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Administrative support assistant vs clerical/administrative assistant

The differences between administrative support assistants and clerical/administrative 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 support assistant and a clerical/administrative assistant. Additionally, an administrative support assistant has an average salary of $36,341, which is higher than the $30,983 average annual salary of a clerical/administrative assistant.

The top three skills for an administrative support assistant include customer service, provides administrative support and data entry. The most important skills for a clerical/administrative assistant are data entry, word processing, and payroll.

Administrative support assistant vs clerical/administrative assistant overview

Administrative Support AssistantClerical/Administrative Assistant
Yearly salary$36,341$30,983
Hourly rate$17.47$14.90
Growth rate-8%-8%
Number of jobs118,51256,261
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age5050
Years of experience22

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.

What does a clerical/administrative assistant do?

An administrative assistant, also known as a secretary or office clerk, is someone who carries out daily clerical and administrative tasks. Admin assistants do a variety of tasks such as answering phone calls, organizing files, maintaining contacts, schedule meetings and appointments, and many more. Their task can be extensive, depending on the needs of operations and higher management. They serve as a gatekeeper of the company, so strong verbal and written communication skills are a must. They should also exhibit great organizational skills and time management since they act as the resource of the company.

Administrative support assistant vs clerical/administrative assistant salary

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

Administrative Support AssistantClerical/Administrative Assistant
Average salary$36,341$30,983
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $44,000Between $24,000 And $38,000
Highest paying CitySeaTac, WASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateHawaiiWashington
Best paying companyBrookhaven National LaboratoryUniversity of California
Best paying industryGovernmentGovernment

Differences between administrative support assistant and clerical/administrative assistant education

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

Administrative Support AssistantClerical/Administrative Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeWestern Carolina UniversityWestern Carolina University

Administrative support assistant vs clerical/administrative assistant demographics

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

Administrative Support AssistantClerical/Administrative Assistant
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 16.6% Female, 83.4%Male, 14.5% Female, 85.5%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 3.8% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between administrative support assistant and clerical/administrative assistant duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Clerical/administrative assistant example responsibilities.

  • Work with QuickBooks to manage store invoices and accounts.
  • Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA.
  • Support medical doctors, manage sensitive and confidential records pertaining to high risk patients with emphasis on accuracy.
  • Check patients in and out, EMR, collect co-pays, answer phones, and take patients to exam rooms.
  • Assist with preparing and printing of exhibits, spreadsheets and PowerPoint slides as needed.
  • Maintain payroll and expense information.
  • Show more

Administrative support assistant vs clerical/administrative assistant skills

Common administrative support assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Provides Administrative Support, 6%
  • Data Entry, 6%
  • Patients, 5%
  • Travel Arrangements, 4%
  • Phone Calls, 4%
Common clerical/administrative assistant skills
  • Data Entry, 31%
  • Word Processing, 18%
  • Payroll, 14%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 4%
  • Clerical Support, 3%

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