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Job outlook for departmental assistants in the United States
Are departmental assistant jobs in demand?
Departmental assistant job and salary trends over time
Departmental assistant jobs over time
Departmental assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 919 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 931 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,025 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,089 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,134 | 0.00% |
Average departmental assistant salary over time
Departmental assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $39,690 | $19.08 | +3.1% |
| 2025 | $38,505 | $18.51 | +2.9% |
| 2024 | $37,422 | $17.99 | +2.9% |
| 2023 | $36,359 | $17.48 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $35,573 | $17.10 | +2.7% |
Departmental assistant jobs by state
Most common states for departmental assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 117 | 17% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 706 | 10% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 105 | 10% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 72 | 10% |
| 5 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,358 | 7% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 611 | 7% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 502 | 7% |
| 8 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 404 | 7% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 292 | 7% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 202 | 7% |
| 11 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 124 | 7% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 756 | 6% |
| 13 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 717 | 6% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 384 | 6% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 309 | 6% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 118 | 6% |
| 17 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 35 | 6% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 179 | 5% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 55 | 5% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 39 | 5% |
Most common cities for departmental assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amherst | 14 | 37% | $45,609 |
Departmental Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of departmental assistant experts
Ohio University
Missouri University of Science & Technology
California State University Channel Islands
University of Iowa
College of Charleston
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Albright College
What hard/technical skills are most important for Departmental Assistants?
Allison White: In addition to production software skills, including MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, we often taught database skills using MS Access. Every employer has an employee database and a customer/client database that requires input and sometimes maintenance by office personnel. Keyboarding (65+ wpm), basic bookkeeping/accounting, and filing skills are a must.
Christi Patton Luks
Professor (NTT) and Associate Chair for Academic AffairsMissouri University of Science & Technology
Linda & Bipin Doshi Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering
What technical skills for a Departmental Assistant stand out to employers?
Christi Patton Luks: I've always felt that the most important thing we teach our students is problem-solving skills. The students who can readily relate the theory to their practical experience to develop new solutions are the most valuable. Engineering students that are active on design teams or took advantage of internships and co-ops are in great position for this.
What's a good job out of college for Departmental Assistants?
Christi Patton Luks: A good job out of college is one that can be adapted to the individual's skills and interests and encourages them to stretch. Frequently, students think they want to work in a particular type of job. Once they have it, they discover that it was not what they thought it would be. Many companies rotate new employees through a variety of positions. Those are great for helping people find their own hidden talents. I know that I have discovered abilities that I would not have even attempted when I was 20.
Amanda Carpenter
DirectorCalifornia State University Channel Islands
Department of Career Development and Alumni Engagement
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Departmental Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Amanda Carpenter: -Market competition- We are seeing an increase in the number of applicants per position, making entry-level employment opportunities extremely competitive. New graduates may be competing for positions with professionals who have significantly more work experience. This means, new graduates must stand out in the applicant pool distinguishing strengths and skills related to the position.
-Recruiting strategy- Employers are adjusting their recruiting strategies in response to the pandemic with more recruiters opting to source candidates virtually. In result, candidates need to polish interview skills in a virtual environment and be prepared to interview in 1:1 and group settings virtually. Employers want to see how candidates respond in these challenging situations. Demonstrating resiliency, adaptability, and the ability to pivot are key skills to demonstrate during these times.
-Remote work- a significant increase in remote work positions opening doors for candidates to consider applying for roles outside of their geographical areas to including international and across the United States.
What experience really stands out on Departmental Assistant resumes?
Brian Lai Ph.D.: Authentic experiences that mirror what they will be doing in a job. So internships in similar kinds of positions or experiential learning opportunities that mirror what positions require you to do.
What experience really stands out on Departmental Assistant resumes?
Jacob Craig Ph.D.: I believe strongly in dexterity and a language of expertise. That means that if a student can show they can adapt to new demands by learning a new way of working, learning about a new audience, learning how to address a new purpose, learning a new genre or style, and learning a new technology, that employee attractive. Especially at the entry-level, the ability to learn and adapt is valuable. Being able to talk about their experience using a persuasive vocabulary is often useful. For instance, if students can describe their approach to communication without using cliches (short and sweet, clear) and something along the lines of purpose, audience, situation, genre, medium--that's persuasive.
Dr. Robert Longwell-Grice EdD
Recruitment & Scholarship CoordinatorUniversity of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Office of Student Services
What Departmental Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Robert Longwell-Grice EdD: Most colleges want to see a gap year that is connected to making the world a better place. An internship or a job with a non-profit can be life changing for ones personal development, and ones career. These can be local with an agency in ones community, or national with an agency like City Year or Americorps. Gap years should focus on 'soft skills' where possible so working with the public is ideal. Having said that, any job will give young people valuable experience. My gap year included driving a taxi in Dubuque, Iowa. Boy did I learn a lot about working with people!
What type of skills will young Departmental Assistants need?
Guillaume de Syon Ph.D.: The same as the ones they needed before. Employers want a combination of experience as well as writing and reading capacities. There may even be a greater need for decent writing, as the shift to online has affected the workforce. On the positive side, successfully negotiating the pandemic conditions could be considered a sign of adaptability.