How to Become a Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in New York
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in New York earn a median salary of $74,400/year, which is 37% above the national average. New York has a state income tax of ~4.7%. After taxes and rent, a legal secretaries and administrative assistants takes home approximately $3,358/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a legal secretaries and administrative assistants can afford in New York
Becoming a legal secretaries and administrative assistants in New York
Meet education requirements
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants positions in New York typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across New York. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many legal secretaries and administrative assistants positions in New York require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain New York licensure or certification
New York may require specific licensing or professional certification for legal secretaries and administrative assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the New York Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in New York
New York employs 15,430 legal secretaries and administrative assistants. The highest concentrations are in New York-Newark-Jersey City and Albany-Schenectady-Troy.
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary by metro area in New York
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $74K | $35.77/hr | 14,530 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $54K | $25.85/hr | 460 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | $52K | $24.85/hr | 290 |
| Rochester | $50K | $24.09/hr | 330 |
| Binghamton | $48K | $23.19/hr | 120 |
| Syracuse | $48K | $23.01/hr | 270 |
| Kingston | $48K | $22.9/hr | 70 |
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary range in New York
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a legal secretaries and administrative assistants make in New York?▼
The median legal secretaries and administrative assistants salary in New York is $74,400 per year ($35.77/hr). This is 37% above the national median of $54,140. Salaries range from $38,650 to $103,380.
What are the requirements to become a legal secretaries and administrative assistants in New York?▼
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants positions in New York typically require High school diploma or equivalent. New York may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the New York licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a legal secretaries and administrative assistants afford to live in New York?▼
At the median salary of $74,400, a legal secretaries and administrative assistants in New York would take home approximately $4,770/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 29.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for legal secretaries and administrative assistants in New York?▼
The highest paying metro areas for legal secretaries and administrative assistants in New York are New York-Newark-Jersey City ($74,400), Albany-Schenectady-Troy ($53,770), Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh ($51,690). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does New York have state income tax for legal secretaries and administrative assistants?▼
Yes, New York has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.7%. On a $74,400 salary, this means roughly $3,487/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.