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What is an administrative assistant/project coordinator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Anne McConnell Ph.D.

Administrative assistants/project coordinators juggle all of the logistical tasks needed to support their company's programs. Administrative assistants/project coordinators can work in nonprofits, start-ups, or any company that needs an organizational hand to steady the way. They handle tasks such as scheduling meetings or purchasing office supplies. They make sure that the project is on task by tracking progress in databases. Administrative assistants/project coordinators usually work closely with project managers and assist them with any necessary tasks such as writing reports and documenting meetings. Administrative assistant/project coordinators need to be highly organized and communicative. It also helps if they are proficient in project coordination software such as Asana or Trello.

There are many different ways to become an administrative assistant/project coordinator. Some choose to get a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a similar field. Others find work with only a high school diploma.

Administrative assistants/project coordinators usually need a year or two of experience in an administrative position. Once they are hired, they can earn an average salary of $37,529 a year.

What general advice would you give to an administrative assistant/project coordinator?

Anne McConnell Ph.D.

Professor, West Virginia State University

I would say it's important to be very attentive to the way you communicate with your employers, managers, and co-workers. Even sending an e-mail can be an opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism and communication skills. Some people think that no one knows how to write anymore, or how to communicate in a professional way. I don't think that's true. But we don't always think about how our writing can be a tool to communicate our competence and seriousness. If you know how to write and communicate professionally-which college grads do-then make sure to demonstrate that in the workplace.
ScoreAdministrative Assistant/Project CoordinatorUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,876

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.0

Growth rate -8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.73%

Asian 3.82%

Black or African American 9.22%

Hispanic or Latino 16.14%

Unknown 3.87%

White 66.22%

Gender

female 89.13%

male 10.87%

Age - 52
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 52
Stress level
6.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
4.4

Complexity level is basic

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Administrative assistant/project coordinator career paths

Key steps to become an administrative assistant/project coordinator

  1. Explore administrative assistant/project coordinator education requirements

    Most common administrative assistant/project coordinator degrees

    Bachelor's

    51.8 %

    Associate

    25.9 %

    High School Diploma

    9.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific administrative assistant/project coordinator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    PowerPoint9.38%
    Purchase Orders9.08%
    Database Management7.65%
    Expense Reports6.37%
    General Contractors6.32%
  3. Complete relevant administrative assistant/project coordinator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New administrative assistant/project coordinators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an administrative assistant/project coordinator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real administrative assistant/project coordinator resumes.
  4. Research administrative assistant/project coordinator duties and responsibilities

    • Manage electronic files and hard copies of technical documents in EDMS.
    • Manage quality assurance checks for FDA and internal audits which result in no documentation/information error and successful completion of the audits.
    • Assist with the upgrade of the EDMS from start to finish.
    • Provide change orders, RFI's for each project, back charge invoices.
  5. Prepare your administrative assistant/project coordinator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your administrative assistant/project coordinator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an administrative assistant/project coordinator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable administrative assistant/project coordinator resume templates

    Build a professional administrative assistant/project coordinator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your administrative assistant/project coordinator resume.
    Administrative Assistant/Project Coordinator Resume
    Administrative Assistant/Project Coordinator Resume
    Administrative Assistant/Project Coordinator Resume
    Administrative Assistant/Project Coordinator Resume
    Administrative Assistant/Project Coordinator Resume
    Administrative Assistant/Project Coordinator Resume
    Administrative Assistant/Project Coordinator Resume
    Administrative Assistant/Project Coordinator Resume
    Administrative Assistant/Project Coordinator Resume
  6. Apply for administrative assistant/project coordinator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an administrative assistant/project coordinator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first administrative assistant/project coordinator job

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Average administrative assistant/project coordinator salary

The average administrative assistant/project coordinator salary in the United States is $38,876 per year or $19 per hour. Administrative assistant/project coordinator salaries range between $28,000 and $52,000 per year.

Average administrative assistant/project coordinator salary
$38,876 Yearly
$18.69 hourly

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How do administrative assistant/project coordinators rate their job?

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Administrative assistant/project coordinator reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

Writing a message,Organizing receipts and expenses and sending them out when needed

Cons

Failure to comply with working hours, theft and fraud,


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

It my passion to help people in need. It makes me feel good to see people the Youth do well in the life

Cons

I don't like to see anyone stuck in between and not being helped.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

everything except phones : Meeting,greeting, customer service, interviewing, on boarding, recruiting, presenting, etc.

Cons

phones - because of my accent


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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