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Department assistant vs administrative support assistant

The differences between department assistants and administrative support assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a department assistant and an administrative support assistant. Additionally, a department assistant has an average salary of $40,698, which is higher than the $36,341 average annual salary of an administrative support assistant.

The top three skills for a department assistant include patients, customer service and data entry. The most important skills for an administrative support assistant are customer service, provides administrative support, and data entry.

Department assistant vs administrative support assistant overview

Department AssistantAdministrative Support Assistant
Yearly salary$40,698$36,341
Hourly rate$19.57$17.47
Growth rate-8%-8%
Number of jobs88,268118,512
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age5050
Years of experience22

What does a department assistant do?

A department assistant is responsible for performing administrative and clerical duties to support and ensure the smooth operations of an entire department. Department assistants manage meeting calendars, book travel appointments, assist with company events, respond to clients' inquiries and requests through phone calls or personal visits, update customer records, organize electronic files, create business proposals, and monitor supplies. A department assistant must have excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to multitask under minimal supervision.

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.

Department assistant vs administrative support assistant salary

Department assistants and administrative support assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Department AssistantAdministrative Support Assistant
Average salary$40,698$36,341
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $67,000Between $29,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSeaTac, WA
Highest paying stateRhode IslandHawaii
Best paying companyDorsey & WhitneyBrookhaven National Laboratory
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between department assistant and administrative support assistant education

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

Department AssistantAdministrative Support Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeWestern Carolina UniversityWestern Carolina University

Department assistant vs administrative support assistant demographics

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

Department AssistantAdministrative Support Assistant
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 34.0% Female, 66.0%Male, 16.6% Female, 83.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between department assistant and administrative support assistant duties and responsibilities

Department assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage and develop the daily clinical schedule for the in-patient rehabilitation staff taking into consideration Medicare guidelines and staffing ratios.
  • Team player/adaptable HIPPA compliant, CPR certify.
  • Maintain and process Kronos time and attendance records for department employees.
  • Perform CPR and assist in critical care room with traumas and arrests.
  • Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners.
  • Prepare and submit time to Kronos system biweekly and Lawson swift maker schedule for staff.
  • Show more

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

Department assistant vs administrative support assistant skills

Common department assistant skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Data Entry, 8%
  • Word Processing, 6%
  • Purchase Orders, 5%
  • Payroll, 4%
Common administrative support assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Provides Administrative Support, 6%
  • Data Entry, 6%
  • Patients, 5%
  • Travel Arrangements, 4%
  • Phone Calls, 4%

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