Skip to content
AffordMap
Office & Admin · Illinois

How to Become a Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Illinois

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives in Illinois earn a median salary of $47,890/year, which is 3% above the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive takes home approximately $1,767/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$48K
Median salary in Illinois
+3%
vs. national average
5.0%
State income tax
79,440
Employed in Illinois

What a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive can afford in Illinois

Gross annual salary$47,890
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.0% state tax)$3,179/mo
Median 2BR rent (Illinois)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home44.4% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$47,890/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,767/mo

Becoming a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive in Illinois

1

Meet education requirements

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive positions in Illinois typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Illinois licensure or certification

Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives. Requirements vary by state — contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Illinois

Illinois employs 79,440 secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives. The highest concentrations are in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin and Decatur.

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary by metro area in Illinois

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin$50K$23.89/hr52,700
Decatur$48K$23.25/hr780
Bloomington$48K$23.11/hr980
Champaign-Urbana$48K$23.07/hr1,250
Springfield$46K$22.04/hr1,490
Peoria$46K$21.89/hr2,240
Rockford$45K$21.45/hr1,540
Kankakee$43K$20.71/hr560

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary range in Illinois

10th percentile (entry)
$33K
25th percentile
$39K
Median (50th)
$48K
75th percentile
$60K
90th percentile (senior)
$75K
View jobs for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Currently hiring in Illinois
View →
More openings for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Currently hiring in Illinois
View →
Prepare for the CPA exam
Online prep courses
View →
Full secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive salary breakdown in Illinois
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Illinois
After federal + 5.0% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Illinois cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

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 Illinois?

The median secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive salary in Illinois is $47,890 per year ($23.02/hr). This is 3% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $32,880 to $74,590.

What are the requirements to become a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive in Illinois?

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive positions in Illinois typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive afford to live in Illinois?

At the median salary of $47,890, a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive in Illinois would take home approximately $3,179/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 44.4% 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 Illinois?

The highest paying metro areas for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives in Illinois are Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($49,690), Decatur ($48,360), Bloomington ($48,060). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Illinois have state income tax for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives?

Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $47,890 salary, this means roughly $2,371/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.