How to Become a Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in California
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in California earn a median salary of $52,720/year, which is 18% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~2.8%. After taxes and rent, a medical secretaries and administrative assistants takes home approximately $2,167/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a medical secretaries and administrative assistants can afford in California
Becoming a medical secretaries and administrative assistants in California
Meet education requirements
Medical Secretaries and 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.
Gain required experience
Many medical secretaries and 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.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for medical secretaries and administrative assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 116,890 medical secretaries and administrative assistants. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $67K | $32.4/hr | 5,890 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $61K | $29.37/hr | 14,000 |
| Napa | $61K | $29.3/hr | 480 |
| Vallejo | $60K | $28.97/hr | 940 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $57K | $27.39/hr | 1,170 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $56K | $27.07/hr | 7,640 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $52K | $24.98/hr | 840 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $52K | $24.8/hr | 2,740 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $51K | $24.41/hr | 45,160 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $50K | $24.26/hr | 10,320 |
| Salinas | $50K | $24.25/hr | 980 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $50K | $23.98/hr | 620 |
| Chico | $49K | $23.48/hr | 620 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $48K | $23.24/hr | 930 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $48K | $23.17/hr | 10,750 |
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary range in California
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical secretaries and administrative assistants make in California?▼
The median medical secretaries and administrative assistants salary in California is $52,720 per year ($25.34/hr). This is 18% above the national median of $44,640. Salaries range from $38,070 to $73,990.
What are the requirements to become a medical secretaries and administrative assistants in California?▼
Medical Secretaries and 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 medical secretaries and administrative assistants afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $52,720, a medical secretaries and administrative assistants in California would take home approximately $3,579/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 39.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for medical secretaries and administrative assistants in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for medical secretaries and administrative assistants in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($67,380), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($61,090), Napa ($60,940). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for medical secretaries and administrative assistants?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.8%. On a $52,720 salary, this means roughly $1,454/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.