager?
administrative assistant roles. The main distinction is that administrative assistants typically support one (or a small number of) people within a company, whereas office managers support the needs of an organization more broadly. Often administrative assistants support senior managers, directors, or C-suite members.
