Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 830,760 medical secretaries and administrative assistants, and they earn a median of $44,640/year. The range runs from $35K to $60K. Washington pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level medical secretaries and administrative assistants start around $35K. The gap between that and the median ($45K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $60K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $57K | 11,650 |
| California | $53K | 116,890 |
| Massachusetts | $50K | 22,110 |
| Oregon | $50K | 15,530 |
| Minnesota | $49K | 16,240 |
| Connecticut | $49K | 5,010 |
| Hawaii | $49K | 2,490 |
| Alaska | $48K | 2,260 |
| New York | $48K | 34,170 |
| Rhode Island | $48K | 1,900 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical secretaries and administrative assistants make?▼
The median medical secretaries and administrative assistants salary in the United States is $44,640 per year ($21/hour). Entry-level positions start around $35,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,050.
What education do you need to become a medical secretaries and administrative assistants?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for medical secretaries and administrative assistants?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for medical secretaries and administrative assistants.
What are the highest paying states for medical secretaries and administrative assistants?▼
The highest paying states for medical secretaries and administrative assistants are Washington ($56,920), California ($52,720), Massachusetts ($50,190), Oregon ($49,570), Minnesota ($48,820). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.