Administrative, property and payroll officers

How to become an administrative officer

Official title: Administrative officers

Also called: Claims officer, Liaison officer, Privacy officer, Planning officer, Ombudsman officer, Student aid officer, Financial aid officer, Administration officer, Administrative analyst, Administrative officer, Implementation officer, Surplus assets officer

Administrative officers oversee and implement administrative procedures, establish work priorities, conduct analyses of administrative operations and coordinate acquisition of administrative services such as office space, supplies and security services. They are employed throughout the public and private sectors. Administrative officers who are supervisors are included in this unit group.

Main tasks

Oversee and coordinate office administrative procedures and review, evaluate and implement new procedures
Establish work priorities, delegate work to office support staff, and ensure deadlines are met and procedures are followed
Carry out administrative activities associated with admissions to post-secondary educational institutions
Administer policies and procedures related to the release of records in processing requests under government access to information and privacy legislation
Coordinate and plan for office services, such as accommodation, relocations, equipment, supplies, forms, disposal of assets, parking, maintenance and security services
Conduct analyses and oversee administrative operations related to budgeting, contracting and project planning and management processes
Assist in preparation of operating budget and maintain inventory and budgetary controls
Assemble data and prepare periodic and special reports, manuals and correspondence

How to become one

Completion of secondary school is required. A university degree or college diploma in business or public administration may be required. Experience in a senior clerical or executive secretarial position related to office administration is usually required. Project management certification may be required by some employers.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Ways in

College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 36% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Business administration, management and operations; Business operations support and assistant services; Accounting and related services.

Pay · Outlook

Median pay: $56,550 a year The middle half earn $47,814 to $70,181.
About 238,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 271,300 are projected by 2033. (+13.8%)
Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Questions people ask

How do I become an administrative officer?

How much does an administrative officer earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $56,550 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $47,814 to $70,181.

Is an administrative officer a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2033, from about 238,500 to about 271,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become an administrative officer?

Not always. 32% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.

Sources

Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03