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The differences between assistant operators and 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 assistant operator and an administrative assistant. Additionally, an assistant operator has an average salary of $37,607, which is higher than the $34,945 average annual salary of an administrative assistant.
The top three skills for an assistant operator include customer service, ladders and safety procedures. The most important skills for an administrative assistant are customer service, data entry, and powerpoint.
| Assistant Operator | Administrative Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $37,607 | $34,945 |
| Hourly rate | $18.08 | $16.80 |
| Growth rate | -8% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 88,093 | 65,769 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.14 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
The duties of an assistant operator depend on one's industry of employment or the kind of machine that they are operating. Typically, their tasks may revolve around coordinating with operators and other staff, handling and managing documents, understanding blueprints, and adhering to the directives of operators and supervisors. Furthermore, as an assistant operator, it is essential to perform support tasks, such as preparing tools and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency of machines and maintain a safe work environment.
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.
Assistant operators and administrative assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assistant Operator | Administrative Assistant | |
| Average salary | $37,607 | $34,945 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $50,000 | Between $26,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | California |
| Best paying company | Massachusetts General Hospital | Westfield State University |
| Best paying industry | Energy | - |
There are a few differences between an assistant operator and an administrative assistant in terms of educational background:
| Assistant Operator | Administrative Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Western Carolina University | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between assistant operators' and administrative assistants' demographics:
| Assistant Operator | Administrative Assistant | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% | Male, 12.7% Female, 87.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |