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The differences between administrative technicians and office administrators 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 technician and an office administrator. Additionally, an administrative technician has an average salary of $41,290, which is higher than the $37,423 average annual salary of an office administrator.
The top three skills for an administrative technician include customer service, data entry and patients. The most important skills for an office administrator are customer service, patients, and data entry.
| Administrative Technician | Office Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $41,290 | $37,423 |
| Hourly rate | $19.85 | $17.99 |
| Growth rate | -8% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 73,101 | 118,096 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 49% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Average age | 50 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Administrative technicians are employees who manage a variety of administrative tasks. They are in charge of sorting out mail, taking phone calls, and managing meeting room reservations. They work on the upkeep of files and records, office supplies, and admin systems. Administrative technicians are sometimes assigned to conduct research and devise ways to improve the efficiency of office operations. They assist administrative officers and managers in drafting policies and guidelines. Administrative technicians may also be assigned to create presentation materials and documentary requirements needed by the department.
Office administrators are employees who ensure that the office is running in tip-top shape. They manage the administrative needs of the office. They answer calls directed to the official company phone, manage the inventory of supplies, take charge or purchase requisitions for needed supplies, and ensure the office equipment and fixtures are taken care of. Office administrators also manage correspondences, official memoranda, and other official company documents. They also keep track of files and records to ensure that these are properly organized. At times, office administrators also take charge of welcoming guests and accompanying them to their respective meetings.
Administrative technicians and office administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Administrative Technician | Office Administrator | |
| Average salary | $41,290 | $37,423 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $65,000 | Between $28,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Alaska |
| Best paying company | InfosysPublicService | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Government |
There are a few differences between an administrative technician and an office administrator in terms of educational background:
| Administrative Technician | Office Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 49% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Western Carolina University | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between administrative technicians' and office administrators' demographics:
| Administrative Technician | Office Administrator | |
| Average age | 50 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.0% Female, 66.0% | Male, 14.7% Female, 85.3% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 7.9% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |