How to Become a Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Pennsylvania
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $49,330/year, which is 9% below the national average. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of ~3.1%. After taxes and rent, a legal secretaries and administrative assistants takes home approximately $1,935/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a legal secretaries and administrative assistants can afford in Pennsylvania
Becoming a legal secretaries and administrative assistants in Pennsylvania
Meet education requirements
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants positions in Pennsylvania typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Pennsylvania. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many legal secretaries and administrative assistants positions in Pennsylvania require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Pennsylvania licensure or certification
Pennsylvania may require specific licensing or professional certification for legal secretaries and administrative assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania employs 6,440 legal secretaries and administrative assistants. The highest concentrations are in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington and Reading.
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary by metro area in Pennsylvania
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $58K | $28.04/hr | 3,920 |
| Reading | $56K | $26.89/hr | 100 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $51K | $24.31/hr | 480 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $51K | $24.31/hr | 340 |
| York-Hanover | $50K | $23.93/hr | 120 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre | $48K | $23.1/hr | 240 |
| Chambersburg | $48K | $23.03/hr | 60 |
| State College | $48K | $22.87/hr | 60 |
| Lancaster | $47K | $22.8/hr | 160 |
| Lebanon | $47K | $22.52/hr | 50 |
| Pittsburgh | $47K | $22.35/hr | 1,430 |
| Altoona | $40K | $19/hr | 90 |
| Williamsport | $39K | $18.79/hr | 30 |
| Erie | $39K | $18.6/hr | 110 |
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary range in Pennsylvania
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a legal secretaries and administrative assistants make in Pennsylvania?▼
The median legal secretaries and administrative assistants salary in Pennsylvania is $49,330 per year ($23.72/hr). This is 9% below the national median of $54,140. Salaries range from $34,620 to $74,750.
What are the requirements to become a legal secretaries and administrative assistants in Pennsylvania?▼
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants positions in Pennsylvania typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Pennsylvania may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Pennsylvania licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a legal secretaries and administrative assistants afford to live in Pennsylvania?▼
At the median salary of $49,330, a legal secretaries and administrative assistants in Pennsylvania would take home approximately $3,347/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 42.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for legal secretaries and administrative assistants in Pennsylvania?▼
The highest paying metro areas for legal secretaries and administrative assistants in Pennsylvania are Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington ($58,310), Reading ($55,930), Harrisburg-Carlisle ($50,550). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Pennsylvania have state income tax for legal secretaries and administrative assistants?▼
Yes, Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.1%. On a $49,330 salary, this means roughly $1,514/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.