Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
Less than 5 years
None
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers oversee teams that handle core administrative functions in many organizations. With national employment of 1,558,000, this is a large occupation that plays a central role in coordinating day-to-day office operations and supporting business processes. The national median annual salary of $66,140 reflects the added responsibility of supervising staff, organizing work, and ensuring service quality. Typical entry into this field is based on a high school diploma or equivalent, making it accessible to candidates who build experience and demonstrate leadership potential. Important strengths for success include leadership, interpersonal skills, project management, and strong speaking and listening abilities. Critical and analytical thinking, problem solving and decision making, and comfort with computers and information technology also matter. For people who enjoy leading teams, solving operational issues, and working with both employees and customers, this role can provide a structured path into supervisory and administrative leadership positions across many types of organizations.
This occupation offers a national median annual salary of $66,140, reflecting the responsibility that comes with supervising office and administrative support workers. Salaries vary meaningfully by location. Among top states by opportunity score, median pay ranges from $76,600 in Colorado to $79,480 in Washington, with California, Massachusetts, and New York also in the mid-to-high $70,000s. At the metro level, pay can be even higher. San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA reports a median salary of $95,010, and San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA reports $88,560, while New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ stands at $80,760. Other leading metros, such as Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH and Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV, show median salaries in the upper $70,000s. These figures indicate that supervisors who are flexible about location, particularly in certain metropolitan areas, may find higher earning potential than the national median.
First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers currently account for 1,558,000 jobs nationally, indicating a significant presence in the labor market. The projected employment growth rate is -0.3%, which suggests that overall employment levels are expected to edge down slightly over the projection period. However, there are still an estimated 144,000 annual openings. These openings can give candidates ongoing opportunities to enter or advance in the field, even when total employment is not projected to expand. For individuals considering this career, the combination of a large employment base and many annual openings suggests that movement within the occupation—such as retirements, job changes, and internal promotions—will continue to create demand for qualified supervisors. Candidates who develop the listed core skills and relevant office experience can position themselves to compete for these supervisory roles as they become available.
Location can significantly shape the opportunity profile for first-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers. Among states, California, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Washington rank highest by opportunity score. California combines a median salary of $77,590 with employment of 149,230, the largest workforce among these top states. New York and Washington offer some of the highest state-level median salaries, at $79,170 and $79,480, respectively. Massachusetts and Colorado also show median pay in the mid-$70,000s, with moderate employment levels. At the metro level, differences are even more pronounced. San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA stands out with a median salary of $95,010 and a leading opportunity score of 77.42. The New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ metro also ranks highly, with 95,180 employed and a median salary of $80,760. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA, Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV, and Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH round out top metros, all showing strong opportunity scores and substantial employment bases.
The typical education requirement for first-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers is a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the role accessible to individuals who build their qualifications through experience and skills rather than extended formal education. To succeed, candidates should focus on developing the listed core competencies. Leadership is central, as the role involves guiding and motivating office and administrative staff. Project management skills support planning and coordinating activities. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills help in working with both employees and clients. Speaking and listening, along with writing and reading, are key for clear communication. Comfort with computers and information technology supports modern office workflows. Problem solving and decision making, supported by critical and analytical thinking, help supervisors address day-to-day challenges. Together, these skills provide a solid foundation for advancing from entry-level office roles into supervisory positions.
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