Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 1,737,820 secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives, and they earn a median of $46,290/year. The range runs from $32K to $64K. District of Columbia pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives start around $32K. The gap between that and the median ($46K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $64K, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $56K | 12,130 |
| Connecticut | $56K | 22,690 |
| Washington | $55K | 34,280 |
| Massachusetts | $54K | 34,570 |
| California | $53K | 169,670 |
| Rhode Island | $52K | 4,390 |
| Hawaii | $51K | 6,720 |
| Oregon | $50K | 23,260 |
| Minnesota | $50K | 30,160 |
| New Jersey | $50K | 60,320 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive make?▼
The median secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive salary in the United States is $46,290 per year ($22/hour). Entry-level positions start around $31,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,150.
What education do you need to become a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive?▼
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 secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives.
What are the highest paying states for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives?▼
The highest paying states for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives are District of Columbia ($55,800), Connecticut ($55,690), Washington ($54,560), Massachusetts ($53,690), California ($53,190). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.