What First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers this way: "Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Resolve customer complaints or answer customers' questions regarding policies and procedures"; "Supervise the work of office, administrative, or customer service employees to ensure adherence to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures, correcting errors or problems"; "Provide employees with guidance in handling difficult or complex problems or in resolving escalated complaints or disputes"; "Implement corporate or departmental policies, procedures, and service standards in conjunction with management"; "Discuss job performance problems with employees to identify causes and issues and to work on resolving problems".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years.
Job outlook for First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 1,506,100 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 1,507,000 in 2035, an increase of 900 jobs (+0.1%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 127,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $69,500, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers earn the most
Across the 35 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $60,725 in Oklahoma to $78,712 in California, a gap of $17,987 (1.30 times). 17 of those 35 states average above the BLS national median of $69,500 and 18 average at or below it.
Texas employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 152,110, which is 9.0% of the 1,681,360 counted across them. California follows with 143,190.
Highest-paying states
California ($78,712), New York ($78,593) and Washington ($78,488) lead the ranking, while Oklahoma ($60,725) and Arkansas ($62,710) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 55 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $39,779. The smallest margin is $20,644 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 55 of the 55 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 21.2% and 53.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Frequently asked questions about First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
How much do First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $69,500. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $60,725 to $78,712.
Which state pays First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $78,712. New York is next at $78,593.
Is First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 0.1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 127,400 openings a year.
What education do First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years, according to BLS.
Where can First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $39,779 on a median wage of $76,400.