Employment of administrative services managers is expected to grow 15 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Tasks such as managing facilities and being prepared for emergencies will remain important in a wide range of industries. 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.
Employment growth is also expected as organizations increasingly realize the importance of operating their facilities efficiently.
In addition, facility managers will be in demand because there will be a greater focus on the environmental impact and energy efficiency of the buildings they manage. Improving energy efficiency can reduce costs and is often 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 systems to roofing.
Contract administrators are also expected to be in demand as organizations contract out many services, such as food services, janitorial services, grounds maintenance, and repair.
Applicants will likely face strong competition for the limited number of higher level administrative services management jobs. Competition should be less severe 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.
In addition to the new administrative services management jobs expected to arise through growth in the occupation, many job openings will stem from the need to replace workers who transfer to other jobs, retire, or leave the occupation for other reasons.
Job opportunities may vary from year to year because the strength of the economy affects demand for administrative services managers. Industries least likely to be affected by economic fluctuations are usually the most stable places for employment.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition