Office Manager vs. Administrative Manager: What Are the Differences?

A career in management can offer opportunities for growth, development and the ability to lead a team. Two common management positions are that of an office manager and an administrative manager. Though these roles share some similarities, there are several key differences between them.

In this article, we discuss the differences between an office manager and an administrative manager, and we provide additional management positions you may be interested in pursuing.

What is an Office Manager?

Office Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an office. They ensure that the office runs smoothly and efficiently by supervising office staff, managing office supplies, handling customer inquiries, and resolving any office-related issues that may arise. They also develop and implement office policies and procedures, and may be responsible for managing office budgets. Office Managers typically report to upper management or the company owner. In smaller companies, the Office Manager may also be responsible for performing some or all of the administrative tasks themselves.

What is an Administrative Manager?

Administrative Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an office or organization. They oversee administrative staff, develop and implement office policies and procedures, and coordinate office activities. Administrative Managers may also be responsible for budgeting and managing finances, ordering supplies, and handling customer inquiries. In larger organizations, Administrative Managers may have specific areas of responsibility, such as human resources or information technology.

Office Manager vs. Administrative Manager

Here are the main differences between an office manager and an administrative manager.

Job Duties

Administrative managers oversee the administrative functions of a business, like human resources, IT and finance. They may create and implement company policies, manage budgets and delegate tasks to other employees. In contrast, office managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an office. They schedule shifts, train new employees, assign work duties and provide feedback. While these roles have some overlap, there are key differences in the duties each professional performs.

Job Requirements

Office managers and administrative managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration or another related field. Many employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many office managers and administrative managers pursue certifications through the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) or the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to manage office space and other resources they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Administrative managers typically work in an office environment, where they oversee the daily operations of their department. They may also travel to different locations to meet with clients or vendors and attend meetings.

Office managers usually work in a more relaxed environment, such as a school or business office. They often have fewer employees under them than administrative managers do. Their job duties are also less complex than those of an administrative manager.

Skills

The specific skills used on the job by an office manager and administrative manager can differ depending on the size and type of organization they work for. However, both types of managers typically need to have excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational and time management skills. They also need to be able to multitask and handle multiple projects simultaneously.

An office manager working in a small business might be responsible for handling all of the administrative tasks for the company, from answering phones and scheduling appointments to ordering supplies and managing payroll. An administrative manager in a large corporation might oversee a team of office staff and be responsible for more strategic tasks, such as developing budgets and implementing new office procedures.

Salary

Office managers earn an average salary of $55,923 per year, while administrative managers earn an average salary of $75,177 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has prior to taking the position.