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Word processing secretary vs administrative assistant

The differences between word processing secretaries and administrative 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 word processing secretary and an administrative assistant. Additionally, a word processing secretary has an average salary of $43,970, which is higher than the $34,945 average annual salary of an administrative assistant.

The top three skills for a word processing secretary include scheduling appointments, telephone calls and travel arrangements. The most important skills for an administrative assistant are customer service, data entry, and powerpoint.

Word processing secretary vs administrative assistant overview

Word Processing SecretaryAdministrative Assistant
Yearly salary$43,970$34,945
Hourly rate$21.14$16.80
Growth rate-8%-8%
Number of jobs16,05765,769
Job satisfaction-4.14
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age5050
Years of experience22

Word processing secretary vs administrative assistant salary

Word processing secretaries and administrative assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Word Processing SecretaryAdministrative Assistant
Average salary$43,970$34,945
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $65,000Between $26,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Westfield State University
Best paying industry--

Differences between word processing secretary and administrative assistant education

There are a few differences between a word processing secretary and an administrative assistant in terms of educational background:

Word Processing SecretaryAdministrative Assistant
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeWestern Carolina UniversityWestern Carolina University

Word processing secretary vs administrative assistant demographics

Here are the differences between word processing secretaries' and administrative assistants' demographics:

Word Processing SecretaryAdministrative Assistant
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 8.6% Female, 91.4%Male, 12.7% Female, 87.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%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 Percentage6%6%

Differences between word processing secretary and administrative assistant duties and responsibilities

Word processing secretary example responsibilities.

  • Manage fireworks inventory through QuickBooks and process customer wholesale orders.
  • Coordinate meeting agendas, compose correspondence, meeting minutes, reports, PowerPoint presentations.
  • Scan and create PDF files and Metz files.
  • Process all letters, memo and faxes via Wang using merge documents.
  • Transpose lengthy documents via Dictaphone or long hand for a professional final product.
  • Create, revise and prepare documents for all departments; transcribe from Dictaphone.
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Administrative assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage time and attendance using Kronos software for entire department.
  • Participate in national projects, manage new customer conversions to MCI from other carriers.
  • Manage FEDEX delivery requirements ensuring compliance with company policy.
  • Manage and update social media outlets including Facebook and LinkedIn.
  • Manage company finances using QuickBooks software, including monitoring the operating budget and collecting on unpaid invoices.
  • Manage and develop the daily clinical schedule for the in-patient rehabilitation staff taking into consideration Medicare guidelines and staffing ratios.
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Word processing secretary vs administrative assistant skills

Common word processing secretary skills
  • Scheduling Appointments, 13%
  • Telephone Calls, 11%
  • Travel Arrangements, 6%
  • Real Estate, 5%
  • Law Firm, 5%
  • Secretarial Support, 5%
Common administrative assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Data Entry, 11%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Travel Arrangements, 5%
  • Database Management, 5%
  • Word Processing, 5%

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