Secretaries and Administrative Assistants: $48,310 median salary, 3.3 million jobs
Secretaries and administrative assistants earn a median wage of $48,310 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average pay works out to about $53,310, or roughly $23 an hour. The bottom 10% earn $35,360 or less, while the top 10% take home $77,720 or more.
How much Secretaries and Administrative Assistants earn
The national median salary for secretaries and administrative assistants is $48,310. Half of workers earn more than that, half less. The top earners — perhaps those with specialized skills or in high-cost areas — can exceed $77,720. Entry-level positions or those in lower-wage regions start around $35,360.
Salaries vary widely by industry, experience, and location. The BLS figures are updated annually from employer surveys.
- National median: $48,310
- National mean: $53,310
- 10th percentile: $35,360
- 90th percentile: $77,720
Pay by state
The BLS does not currently provide state-level pay data for this occupation in its latest releases. Typically, wages reflect local cost of living and industry mix. Highly urban states like New York, California, and Massachusetts tend to pay above the national median, while rural states like Mississippi or Arkansas often pay below.
How to become a Secretary or Administrative Assistant
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, plus on-the-job training. Some employers prefer candidates with an associate's degree in office administration or a related field. Key skills include typing, software proficiency (Word, Excel, scheduling tools), and strong communication.
Certification, while not mandatory, can boost your resume. For example, the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) credential from the International Association of Administrative Professionals demonstrates competency.
- High school diploma minimum; some college preferred
- On-the-job training typically lasts a few weeks to months
- Optional: CAP certification from IAAP
- Essential skills: typing (40+ wpm), office software, organization
Job outlook
The BLS projects no data available for employment growth from 2024 to 2034 for secretaries and administrative assistants. However, the occupation employs 3.284 million people nationally. Automation and digital tools may slow demand somewhat, but many roles require human judgment and interpersonal skills.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for secretaries and administrative assistants?
The national median annual salary is $48,310, with a mean of $53,310.
What is the typical salary range?
The bottom 10% earn $35,360 or less; the top 10% earn $77,720 or more.
How many secretaries and administrative assistants are employed in the U.S.?
The BLS reports 3,284,600 workers in this occupation as of the latest data.
What education do I need to become a secretary or administrative assistant?
A high school diploma is typical, but an associate's degree or certification can improve prospects.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Secretaries and Administrative Assistants data.