How to Become a Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in California
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives in California earn a median salary of $53,190/year, which is 15% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~2.8%. After taxes and rent, a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive takes home approximately $2,196/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive can afford in California
Becoming a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive in California
Meet education requirements
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive 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 secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive 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 secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives. 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 169,670 secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $61K | $29.42/hr | 8,800 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $60K | $29/hr | 20,460 |
| Napa | $57K | $27.25/hr | 670 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $55K | $26.67/hr | 1,130 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $55K | $26.62/hr | 2,060 |
| Vallejo | $55K | $26.4/hr | 1,290 |
| Salinas | $54K | $25.9/hr | 1,630 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $54K | $25.76/hr | 1,970 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $53K | $25.5/hr | 14,870 |
| Modesto | $52K | $25.04/hr | 1,890 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $52K | $25/hr | 62,890 |
| Visalia | $51K | $24.6/hr | 1,420 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $51K | $24.6/hr | 8,710 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $51K | $24.59/hr | 2,590 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $51K | $24.48/hr | 1,190 |
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary range in California
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive make in California?▼
The median secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive salary in California is $53,190 per year ($25.57/hr). This is 15% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $38,360 to $76,110.
What are the requirements to become a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive in California?▼
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive 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 secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $53,190, a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive in California would take home approximately $3,608/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 39.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($61,190), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($60,320), Napa ($56,690). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.8%. On a $53,190 salary, this means roughly $1,482/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.