Employment of administrative services managers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Administrative tasks, including facility management and records and information management, will remain important in a wide range of industries.
A greater focus on the environmental impact and energy efficiency of buildings will keep facility managers in demand. Improving energy efficiency can reduce costs and often is required by regulation. For example, building codes typically ensure that buildings meet environmental standards. Facility managers will be needed to oversee these improvements, in areas from heating and air-conditioning systems to roofing. In addition, facility managers will be needed to plan for natural disasters, ensuring that any damage to a building will be minimal and that the organization can get back to work quickly.
Technology also is expected to affect the work of facility managers in upcoming years. “Smart building” technology will provide facility managers with timely and detailed information, such as equipment failure alerts and reminders to perform maintenance. This information will allow facility managers to complete their work more efficiently and may reduce the total number of managers needed to perform these tasks.
Contract administrators also are expected to be in demand as organizations contract out many services, such as food services, janitorial services, grounds maintenance, and equipment repair.
Records and information managers also are expected to see employment growth. Demand is expected to be particularly strong for those working in “information governance,” which includes the privacy and legal aspects of records management. As new technologies such as cloud computing and mobile devices continue to be introduced, records and information managers will have a critical role in helping organizations address the impact of the new technology on the organization's records and information management practices.
Job Prospects
Applicants will likely face strong competition for the limited number of higher level administrative services management jobs. However, an increase in the expected number of retirements in upcoming years should produce more job openings. In addition, competition should be less intense for lower level management jobs. Job prospects also are expected to be better for those who can manage a wide range of responsibilities than for those who specialize in particular functions.
Administrative Services Managers
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Administrative services managers
8%
Operations specialties managers
7%
Total, all occupations
7%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
With the Career Query Tool you can search our career profile database by setting specific criteria, such as salary, location and educational requirements!