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How to Become a Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants in California

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants in California earn a median salary of $84,790/year, which is 14% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~4.7%. After taxes and rent, a executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants takes home approximately $3,922/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$85K
Median salary in California
+14%
vs. national average
4.7%
State income tax
63,250
Employed in California

What a executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants can afford in California

Gross annual salary$84,790
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.7% state tax)$5,334/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home26.5% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$84,790/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$3,922/mo

Becoming a executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants in California

1

Meet education requirements

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 63,250 executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$104K$50.01/hr6,110
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$101K$48.62/hr11,920
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$84K$40.48/hr520
Vallejo$83K$40.11/hr310
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$83K$39.73/hr5,820
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$82K$39.53/hr510
Modesto$82K$39.46/hr400
Napa$81K$39.02/hr210
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$81K$38.8/hr790
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$80K$38.63/hr22,660
Yuba City$80K$38.48/hr140
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$80K$38.41/hr3,400
Salinas$80K$38.39/hr330
Stockton-Lodi$79K$38.14/hr630
El Centro$79K$38.12/hr90

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$59K
25th percentile
$71K
Median (50th)
$85K
75th percentile
$104K
90th percentile (senior)
$129K
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Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants make in California?

The median executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants salary in California is $84,790 per year ($40.76/hr). This is 14% above the national median of $74,260. Salaries range from $58,920 to $128,770.

What are the requirements to become a executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants in California?

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $84,790, a executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants in California would take home approximately $5,334/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 26.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants in California?

The highest paying metro areas for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($104,010), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($101,130), Santa Rosa-Petaluma ($84,210). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.7%. On a $84,790 salary, this means roughly $4,023/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.