Career guides / Careers in administration
Careers in administration
Administration staff are the operational backbone of public sector organisations.
Day-to-day work typically involves managing correspondence and enquiries, maintaining records and databases, coordinating diaries and meetings, taking minutes, processing forms and applications, and supporting senior leaders.
Discover current vacancies, an overview of key roles, salary expectations, and answers to common questions about getting into administration.
Explore the latest opportunities below and find a role that fits your skills and career needs.
66 employers, including local authorities, civil service, and schools, are hiring administration staff in the UK.
Types of administration roles in the UK
The most common job titles advertised on Jobs Go Public for administration include:
- Administrator
- Business Support Officer
- Administration Officer
- Administrative Assistant
- Personal/Executive Assistant
- Receptionist
- Secretary
- Senior Admin Officer
- Data/Records/Information Officer
- Service Support
- Diary Manager
- Business Coordinator
- Apprentice
- Office Manager
Salary overview for admin jobs in the UK
Salaries vary depending on the role, experience level, employer, and location.
Typical average salary ranges in 2026:
- Entry level: £21,938 - £27,983 per year
- Mid level: £24,730 - £31,022 per year
- Senior level: £29,303 - £39,152 per year
FAQs about careers in administration
What is an administration job?
Administration jobs involve providing office support that keeps organisations running smoothly. Administrators handle correspondence, organise meetings, maintain records, process data, and support teams with day-to-day operations. In the public sector, admin roles span councils, schools, NHS trusts, government departments, and charities.
Common job titles include Administrative Assistant, Administrative Officer, Business Support Officer, and Clerical Officer. These roles suit organised, detail-focused people who enjoy varied work. Many positions welcome candidates without degrees, making administration an accessible entry point into public sector careers.
What does an administrator do day-to-day?
Daily tasks typically include answering calls and emails, greeting visitors, scheduling meetings, and maintaining filing systems. Administrators manage diaries, book rooms, order supplies, and handle post.
Data entry and record-keeping feature heavily, whether updating databases, processing forms, or preparing reports. Many roles involve supporting managers with correspondence, taking meeting minutes, and coordinating across departments.
The variety appeals to many people because no two days are identical, and you'll develop broad organisational skills.
What skills do I need for administration jobs?
Core skills include written and verbal communication, IT proficiency (particularly Microsoft Office), and strong organisational abilities. Employers value attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to prioritise workloads.
Customer service skills matter as you'll often be the first point of contact for colleagues and the public. Being approachable, professional, and calm under pressure helps you handle varied enquiries effectively.
Soft skills like adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving are equally important.
How much do administrative assistants earn?
Administrative assistant salaries in the UK public sector typically range from £22,000 to £28,000 annually. Entry-level positions start around £21,000-£24,000, with experienced administrators earning £26,000-£33,000.
In the NHS, admin roles usually fall within Bands 2-4. London weighting adds £3,000-£5,000 to base pay.
Beyond salary, public sector roles offer generous annual leave, pension schemes, and flexible working options.
How do I get into administration with no experience?
Many employers welcome candidates without formal admin experience for entry-level roles. Transferable skills from retail, hospitality, volunteering, or education all count.
Highlight relevant abilities in applications: customer service, computer literacy, organisation, and communication. Any experience handling enquiries or managing information demonstrates valuable skills.
Apprenticeships offer an excellent route, combining paid work with training towards Level 2 or 3 qualifications in Business Administration. Temporary roles can also build experience quickly.
What is the career path for an administrative assistant?
Administration offers clear progression routes. Entry-level assistants can advance to Senior Administrator, Team Coordinator, or Office Supervisor roles with experience.
From there, pathways include Office Manager, Executive Assistant, or moving into specialist areas like HR, finance, or project support. Some administrators progress into management roles overseeing entire business support functions.
The public sector supports development through training programmes, apprenticeships, and professional qualifications. Many senior managers started their careers in administrative roles.
