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Office & Admin · Tennessee

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

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives in Tennessee earn a median salary of $43,370/year, which is 6% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive takes home approximately $1,662/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$43K
Median salary in Tennessee
-6%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
35,410
Employed in Tennessee

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

Gross annual salary$43,370
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$3,074/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home45.9% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$43,370/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,662/mo

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

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Tennessee

Tennessee employs 35,410 secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives. The highest concentrations are in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Memphis.

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

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$47K$22.73/hr12,230
Memphis$43K$20.75/hr5,990
Knoxville$42K$20.25/hr4,580
Chattanooga$42K$20.18/hr2,810
Johnson City$40K$19.45/hr1,040
Clarksville$40K$19.13/hr1,070
Jackson$40K$19.02/hr890
Kingsport-Bristol$39K$18.85/hr1,280
Cleveland$39K$18.83/hr450
Morristown$38K$18.18/hr490

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

10th percentile (entry)
$29K
25th percentile
$36K
Median (50th)
$43K
75th percentile
$52K
90th percentile (senior)
$61K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive make in Tennessee?

The median secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive salary in Tennessee is $43,370 per year ($20.85/hr). This is 6% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $28,950 to $61,200.

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

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

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

At the median salary of $43,370, a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive in Tennessee would take home approximately $3,074/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 45.9% 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 Tennessee?

The highest paying metro areas for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives in Tennessee are Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($47,280), Memphis ($43,160), Knoxville ($42,120). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

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

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.