Is a Career as an Administrative Assistant Right for You?

January 19th, 2018

Are you considering administrative assistant jobs in Jackson? If so, one of the first questions people have is what type of education and experience is needed. Fortunately, many secretarial positions only require a high school education. For individuals who want to start working immediately after graduation, this line of work can be rewarding and satisfying. It also pays the bills!

Let’s learn more about administrative assistant careers, how to gain a competitive edge, and how much you can expect to make.

Where to Find Secretary Positions

Office jobs are not hard to find. They are available in all types of industries, including government agencies, schools, hospitals, legal offices, medical buildings, and private corporations. Each business will have its own expectations for what an administrative assistant is responsible for, the hours worked, and the salary schedule. That said, there are some generalities to expect.

Average Hours to Expect

Typically, working in an office is a full-time position at 35-40 hours a week. Depending on the company, overtime may be expected as well. There are some companies that offer flexible hours by hiring part-time associates to fill in. It’s also worth noting that not all businesses have a 9-5 structure. If you work in a hospital setting, you could be working overnight, on weekends, or on holidays.

Education and Experience

Although secretaries do not typically require a formal education, having an associate’s degree or a four-year degree can make you more competitive. However, what makes the most difference is your experience. In this field, the experience is what gets you more money. According to CareerBuilder, new assistants make an average of $8,000 less than their counterparts with 20 or more years of experience.

Salary and Earnings

So what can you expect to make in this position? It all depends on your location and the type of office you work in. Entry-level workers earn roughly $30,000 a year, with salaries increasing steadily with experience. The average salary for secretaries in the U.S. is $40,000 or $19-$20 an hour. Jobs continue to open up in this industry with growth expected to be 3% between 2014 and 2024, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you think that an administrative assistant job in Jackson is right for you, reach out to Capitol Staffing. We can help with your resume and get you set up with a great job when it comes along! And, if you’re looking for top talent, we can help with that too!