How to Become a Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Washington
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Washington earn a median salary of $59,680/year, which is 10% above the national average. Washington has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a legal secretaries and administrative assistants takes home approximately $2,754/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a legal secretaries and administrative assistants can afford in Washington
Becoming a legal secretaries and administrative assistants in Washington
Meet education requirements
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants positions in Washington typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Washington. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many legal secretaries and administrative assistants positions in Washington require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Washington licensure or certification
Washington may require specific licensing or professional certification for legal secretaries and administrative assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Washington Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Washington
Washington employs 4,090 legal secretaries and administrative assistants. The highest concentrations are in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue and Kennewick-Richland.
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary by metro area in Washington
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $64K | $30.78/hr | 2,520 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $58K | $28.01/hr | 100 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | $52K | $24.96/hr | 170 |
| Longview-Kelso | $50K | $23.89/hr | 40 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | $50K | $23.84/hr | 210 |
| Bellingham | $49K | $23.51/hr | 80 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | $49K | $23.41/hr | 30 |
| Yakima | $48K | $23.23/hr | 70 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $48K | $23/hr | 360 |
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary range in Washington
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a legal secretaries and administrative assistants make in Washington?▼
The median legal secretaries and administrative assistants salary in Washington is $59,680 per year ($28.69/hr). This is 10% above the national median of $54,140. Salaries range from $42,470 to $81,990.
What are the requirements to become a legal secretaries and administrative assistants in Washington?▼
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants positions in Washington typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Washington may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Washington licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a legal secretaries and administrative assistants afford to live in Washington?▼
At the median salary of $59,680, a legal secretaries and administrative assistants in Washington would take home approximately $4,166/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 33.9% 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 Washington?▼
The highest paying metro areas for legal secretaries and administrative assistants in Washington are Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ($64,010), Kennewick-Richland ($58,260), Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard ($51,920). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Washington have state income tax for legal secretaries and administrative assistants?▼
No, Washington does not have a state income tax. This means legal secretaries and administrative assistants keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.