Office manager: Salary and conditions

• Range of typical starting salaries: £18,500 - £30,000.
• Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience (e.g. after 10 - 15 years in the role): £30,000 - £50,000.
• Salaries vary significantly between organisations and usually depend on the size of the team you manage, the responsibilities of the post, the size of the organisation and the type of industry you are employed in.
• Working hours are usually nine to five, although office managers are often expected to come in early and work late during busy periods.
• Work is office-based. In a small organisation, the office manager may share a room with other administrative staff or even manage an office alone. In bigger organisations, the office manager oversees the work of a large body of staff, who may work in a number of small rooms throughout a building or in vast, open-plan offices.
• There are few opportunities for self-employment, although starting your own business often requires taking on many of the functions of an office manager.
• Although most office manager positions are offered as full-time posts, part-time work is sometimes available. Some organisations offer job-sharing.
• Gender balance in this role varies between sectors. Industries that employ a higher percentage of women than men, such as education or health, are more likely to recruit female office managers, bearing in mind that candidates are often recruited internally. The reverse is true for male-dominated professions. However, in many industries there is a fairly equal gender balance.
• Jobs are available throughout the UK. There are more jobs in towns and cities, although office managers are also needed in smaller businesses in rural locations.
• In most posts, smart, professional dress is expected, particularly in customer-facing roles.
• The work may be stressful, since an office manager is often responsible for meeting targets and deadlines and for disciplining staff.
• Some travel during the day may be necessary, particularly in split site locations. Travel to other parts of the UK for training and conferences and, in large organisations, to other branch offices, may also be required, sometimes involving overnight absence from home. Overseas travel is rarely needed.

Salary figures are intended as a guide only.