Office Manager

Your Fit

Income

$66K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-5.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Office Manager?

An Office Manager is a professional responsible for the smooth running of an office's day-to-day operations. This role includes organizing administrative activities, managing staff, and ensuring optimal office functioning.

Sample job titles:

Accounting Manager, Customer Service Manager, Customer Service Supervisor, Office Manager

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Office Manager.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Office Manager earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$44K per year	$53K per year	$66K per year	$82K per year	$103K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $17K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Office Manager do?

Work environment

Office Managers typically work in an office setting within a variety of industries, including corporate, medical, legal, and educational sectors. Their work environment is primarily indoors, involving interaction with staff, managing office resources, and coordinating with other departments.

Quick task list

Oversees general office operation and maintenance.
Coordinates office activities and schedules.
Manages office staff and delegates tasks.
Develops and implements office policies and procedures.
Handles correspondence, organizes files, and manages supplies.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Medical Office Manager: Specializes in managing operations in a medical or healthcare setting.
Legal Office Manager: Focuses on running a law firm or legal department, managing legal documentation and processes.
Educational Office Manager: Manages administrative tasks in schools or educational institutions.
Corporate Office Manager: Overseeing administrative functions in a corporate environment.
Small Business Office Manager: Handles a wide range of responsibilities in smaller business settings.

Description

Office Managers are key players in ensuring the efficiency and organization of an office. They need to possess a mix of administrative skills and people management abilities. The role often involves overseeing staff, managing budgets, organizing records, and ensuring compliance with company policies. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to multitask are crucial, as office managers frequently handle a variety of tasks and challenges.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are vital in this role, as office managers serve as a link between staff and upper management. They must be able to convey information clearly, resolve conflicts, and maintain a positive work environment. Being tech-savvy is increasingly important, with a need to be proficient in various office software and tools.

Office management offers a dynamic career with diverse challenges and the opportunity to work in various industries. It suits individuals who enjoy organizing, leading teams, and creating efficient work environments. The role provides a chance to develop a wide range of skills and grow professionally in the realm of administration and management.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being central to the operational success of an office.
The opportunity to interact with and support a variety of team members.
Variety in daily tasks and the ability to problem-solve.

You might make a good Office Manager if you are...

Organized and able to juggle multiple tasks efficiently.
A strong communicator with good leadership skills.
Detail-oriented and capable of implementing effective processes.
Adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Interested in overseeing and improving office operations.

Pros:

Central role with diverse responsibilities, offering a dynamic workday.
Opportunities for interaction with various departments and team members.
Potential for career growth and development in administrative management.

Cons:

Can be demanding with a need to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Sometimes requires managing challenging situations or conflicts.
Might involve long hours or additional responsibilities depending on the office size.

How to become an Office Manager

Typical education

A high school diploma is often the minimum requirement, but many office managers hold a bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a related field. Additional certification in office management can be beneficial.

High school preparation

Courses:

Business Studies to understand basic management principles.
Computer Science for proficiency in office software and technology.
Communications for developing effective written and verbal skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Leadership roles in clubs or organizations.
Participation in team sports or group projects.
Volunteering in administrative roles at school events or local businesses.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a related field.
Gaining experience through internships or part-time jobs in administrative roles.
Taking courses in office management, bookkeeping, and computer software.
Building skills in project management, human resources, and effective communication.

More resources

International Facility Management Association (IFMA) - Offers resources and certifications for those interested in facility and office management.
American Management Association (AMA) - Provides training and resources for management professionals.
Office Dynamics International - Offers training and resources for office managers and administrative professionals.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - Useful for office managers involved in HR responsibilities.
Administrative Professionals Conference - A conference offering workshops and networking opportunities for administrative professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.