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Job outlook for firm administrators in the United States
Are firm administrator jobs in demand?
Firm administrator job and salary trends over time
Firm administrator jobs over time
Firm administrator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 988 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 977 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,018 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,011 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 998 | 0.00% |
Average firm administrator salary over time
Firm administrator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $70,547 | $33.92 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $68,339 | $32.86 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $67,361 | $32.39 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $66,456 | $31.95 | +1.3% |
| 2021 | $65,587 | $31.53 | +3.2% |
Firm administrator jobs by state
Most common states for firm administrators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 651 | 9% |
| 2 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 629 | 9% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 391 | 9% |
| 4 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 183 | 9% |
| 5 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 1,805 | 6% |
| 6 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 561 | 6% |
| 7 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 106 | 6% |
| 8 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 143 | 5% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 0 | 0% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 0 | 0% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 0 | 0% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 0 | 0% |
| 13 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 0 | 0% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 0 | 0% |
| 15 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 0 | 0% |
| 16 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 0 | 0% |
| 17 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 0 | 0% |
| 18 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 0 | 0% |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 0 | 0% |
| 20 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 0 | 0% |
Most common cities for firm administrators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Benicia | 1 | 4% | $80,410 |
| 2 | Richmond | 1 | 0% | $82,533 |
| 3 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $89,131 |
Firm Administrator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of firm administrator experts
Ohio University
Wesleyan College
Virginia Commonwealth University
International Association of Administrative Professionals
What will help Firm Administrators increase their earning potential?
Dr. Joseph Oluwole: My general advice is to seek out administrator and professor mentors who can provide a sounding board and encouragement through the emotional roller coaster that administration can be. I cannot overstate the importance of supportive mentors to the success of a new graduate beginning as an administrator. Even the State of New Jersey, for instance, recognizes the importance of mentoring and created a formal program for new assistant principals and principals to seek support from experienced mentors under the state's New Jersey Leaders to Leaders (NJL2L) program.
What skills stand out on Firm Administrator resumes?
Greg Kessler Ph.D.: I am not sure that there are any particular skills that stand out on resumes, but familiarity with instructional design principles should be considered to be very valuable. I also think that knowledge of multimedia principles, social media, and various forms of virtual and immersive experiences. Also, knowledge of AI and the other things I referred to in the trends above.
What general advice would you give to a Firm Administrator?
Virginia Wilcox: Go into this knowing every single person you encounter was once in your shoes...new, confused, anxious, worried, etc.
The quickest way to make a friend is to ask for help. Everyone (even the most hardened) likes feeling needed and/or appreciated.
So...even if it's as minor as asking for advice on what color to use on the bulletin board or as major as asking for ideas on how to engage an unruly student...
ASK someone not only will you get the assistance you need, you will make their day...AND...you may find that you've made an invaluable step toward a new friendship.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Firm Administrators, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Dr. Richard Huff Ph.D.: While MPA students are not drawn to public service by high salaries, it is reasonable to expect remuneration, which respects their credentials and experience. Many students are mid-level careerists and are likely to remain in their jobs where an advanced degree may improve their opportunities for advancement, and others may be looking for a career change. Also, a cohort of students moving from undergraduate to graduate degrees with internships is common.
These groups likely present varying degrees of salary requirements and qualifications. In the federal service, an MPA qualifies as one at the GS-9 entry-level. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) publishes salary tables at Link The beginning salary varies by location from $53K to $61K, with the higher amount near large metropolitan areas. Higher salaries are common in overseas areas. Progression is based on performance with opportunities to achieve salaries of $150K and over at the executive levels. Overall, beginning salaries for the MPA considering nonprofits and government agencies is estimated at $53K.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Firm Administrators to find work opportunities?
Veronica Cochran: I would urge graduates to not simply focus on locations or organizations with the highest salary or most job or promotion opportunities. The key to remaining engaged and creating value is finding an organization that supports your core beliefs and values.
Second to that, I believe a support network is vital to one's professional development and success. That being said, I have had the opportunity to engage administrative professionals throughout the United States and across the globe. In particular, I came across larger networks in New York, D.C., Alabama, California, and Texas.
If they are looking for a place to start, I believe Zippia's list of Best States for an Administrative Assistant is a great starting point.