Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants earn $83,130 at the median — $39.97 an hour. The range runs from $59K at the entry level to $117K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $76,350 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 43% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $83K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants (10th percentile) start around $59K. Mid-career wages sit at $83K.Top earners bring in $117K or more - a $57K spread from bottom to top.
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $86K | +15% | 4,640 |
| California | $85K | +14% | 63,250 |
| New Jersey | $84K | +13% | 12,850 |
| Connecticut | $81K | +8% | 6,660 |
| New York | $80K | +8% | 88,830 |
| Massachusetts | $79K | +7% | 16,630 |
| Delaware | $78K | +6% | 1,330 |
| Washington | $78K | +5% | 10,570 |
| Virginia | $78K | +5% | 9,600 |
| Hawaii | $78K | +4% | 1,210 |
| Minnesota | $77K | +3% | 7,830 |
| Maryland | $76K | +2% | 15,940 |
| Illinois | $74K | +0% | 13,490 |
| New Mexico | $72K | -3% | 3,130 |
| Oregon | $70K | -5% | 6,540 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much do executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $83,130 a year - that works out to about $39.97 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $59,320, and experienced executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants can clear $116,760. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $83K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,220/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 43% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants salary is worth about $76,350 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.