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The differences between clerical/administrative assistants and administrative associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a clerical/administrative assistant and an administrative associate. Additionally, an administrative associate has an average salary of $34,873, which is higher than the $30,983 average annual salary of a clerical/administrative assistant.
The top three skills for a clerical/administrative assistant include data entry, word processing and payroll. The most important skills for an administrative associate are administrative tasks, purchase orders, and customer service.
| Clerical/Administrative Assistant | Administrative Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $30,983 | $34,873 |
| Hourly rate | $14.90 | $16.77 |
| Growth rate | -8% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 56,261 | 54,499 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
An administrative associate is responsible for performing various tasks such as handling and processing paperwork, attending meetings and preparing minutes, responding to inquiries and other forms of correspondence, keeping accurate records, updating databases, and monitoring the company's financial activities. They also communicate with various department personnel, ensuring coordination should any important matter would arise. Furthermore, as an administrative associate, they are in charge of procuring supplies, implementing company policies, and supporting any staff members if needed.
Clerical/administrative assistants and administrative associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clerical/Administrative Assistant | Administrative Associate | |
| Average salary | $30,983 | $34,873 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $38,000 | Between $23,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New York |
| Best paying company | University of California | Lord Abbett |
| Best paying industry | Government | Finance |
There are a few differences between a clerical/administrative assistant and an administrative associate in terms of educational background:
| Clerical/Administrative Assistant | Administrative Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Western Carolina University | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between clerical/administrative assistants' and administrative associates' demographics:
| Clerical/Administrative Assistant | Administrative Associate | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 14.5% Female, 85.5% | Male, 21.6% Female, 78.4% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 3.8% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |