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Administrative assistant vs administrative support assistant

The differences between administrative assistants and administrative support assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an administrative assistant and an administrative support assistant. Additionally, an administrative support assistant has an average salary of $36,341, which is higher than the $34,945 average annual salary of an administrative assistant.

The top three skills for an administrative assistant include customer service, data entry and powerpoint. The most important skills for an administrative support assistant are customer service, provides administrative support, and data entry.

Administrative assistant vs administrative support assistant overview

Administrative AssistantAdministrative Support Assistant
Yearly salary$34,945$36,341
Hourly rate$16.80$17.47
Growth rate-8%-8%
Number of jobs65,769118,512
Job satisfaction4.14-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age5050
Years of experience22

What does an administrative assistant do?

Administrative assistants, or admin assistants, do general clerical and administrative activities. Their duties involve organizing and maintaining files and records, preparing documents, scheduling meetings and appointments, and providing general support in the office. Administrative assistants handle incoming and outgoing official correspondences, take minutes of important meetings and manage calls to the main office number. They also assist executives in providing structure to their day by managing their schedule, drafting e-mails, and other activities that executives may need assistance in. Administrative assistants should have the following skills: organizing, business writing, decision-making, and communication.

What does an administrative support assistant do?

Administrative support assistants are individuals who provide support to employees and managers. They provide assistance in general functions in various administrative or academic units. Their primary duties involve the management and dissemination of information within an organization. They take memos, maintain files, and answer phone calls. They should develop skills in technology, written and verbal communication, independence, and organization. Excellent skills in problem-solving, time management, and attention to detail are also important.

Administrative assistant vs administrative support assistant salary

Administrative assistants and administrative support assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Administrative AssistantAdministrative Support Assistant
Average salary$34,945$36,341
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $46,000Between $29,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASeaTac, WA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyWestfield State UniversityBrookhaven National Laboratory
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between administrative assistant and administrative support assistant education

There are a few differences between an administrative assistant and an administrative support assistant in terms of educational background:

Administrative AssistantAdministrative Support Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeWestern Carolina UniversityWestern Carolina University

Administrative assistant vs administrative support assistant demographics

Here are the differences between administrative assistants' and administrative support assistants' demographics:

Administrative AssistantAdministrative Support Assistant
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 12.7% Female, 87.3%Male, 16.6% Female, 83.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 3.8% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between administrative assistant and administrative support assistant duties and responsibilities

Administrative assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage time and attendance using Kronos software for entire department.
  • Participate in national projects, manage new customer conversions to MCI from other carriers.
  • Manage FEDEX delivery requirements ensuring compliance with company policy.
  • Manage and update social media outlets including Facebook and LinkedIn.
  • Manage company finances using QuickBooks software, including monitoring the operating budget and collecting on unpaid invoices.
  • Manage and develop the daily clinical schedule for the in-patient rehabilitation staff taking into consideration Medicare guidelines and staffing ratios.
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Administrative support assistant example responsibilities.

  • Participate in committee meetings by preparing minutes and presentation summaries, planning meeting agendas, and organizing and managing meeting logistics.
  • Coordinate highly confidential and sensitive material relate to employee relations, payroll and personnel actions.
  • Complete diverse administrative tasks accurately and efficiently including verification of insurance information, payroll administration, and coordination of department meetings.
  • Create PowerPoint's of upcoming activities/events to distribute to departments/teams.
  • Interview patients and determine primary need of interest by providing assistance to other responsible personnel.
  • Maintain a database with confidential information regarding patients and providing medication for the HIV/AIDS section.
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Administrative assistant vs administrative support assistant skills

Common administrative assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Data Entry, 11%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Travel Arrangements, 5%
  • Database Management, 5%
  • Word Processing, 5%
Common administrative support assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Provides Administrative Support, 6%
  • Data Entry, 6%
  • Patients, 5%
  • Travel Arrangements, 4%
  • Phone Calls, 4%

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