Job Outlook
Office Professionals, including supervisors and administrative assistants, is one of the largest occupations in the U.S. economy (approx. 5.66 million in 2006). Secretaries and Administrative Assistants will have among the largest growth in new jobs from the year 2006 to 2016. Numerous job opportunities will also arise from the need to replace Secretaries and Administrative Assistants who transfer to other occupations, especially exceptionally skilled Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants who often move into other professional occupations. As the reliance on technology continues to expand in offices, the role of the Office Professional has greatly evolved. Opportunities should be very good for those with extensive knowledge of software applications and advanced computer and communication skills.¹*

Earning Potential
Salaries for Office Professional occupations vary widely depending upon experience and geographical location. In 2007, Office Professionals earned an average of $31,200 nationally and $32,520 in Illinois; average earnings for Secretaries (except legal, medical, and executive) was $29,190 nationally and $29,850 in Illinois; average earnings for Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants was $40,700 nationally and $42,540 in Illinois; average earnings for Office Managers was $47,620 nationally and $51,630 in Illinois.*

Academic/Career Advancement
Experienced Office Professionals are often promoted to train, supervise, or manage other administrative support staff. They may also advance to successful careers in other occupations such as sales, marketing, and business administration. Parkland offers Office Professional graduates an option to transfer their A.A.S. toward a B.S. in Career and Organizational Studies from Eastern Illinois University (EIU). Opportunities to earn higher degrees are also available through 2+2 agreements with other colleges and universities such as Franklin, Greenville, and Regis.