First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers direct and coordinate the daily work of clerical and administrative staff. They work in offices across all industries—government agencies, corporations, healthcare facilities, and nonprofits—managing schedules, quality control, and staff performance while handling administrative tasks themselves.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against first-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing work output from staff, addressing scheduling conflicts, and responding to operational problems. Supervisors attend meetings with upper management, handle employee concerns and performance issues, process timesheets and reports, and ensure deadlines are met. They may train new staff, update work procedures, or manage budget allocations for their department.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're likely drawn to this work if you value order, efficiency, and clear systems—the conventional interest. You also have an enterprising streak that makes you comfortable motivating others and making decisions. You do well when you can follow established rules while taking initiative to improve how your team operates.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $66,180 | $79,480 | $97,590 | 31,790 |
| District of Columbia | $62,480 | $79,200 | $101,770 | 4,080 |
| New York | $64,060 | $79,170 | $99,490 | 83,110 |
| Connecticut | $62,770 | $78,200 | $97,470 | 24,420 |
| California | $62,660 | $77,590 | $97,080 | 149,230 |
| Massachusetts | $62,200 | $76,770 | $94,900 | 34,520 |
| New Jersey | $61,220 | $76,640 | $96,890 | 55,210 |
| Colorado | $61,850 | $76,600 | $95,590 | 26,100 |
| Minnesota | $61,600 | $76,440 | $91,050 | 21,690 |
| Rhode Island | $60,900 | $76,030 | $89,870 | 5,090 |
| Delaware | $60,830 | $75,220 | $93,640 | 5,480 |
| Oregon | $60,600 | $74,300 | $85,220 | 12,200 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) — Practice Management Institute
- HDI Support Center Director (HDI-SCD) — HDI
- Safety Trained Supervisor (STS) (STS) — Board of Certified Safety Professionals
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 40 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against first-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-1011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.