The administrative profession is evolving, and if you’re in the Twin Cities metro area, 2026 brings both challenges and exciting opportunities. While traditional clerical roles may be declining, professional administrative positions are thriving—especially for those who adapt and grow their skill sets.
At KeyStaff Professionals, we’ve spent over 40 years helping administrative and office professionals in Minnesota find roles where they can truly excel. As a division of Midwest Staffing Group, we specialize in connecting talented professionals with companies that value their contributions. Let’s talk about what’s really happening in Minnesota’s administrative job market and how you can position yourself for success.
The State of Administrative Work in Minnesota
Minnesota’s administrative job market is at an interesting crossroads. Here’s what the data tells us:
The Numbers: Administrative assistants in the Twin Cities earn an average of $20-23 per hour ($42,000-$48,000 annually), with experienced professionals and specialized roles earning $25-30+ per hour ($52,000-$62,000+ annually).
The Reality: While general clerical positions are projected to decline by about 7% nationally due to automation, specialized administrative roles are actually growing. Medical secretaries are up 22%, and executive assistants, HR coordinators, and project coordinators are all seeing strong demand.
The Opportunity: Minnesota’s diverse economy—from healthcare and finance to technology and manufacturing—needs skilled administrative professionals who can do more than answer phones and file papers.
What’s Actually Changing in Administrative Work
Your Role Is Bigger Than You Think
Today’s administrative professionals aren’t just supporting executives—they’re coordinating projects, managing budgets, supporting HR initiatives, and helping with strategic planning. The job has evolved, and so has the pay.
If you’re still thinking of administrative work as “just a secretary,” you’re behind the times. Companies need strategic partners who can handle complex responsibilities, not just task-doers.
AI Is Your Assistant, Not Your Replacement
Yes, AI helps with emails, document summaries, calendar management, and routine tasks. But here’s what the headlines miss: 83% of managers are paying MORE for administrative professionals who can use AI effectively while bringing human judgment, emotional intelligence, and relationship skills.
Technology isn’t replacing you—it’s eliminating the boring parts of your job so you can focus on work that actually matters. The administrative professionals winning right now are the ones embracing these tools, not fighting them.
Specialized Skills Command Higher Salaries
The gap between general admin work and specialized administrative roles is widening. Consider these Twin Cities examples:
- Executive Assistant to C-Suite: $55,000-$75,000+
- HR Coordinator/Administrator: $48,000-$62,000
- Accounting/Finance Administrator: $50,000-$65,000
- Project Coordinator: $50,000-$68,000
- Office Manager: $52,000-$70,000
- Legal Assistant: $48,000-$65,000
The administrative professionals earning top dollar aren’t generalists—they’ve developed expertise in specific areas that make them invaluable.
Remote and Hybrid Work Persist
While 80% of administrative job postings in Minnesota are on-site, hybrid arrangements are becoming more common. The ability to work effectively both in-office and remotely is now a valued skill, not just a perk.
What Twin Cities Employers Really Want
After placing hundreds of administrative professionals across Minnesota, we know exactly what makes someone successful:
Tech Proficiency Beyond Basics: You need more than Microsoft Office skills. CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot), project management tools (Asana, Monday.com), and collaboration platforms (Slack, Teams) are increasingly standard.
Strategic Thinking: Can you anticipate needs before being asked? Do you understand how your work contributes to broader organizational goals? That’s the difference between an administrative assistant and an executive business partner.
Communication Excellence: Writing clear emails, managing stakeholder expectations, and translating between departments are daily requirements. Strong communicators are worth their weight in gold.
Adaptability and Learning: When new software rolls out or processes change, are you the person who figures it out quickly and helps others? That adaptability is increasingly essential.
Discretion and Judgment: Administrative professionals often handle confidential information and make judgment calls on priorities, scheduling, and communications. Trustworthiness isn’t optional.
Industries Hiring Administrative Talent in Minnesota
Healthcare: Medical secretaries, patient coordinators, clinic administrators. Pay: $42,000-$58,000
Finance and Professional Services: Financial services administrators, compliance coordinators, client services roles. Pay: $45,000-$65,000
Technology: Executive assistants, operations coordinators, office managers in fast-paced environments. Pay: $48,000-$70,000
Manufacturing: Operations administrators, purchasing coordinators, production schedulers. Pay: $42,000-$58,000
Legal: Legal assistants, paralegals managing documentation and client communication. Pay: $45,000-$65,000
Why Work with KeyStaff Professionals
Here’s the truth: you could apply directly to companies. So why work with us?
We Know the Hidden Market: Many of the best administrative positions never get posted publicly. Companies come to us first because they trust our screening and recommendations.
We Understand Fit Beyond the Resume: A job description tells you duties. We tell you about the actual work environment, management style, growth opportunities, and company culture. That insight helps you avoid bad fits.
We Negotiate on Your Behalf: When it comes to salary discussions, we advocate for you. We know what roles should pay in the Twin Cities market, and we push for fair compensation.
Temp-to-Hire Opens Doors: Many companies prefer hiring administrative professionals through temp-to-hire arrangements. It’s a working interview that benefits both sides—you get to evaluate the company while they evaluate you.
We Stay Connected: Unlike applying through a job board and never hearing back, we maintain regular contact. We check in during assignments, provide feedback, and support your career development.
How to Stand Out in Minnesota’s Administrative Job Market
Update Technical Skills: Learn CRM systems, project management tools, and basic data analysis through LinkedIn Learning or Coursera.
Highlight Specialized Experience: Specify accomplishments like “managed executive calendars across three time zones” rather than generic “performed administrative duties.”
Get Certifications: Consider CAP (Certified Administrative Professional) or specialized credentials in HR or project management.
Build Your LinkedIn Profile: A complete, professional profile with specific accomplishments helps you stand out to hiring managers.
Be Open to Contract Work: Many permanent positions start as temporary assignments that let you prove your value.
Getting Started with KeyStaff Professionals
Ready to explore administrative opportunities in the Twin Cities?
Step 1: Connect with Us
We’ll have a real conversation about your experience, skills, career goals, and what you’re looking for. No robotic screening calls—just genuine dialogue about your career.
Step 2: Share Your Story
We want to understand not just what you’ve done, but how you work, what environments help you thrive, and where you want to grow. This helps us find truly good matches, not just open positions.
Step 3: Let Us Do the Work
We’ll match you with opportunities that fit your skills and goals, handle interview coordination, provide feedback, and advocate for you throughout the process.
Step 4: Succeed in Your New Role
Whether you start in a contract position or direct hire, we stay connected. Need advice? Having challenges? Want to discuss your next career move? We’re here.
The Bottom Line
Administrative work in 2026 looks different than it did even five years ago. The professionals thriving in this market are those who’ve evolved beyond traditional clerical work into strategic, tech-savvy business partners who add real value to their organizations.
The opportunities exist—in healthcare, finance, technology, manufacturing, legal services, and beyond. The question is whether you’re positioning yourself to capture them.
At KeyStaff Professionals, we’re not just filling positions. We’re building careers and helping companies find administrative professionals who become integral to their success. With over 40 years of combined industry experience and deep Twin Cities connections, we know this market inside and out.
FAQ’S
Administrative assistants in Minnesota earn an average of $20-23 per hour ($42,000-$48,000 annually). However, this varies significantly based on experience, specialization, and industry. Entry-level positions start around $17-19 per hour, while experienced executive assistants and specialized administrative professionals can earn $25-30+ per hour ($52,000-$62,000+ annually). Healthcare, finance, and technology sectors typically pay higher than average.
It’s mixed. General clerical positions are declining by about 7% due to automation. However, specialized administrative roles are growing. Medical secretaries are up 22%, and positions like executive assistants, HR coordinators, project coordinators, and office managers are seeing strong demand. The key is specialization—administrative professionals who develop expertise in specific areas and embrace technology are finding excellent opportunities.
Beyond Microsoft Office, you need CRM system experience (Salesforce, HubSpot), project management tools (Asana, Monday.com), collaboration platforms (Slack, Teams), and basic data analysis. Soft skills are equally important: strategic thinking, excellent written/verbal communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and discretion. AI literacy is increasingly valuable—knowing how to use AI tools to enhance your productivity sets you apart.
Not always. While some executive-level administrative positions prefer bachelor’s degrees, many employers prioritize demonstrated skills and experience over formal education. Certifications like CAP (Certified Administrative Professional) or specialized credentials in HR, project management, or legal administration can substitute for degrees and demonstrate commitment to your profession.
Contract (or temporary) positions are for a specific duration—you know from the start it’s temporary work. Contract-to-hire (temp-to-hire) positions are working interviews: you work temporarily (typically 3-6 months) with the possibility of permanent hire if both you and the employer determine it’s a good fit. Direct hire means you’re hired permanently from day one. Many companies prefer temp-to-hire for administrative roles to evaluate cultural fit and performance before permanent offers.
Timeline varies based on your experience, what you’re looking for, and current market demand. For qualified candidates who are flexible on position type and schedule, we can often arrange interviews within a week or two. More specialized positions or candidates seeking specific arrangements may take longer. On average, most candidates we work with are in new positions within 4-6 weeks of initial contact.
Healthcare is the largest employer of administrative professionals in Minnesota, followed by finance/professional services, technology, manufacturing, education, legal services, and government. The Twin Cities metro has a diverse economy, meaning administrative opportunities exist across nearly every sector. Healthcare and technology typically offer the highest growth potential currently.
Some positions offer remote or hybrid arrangements, but most administrative roles (about 80%) require at least partial on-site presence. Executive assistants, receptionists, and office managers typically work on-site, while some specialized roles like data administrators, HR coordinators, or project coordinators may have remote or hybrid options. The ability to work effectively in both settings is becoming a valued skill.
Specialize in a high-value area (HR, finance, legal, project management), pursue relevant certifications, develop advanced technical skills, take on project coordination responsibilities, and build relationships across your organization. Many administrative professionals advance to office manager, HR generalist, project manager, or executive business partner roles. Working with KeyStaff Professionals gives you exposure to different companies and industries, accelerating your professional growth.
Staffing agencies have access to positions not publicly advertised, understand company culture beyond job descriptions, negotiate salary on your behalf, and provide career guidance throughout the process. For administrative roles specifically, many companies prefer hiring through agencies for temp-to-hire arrangements, which means working with KeyStaff Professionals actually gives you access to more opportunities, not fewer. We also provide ongoing support and career coaching that direct applications don’t offer.
Ready to take your administrative career to the next level? Contact KeyStaff Professionals today or call us at (952) 300-6795. Let’s talk about where you are, where you want to go, and how we can help you get there. Your next great opportunity is waiting.
For employers seeking exceptional administrative talent, let’s connect. We specialize in finding administrative professionals who become strategic partners to your business. Let’s discuss your needs and how we can support your success in 2026.
