15 administrative jobs that may surprise you

What does administrative mean?

That depends on the industry or organization you're considering. Administrative jobs were thought to be "secretaries" and "office assistants" in the 1950s, but this profession has grown to encompass many diverse roles, job descriptions and responsibilities. Administration is now an integral part of every company and government in the 21st century. There's a job for just about anyone looking to build a career on this top 15 list.

Business and Finance:

1. Bill and account collectors recover payment on overdue bills. They negotiate repayment plans with debtors and help them find solutions to make paying their overdue bills easier.
Salary: Collectors typically earns between $31,000 and $130,000 annually with a median salary of $60,000.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent

2. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks produce financial records for organizations. They record financial transactions, update statements and check financial records for accuracy.
Salary: Bookkeeper typically earns between $38,500 and $112,500 annually with a median salary of $62,500.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent

3. Tellers are responsible for accurately processing routine transactions at a bank. These transactions include cashing checks, depositing money and collecting loan payments.
Salary: Bank Tellers typically earn between $30,000 and $103,000 annually with a median salary of $52,000.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent

4. Financial clerks do administrative work for banking, insurance and other companies. They keep records, help customers and carry out financial transactions.
Salary: Financial Clerk typically earn between $35,000 and $87,000 annually with a median salary of $51,500.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Warehouse:

5. Cargo and freight agents coordinate and facilitate incoming and outgoing shipments for transportation companies and other businesses.
Salary: $37,150
Education: High school diploma or equivalent

6. Couriers and messengers transport documents and packages for individuals, businesses, institutions and government agencies.
Average annual salary: $24,080
Education requirement: High school diploma or equivalent

7. Customer service representatives interact with customers on behalf of an organization. They provide information about products and services and respond to customer complaints. Some also take orders and process returns.
Average annual salary: $30,460
Education requirement: High school diploma or equivalent

8. Information clerks provide administrative and clerical support in a variety of settings. They help maintain records, collect data and information and respond to customers' questions or concerns.
Average annual salary: $29,990
Education requirement: High school diploma or equivalent; however, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have some college education or an associate's degree or higher.

9. Material recording clerks keep track of information to keep businesses and supply chains on schedule. They ensure proper scheduling, recordkeeping and inventory control.
Average annual salary: $24,100
Education requirement: High school diploma or equivalent. Production, planning and expediting clerks need to have some basic computer skills and candidates who have taken some business classes may be given preference over those who haven't.

Office support:

10. Desktop publishers use computer software to design page layouts for newspapers, books, brochures and other items that will be printed or put online. They collect the text, graphics and other materials they will need and then format them into a finished product.
Average annual salary: $36,610
Education requirement: Associate's degree

11. General office clerks do a broad range of administrative tasks, including answering telephones, typing or word processing and filing. However, tasks vary widely in different jobs.
Average annual salary: $26,610
Education requirement: High school diploma or equivalent

12. Receptionists perform various administrative tasks, including answering telephones and giving information to the public and customers.
Average annual salary: $25,240
Education requirement: High school diploma or equivalent

13. Secretaries and administrative assistants perform routine clerical and organizational tasks. They organize files, draft messages, schedule appointments and support other staff.
Average annual salary: $34,660
Education requirement: High school diploma or equivalent

Government and local services:

14. Police, fire and ambulance dispatchers answer emergency and non-emergency calls. They take information from the caller and send the appropriate type and number of units.
Average annual salary: $35,370
Education requirement: High school diploma or equivalent

15. Postal service workers sell postal products and collect, sort and deliver mail.
Average annual salary: $53,090
Education requirement: High school diploma or equivalent

*Job descriptions, education requirements and average annual salary from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Don't forget: Administrative Professionals' Day is always Wednesday of the last full week in April.