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How to Become an Administrative Officer: Australian Careers in Government

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What is a Administrative Officer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Administrative Officer?

An Admin Officer keeps a business running day to day. They handle schedules, files, budgets, and team contact. The role is found in government, health, education, and corporate sectors.

Admin Officers run tasks across teams. They track bills, accounts, and write up finance reports. Many also help draft and update work policies. Being well-organised and detail-focused is key to the role.

The job also has a planning side. Officers look at how current processes work and find ways to improve them. This makes the role both hands-on and strategic. It suits people who like variety and solving problems.

A career as an Admin Officer is stable and well-regarded. It opens doors across many sectors. With time and experience, officers can move up to team leader, office manager, or senior admin roles.

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Career snapshots For Administrative Officers

Admin Officers are in steady demand across Australia. The admin and support services sector employs around 434,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The sector grew by 2,700 workers (0.6%) in the year to February 2026.

Most Admin Officers work full-time, though part-time roles are widely available. Around 40% of sector workers are part-time (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age in the sector is 41. Female workers make up 52% of the workforce.

Average pay is around $28.13 per hour (PayScale, 2026). Annual pay ranges from around $50,000 for entry-level roles to over $85,000 for senior positions. With time and experience, Admin Officers can move up to office manager, project admin, or executive assistant roles.

What will I do?

Admin Officers take on a wide range of tasks each day. They keep the admin side of the business running well. From booking meetings to writing finance reports, no two days look the same.

  • Run team activities – keep teams working together and on track.
  • Track budgets and bills – oversee accounts and write up finance statements.
  • Write and update policies – help create and review procedures that guide the workplace.
  • Handle contact and messages – manage emails, calls, and info flow across the business.
  • Keep records and databases – ensure documents and data are correct and easy to find.
  • Support project work – help track timelines, resources, and key reports.
  • Help with hiring – run interviews and handle new-starter admin tasks.
  • Write reports and slides – compile data and create docs for internal and external use.

What skills do I need?

Admin Officers need both practical and people skills. Good filing, time management, and focus on detail are all key. They must handle many tasks at once and keep records right. Skill with Microsoft Office is a must in most roles.

Clear writing and talking are also vital. Admin Officers work with staff, clients, and vendors each day. They must write well, speak clearly, and handle all types of queries. Problem-solving and staying calm under change also help officers do their job well.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong organisational skills
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management and prioritisation
  • Ability to multitask
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Customer service skills
  • Basic financial management knowledge
  • Data entry and database management
  • Team collaboration
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Knowledge of office procedures
  • Ability to handle confidential information
  • Proactive work approach

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.