Administrative Services Managers
SOC Code: 11-3012.00
ManagementAdministrative services managers are the operational backbone of organizations, coordinating essential support functions that keep workplaces running smoothly. With a median salary of $108,390 and projected growth of 4.6%, this management role oversees facilities, records management, mail distribution, office planning, and other administrative operations. Whether managing a corporate headquarters or a government agency, these professionals ensure that the physical and administrative infrastructure supports organizational goals.
Salary Overview
Median
$108,390
25th Percentile
$83,660
75th Percentile
$147,150
90th Percentile
$200,010
Salary Distribution
Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Growth Rate
+4.6%
New Openings
23,200
Outlook
As fast as average
Key Skills
Knowledge Areas
What They Do
- Analyze internal processes and recommend and implement procedural or policy changes to improve operations, such as supply changes or the disposal of records.
- Conduct classes to teach procedures to staff.
- Prepare and review operational reports and schedules to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
- Set goals and deadlines for the department.
- Acquire, distribute and store supplies.
- Plan, administer, and control budgets for contracts, equipment, and supplies.
- Hire and terminate clerical and administrative personnel.
- Direct or coordinate the supportive services department of a business, agency, or organization.
Tools & Technology
★ = Hot Technology (in-demand)
Education Requirements
Typical entry-level education: High School Diploma
Work Activities
Work Styles
Personality traits and behavioral tendencies important for this role.
Related Careers
Top Career Pivot Targets
View all 187 →Careers with the highest skill compatibility from Administrative Services Managers.
A Day in the Life
A typical day is varied and reactive. Morning might start with reviewing facility maintenance requests, checking in with janitorial or security staff, and addressing office space allocation issues. Midday could involve negotiations with vendors for office supplies or building services, reviewing budgets for administrative operations, or planning a corporate relocation. Afternoons might include meetings with department heads about their operational needs, reviewing safety and compliance reports, or coordinating an office renovation project. Administrative services managers handle everything from parking assignments and conference room scheduling to disaster preparedness plans. The role requires juggling competing priorities and solving problems that span from the mundane to the mission-critical.
Work Environment
Administrative services managers work in office environments across every industry — corporate offices, government buildings, hospitals, universities, and manufacturing facilities. The role is primarily office-based but involves regular walkthrough inspections of facilities and meetings in various locations within buildings or campuses. Standard business hours are typical, but emergencies like building system failures, security incidents, or weather events can require after-hours response. The work is fast-paced with frequent interruptions, requiring strong multitasking and the ability to shift between strategic planning and immediate problem-solving. Interactions are constant — with vendors, contractors, employees, and executive leadership.
Career Path & Advancement
Many administrative services managers start in administrative assistant, office coordinator, or facilities coordinator roles, gaining experience in the operational functions they'll eventually oversee. Within 3-5 years of progressive responsibility, strong performers move into assistant manager or department supervisor positions. Mid-career professionals may manage facilities at large campuses, lead corporate relocations, or oversee nationwide administrative operations for multi-site organizations. Senior advancement includes director of administration, VP of operations, or chief administrative officer roles. Professional certifications like CFM (Certified Facility Manager) or FMP (Facility Management Professional) from IFMA accelerate advancement.
Specializations
Administrative services managers may specialize in several areas. Facility managers focus on building operations, maintenance, space planning, and capital improvement projects. Records and information management specialists oversee document retention, digital archives, and compliance with data governance policies. Corporate real estate managers handle lease negotiations, space optimization, and workplace strategy. Sustainability coordinators focus on green building initiatives, energy efficiency, and environmental compliance. Some specialize in workplace experience, designing office environments that support employee productivity and wellbeing. Emergency preparedness and business continuity management is another growing specialization.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓Strong salary with advancement potential to executive levels
- ✓Diverse daily responsibilities prevent monotony
- ✓Visible, impactful role — everyone notices when things work well
- ✓Standard business hours with predictable scheduling
- ✓Transferable management skills valued across all industries
- ✓Growing strategic importance in the era of workplace transformation
- ✓Opportunities in every sector — corporate, government, healthcare, education
Challenges
- ✗On-call responsibilities for building emergencies and system failures
- ✗Blame falls on facilities management when things go wrong
- ✗Budget constraints often require doing more with less
- ✗Vendor management and contract negotiations can be contentious
- ✗The role is sometimes undervalued and seen as purely operational
- ✗Wide scope of responsibilities can lead to being stretched thin
- ✗Building code compliance and regulatory requirements are complex
Industry Insight
The role of administrative services managers is evolving with workplace transformation. Hybrid work models have complicated space planning, leading to hot-desking strategies, collaboration zone design, and reduced real estate footprints. Smart building technology — IoT sensors, automated HVAC systems, and occupancy analytics — is creating more data-driven facility management. Sustainability mandates including net-zero emissions goals are elevating the strategic importance of facility operations. The pandemic permanently changed workplace expectations, making these managers central to organizational decisions about office configuration, health safety, and employee experience.
How to Break Into This Career
A bachelor's degree in business administration, facility management, or a related field is typically required. Some positions accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree. Entry-level roles as administrative assistants, office managers, or facilities coordinators provide foundational experience. Understanding of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), project management principles, budgeting, and vendor management strengthens candidacy. Professional certifications from IFMA (International Facility Management Association) or BOMI International demonstrate competence and commitment to the profession. Strong organizational skills, interpersonal abilities, and proficiency with facility management software are essential.
Career Pivot Tips
Administrative services managers possess versatile management skills in budgeting, vendor relations, project management, and operations that transfer to property management, operations management, event management, and consulting. Their facility knowledge is valued in commercial real estate, construction management, and building engineering firms. Those entering from related fields like office management, hospitality, or military logistics find the transition natural. Career changers should focus on facility management certifications and developing technical knowledge of building systems. The role's broad scope means professionals gain exposure to many business functions, making them strong candidates for general management positions.
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