Job Description

The government hires extensively for admin positions, from administrative assistants and clerks to administrative officers. The variety of government agencies can make it possible to match up with a mission that’s meaningful to you.

While you might think working in government means floundering in red tape, admins who work for the government rave about their interesting jobs. Plus, their salaries, benefits and job security equal or outpace those of corporate posts.

Working for the government pays. Since government salaries are set by Congress, state legislatures and local governing bodies, raises are guaranteed by law. Legislated cost-of-living adjustments ensure that your salary match the salaries of private-sector jobs. An additional payoff is the gratification that comes with doing something good for one’s community.

Median Salary

Average of $30,350 plus benefits packages (U.S. Local Government)

Education Requirements

Government admins must have a high school degree or equivalent certification. More than ever, however, the government expects advanced degrees from potential employees. You must also be proficient in the English language. In order to be a competitive job candidate, ideally one should pursue a degree in Public Administration or Political Science.

Job Outlook

In 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that there were 1,618,000 administrative assistants and executive assistants in the U.S. By 2016, this number is projected to grow by 15% or 239,000 jobs to 1,857,000 administrative assistants. This is faster than the average for all jobs in the U.S., which means the opportunities in this area are plentiful. Government is well-known as a recession-proof field.