Within the business industry, many professions have been and expect to continue experiencing high rates of job growth over the next several years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports increased employment rates in a number of different careers, from financial managers to analysts to administrative support professionals, from Wall Street to L.A. In fact, the BLS has indicated an anticipated industry growth of more than 22% for various business jobs through the year 2020. One such job with a growing demand for qualified applicants is administrative service.

Increasing Demand for Administrative Service Managers

Administrative service managers are largely responsible for maintaining order, organization, professionalism, and efficiency in an office. Also referred to as business office managers or office administrators, these professionals sets of duties vary from company to company but typically remain centered around general, day-to-day office functions. From handling business communications both within and outside the office to maintaining common-use office tools and technologies to handling office-related financial matters, to record keeping and data organization, administrative service managers have their hands in nearly every department of a business or company. Administrators ensure a quality working environment is kept for the overall productivity of a company.

To enter the field as an administrative service manager, applicants must possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, candidates with bachelor’s degrees in business or related fields often fare better than their competitors without college educations. By 2010’s reported information from the BLS, these professionals earn a median annual salary of more than $77,000.

Job Outlook for Administrative Service Managers

Through 2020, the employment opportunities for administrative service managers are expected to increase by 14.5%. In 2010, it was recorded that more than 254,000 of these jobs were filled; the BLS anticipates an additional 36,900 jobs to become available. By 2020, administrative service managers can expect more than 290,000 job prospects. Prospective growth can be attributed to businesses’ needs to remain or become as efficient as possible and, in some cases, expand both physically and with their client or consumer reach.

Job-seekers can create better odds for themselves with higher education; at least a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in a business field can significantly increase an applicant’s chances of being hired, as competition is fierce. Additionally, the International Facility Management Association offers a certification program for candidates reflecting certain requirements. Work experience, managerial and communication skills, and leadership capabilities are all priceless components to a desirable administrative service manager applicant’s resume.