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How to Become an Administrator: Australian Careers in Administration

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What is a Administrator?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Administrator?

An Administrator keeps an organisation running day to day. They manage schedules, handle calls and emails, and keep records current so every team member can do their best work. The role suits people who enjoy variety, stay organised under pressure, and like being the person others rely on.

In a typical day, an Administrator handles incoming calls and emails, books meetings, and maintains files and records. They prepare reports, order office supplies, and help with basic budget tasks. No two days look the same, which keeps the role lively and fast-paced.

Administrators work closely with every part of the business. They welcome new staff and help teams stay on track. They also serve as the first point of contact for clients and visitors. This gives them a broad view of how the organisation works and strong ties across every team.

This is a solid career for anyone starting out in business or looking to build skills across many areas. With experience, Administrators can move into senior roles or focus on human resources and project work. They may also step up to office manager positions.

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Career snapshots For Administrators

Administration is a high-employment field in Australia. Clerical and Administrative Workers make up roughly 13% of the national workforce (Your Career, 2025). Employment in the sector grew by 1.4% in the year to 2025. The Administrative and Support Services industry employed around 434,200 people as of February 2026 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026).

The average salary for an Administrator in Australia is around $73,000 per year. Entry-level roles start at around $58,000. Senior administrators can earn up to $100,000 or more. The industry median weekly earnings are $1,494 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026). Part-time work is common, with around 40% of the sector working part-time hours.

Jobs are available across healthcare, education, finance, construction, government, and business services. The career offers clear paths to move up. Experienced Administrators often step into office manager, executive assistant, or project coordinator roles.

What will I do?

Administrators handle the day-to-day work that keeps an organisation running. Their tasks span communication, scheduling, record-keeping, and team support. Strong Administrators are proactive, reliable, and comfortable managing several responsibilities at once.

  • Manage office communications – Handle incoming and outgoing emails, phone calls, and mail.
  • Schedule appointments – Organise and maintain calendars for team members and management.
  • Maintain records – Keep files, documents, and databases accurate and up to date.
  • Prepare reports – Compile data and write reports to support business decisions.
  • Assist with budgeting – Track expenses and help prepare budget reports.
  • Coordinate office supplies – Monitor stock levels and place orders when needed.
  • Support HR functions – Help with onboarding new employees and maintaining staff records.
  • Facilitate communication – Act as a link between departments to keep information flowing.
  • Organise events – Plan meetings, training sessions, and company events end to end.
  • Implement office policies – Help develop and maintain office procedures to support productivity.

What skills do I need?

Success as an Administrator depends on a mix of practical and personal skills. Strong organisation is the core skill. You need to juggle multiple tasks, track deadlines, and keep data easy to find. Clear written and spoken communication matters just as much. Administrators deal with people inside and outside the business every day.

You will also need confidence with tools like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to switch tasks quickly are all key. Employers also value problem-solving skills and a calm manner that keeps things running when pressure builds.

Skills/attributes

  • Organisational skills
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Ability to multitask
  • Problem-solving
  • Customer service
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Adaptability
  • Basic financial and budgeting knowledge
  • Discretion and confidentiality
  • Project coordination
  • Knowledge of office procedures
  • Ability to work independently

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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.