Planning, coordinating and directing the daily operations of a business unit, department administrators facilitate organizational efficiency. These professionals can be found in many different fields, such as education, finance and manufacturing, and they generally focus on a particular specialty, like information technology, data security or records management.
Mastering core business concepts is necessary for success in this career. Aspiring department administrators can develop this mastery through the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration – Management program from Florida Institute of Technology.
Department Administrator Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment of administrative services managers, including department administrators, will increase 6% between 2023 and 2033. This is faster than the average projected job growth of all occupations.
New jobs will be added as businesses experience an increasing need for professionals who can plan and coordinate the activities of specialized departments. In particular, BLS reports that demand for administrators will be high for those who specialize in technology-centric areas like information management.
What Is a Department Administrator? Job Duties and Responsibilities
Specific job duties for department administrators vary by industry and employer. As a department head, administrators may be responsible for activities like establishing goals, hiring and training personnel, overseeing purchasing and preparing work schedules. These professionals may also assist with developing and implementing new plans and procedures.
Typically, department administrators are responsible for preparing, administering and controlling budgets for their department, which frequently involves supervising and approving contracts and expenditures. Reviewing reports, maintaining records and preparing correspondence can be important aspects of the department administrator’s responsibilities.
Department administrators often work closely with other administrators and managers, providing information such as sales projections and expense reports. They may also be responsible for planning travel and maintaining calendars for executives. Many department administrators facilitate and schedule meetings, conferences and presentations, along with colleagues who specialize in event planning and management.
Most department administrators work in an office setting. A standard 40-hour week is normal for this field; however, flexible hours and overtime are sometimes necessary. Travel may be required, depending on the employer and industry.
Department Administrator Salary Potential
According to BLS, administrative services managers such as department administrators made a median annual salary of $108,390 in 2024. The highest-paid 10% of these professionals earned in excess of $200,010 annually.
In addition, pay varies widely by industry. For instance, BLS reports that administrative services managers who work in finance and insurance earned a median annual salary of $128,470 in 2024, while the median annual wage for those who work in health care and social assistance was $99,310. Recent bachelor’s graduates will typically start out toward the lower- to mid-level of the salary range. Top salaries generally go to department administrators with extensive experience and advanced education.
Education and Training for Department Administrators
While some workers gain entry-level jobs with a high school diploma, department administrator positions typically require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, as reported by BLS. These professionals generally earn a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Many employers favor candidates with relevant work experience, which can include internships.
A career as a department administrator can begin with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management. This type of degree program prepares students for the many managerial roles and functions that department administration requires.
Coursework typically includes business fundamentals like accounting and finance as well as specialized management topics like strategic management, organizational behavior, principles of management, management information systems and business ethics. Employers can be confident that graduates of a management-focused management business administration program are able to:
- Improve efficiency and quality by streamlining systems and processes
- Identify workplace problems and make decisions based on quantitative techniques
- Demonstrate effective business communication skills
- Facilitate change through the application of contemporary behavior and classic organizational theories
- Leverage advanced skills and knowledge to succeed as a department administrator
Many employers offer opportunities for continuing education. It may be possible to gain an entry-level position with a bachelor’s degree and use tuition assistance to pay for a master’s degree.
What Does It Take to Attain a Department Administrator Position?
The best department administrators are self-starters with excellent written and verbal communication skills and computer proficiency. They also have integrity, tact and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
For those who possess these attributes, a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management will provide the knowledge and credentials needed to embark on a successful department administrator career. Plus, with Florida Tech’s 100% online program, professionals who are moving their way up the corporate ladder can continue working their jobs, gaining valuable experience and earning an income while they complete the career-advancing degree.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online BA in Business Administration – Management program.
