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The differences between coordinators and administrative assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a coordinator, becoming an administrative assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a coordinator has an average salary of $41,599, which is higher than the $34,945 average annual salary of an administrative assistant.
The top three skills for a coordinator include customer service, patients and excellent organizational. The most important skills for an administrative assistant are customer service, data entry, and powerpoint.
| Coordinator | Administrative Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $41,599 | $34,945 |
| Hourly rate | $20.00 | $16.80 |
| Growth rate | 12% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 151,508 | 65,769 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 4.14 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 43 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
Coordinators are responsible for liaising between the department they are assigned to and any other external party. They oversee projects or agreements. They are in charge of following through negotiations between the two parties regarding work. They see through the conduct of such contracts by ensuring that all terms are amenable to both parties. They maintain records and other necessary data and paperwork. They also ensure that office policy and guidelines are being followed. Coordinators also ensure that all projects are completed efficiently and effectively.
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.
Coordinators and administrative assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Coordinator | Administrative Assistant | |
| Average salary | $41,599 | $34,945 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $61,000 | Between $26,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Westfield State University |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a coordinator and an administrative assistant in terms of educational background:
| Coordinator | Administrative Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between coordinators' and administrative assistants' demographics:
| Coordinator | Administrative Assistant | |
| Average age | 43 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.3% Female, 63.7% | Male, 12.7% Female, 87.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 6.4% White, 53.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1% | 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 | 11% | 6% |