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Program support assistant vs administrative support assistant

The differences between program support assistants and administrative support 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 program support assistant, becoming an administrative support assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a program support assistant has an average salary of $41,107, which is higher than the $36,341 average annual salary of an administrative support assistant.

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

Program support assistant vs administrative support assistant overview

Program Support AssistantAdministrative Support Assistant
Yearly salary$41,107$36,341
Hourly rate$19.76$17.47
Growth rate12%-8%
Number of jobs163,716118,512
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age4350
Years of experience122

What does a program support assistant do?

A program support assistant is responsible for performing administrative functions to ensure a program's smooth operations. Program support assistants organize the necessary documents, create the expense sheet, respond to the clients' inquiries and concerns, negotiate with vendors and suppliers, and conduct data analysis. They also act as a liaison between the clients and the senior planners to resolve issues and address the clients' requests. A program support assistant maintains the accuracy of client information on the database and regularly updates the clients' files as needed.

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.

Program support assistant vs administrative support assistant salary

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

Program Support AssistantAdministrative Support Assistant
Average salary$41,107$36,341
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $54,000Between $29,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSeaTac, WA
Highest paying stateConnecticutHawaii
Best paying companyNew York State Restaurant AssociationBrookhaven National Laboratory
Best paying industryGovernmentGovernment

Differences between program support assistant and administrative support assistant education

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

Program Support AssistantAdministrative Support Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityWestern Carolina University

Program support assistant vs administrative support assistant demographics

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

Program Support AssistantAdministrative Support Assistant
Average age4350
Gender ratioMale, 27.7% Female, 72.3%Male, 16.6% Female, 83.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 6.5% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%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 Percentage11%6%

Differences between program support assistant and administrative support assistant duties and responsibilities

Program support assistant example responsibilities.

  • Create reports, graphs, and PowerPoint presentations for special projects.
  • Design and implement new web pages for all libraries in the district using HTML.
  • Perform student information management application updates and maintain SharePoint log.
  • Ensure all timekeeping data are accurate and produce routine timekeeping reports as requested.
  • Establish and maintain a computerize tracking system on SharePoint for all congressional correspondence.
  • Assist with eligibility and enrollment of new veterans; produce primary care assignments and arrange initial medical appointments.
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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.
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Program support assistant vs administrative support assistant skills

Common program support assistant skills
  • Patients, 14%
  • Veterans, 10%
  • Program Support, 8%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 5%
  • Provides Administrative Support, 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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