Why 2026 is a great year to be an administrative assistant

Article

The administrative assistant role has changed a lot in recent years. These professionals have long focused on helping individual teams, full departments and entire organizations stay organized and run smoothly. But today’s administrative assistants tackle much more, including managing projects, helping implement safety and other office protocols, and troubleshooting tech problems, from both remote and in-person locations.

That shift means more responsibility, sure. But it also means better pay, more engaging work and improved career growth opportunities. If you’re considering administrative assistant jobs, 2026 is a great time to jump in.

What can an administrative assistant earn in 2026?

The starting administrative assistant salary in Canada typically ranges from $53,500 to $68,750, according to the latest Canada Salary Guide From Robert Half. Where you fall in that range depends on your experience, the company’s location, current demand for the role and other factors.

Administrative assistant job description

Administrative assistants with strong business acumen and initiative may be involved in project management, purchasing decisions and new-employee orientation. It really depends on the company, but an administrative assistant's job description usually includes:

Administrative and office support for multiple supervisors or employees, including the creation of documents, spreadsheets and presentations

Office system administration, including data entry, records maintenance and look-up, and report development and retrieval

Office management, including managing office supplies and equipment and handling incoming and outgoing mail, packages and couriers

Training other employees on new technology

Data research

Calendar management, including scheduling and coordinating appointments, meetings, conferences and travel

Event planning

Read: 30 Admin Interview Questions to Expect

Administrative assistant skills employers look for in 2026

The core skills haven’t changed: You still need strong communication, good organization and the flexibility to handle changing priorities. What has changed is the technology side of the job.

Though being tech savvy isn’t a new requirement, employers increasingly want administrative assistant candidates who can work with generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. These tools can help draft emails, summarize meeting notes, clean up data and create presentation templates in a fraction of the time it takes to do these tasks manually. If you can show an employer you’re comfortable with AI—and know when to use it and when not to—you’ll stand out from other applicants.

Find your next administrative assistant job

Skilled administrative assistants are in demand across Canada. If you’re ready to start looking, submit your resume to Robert Half or browse open administrative assistant jobs in these cities:

Administrative assistant jobs in Toronto, ON

Administrative assistant jobs in Vancouver, BC

Administrative assistant jobs in Calgary, AB

Administrative assistant jobs in Winnipeg, MB

Administrative Professionals Day 2025: An Opportunity to Say Thank You

15 Tips for How to Boost Productivity — No Matter Where You Work From

5 Qualities Every Successful Administrative Assistant Shares