Administrative assistant salary
BLS occupation: Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive · also called secretary · Office and administrative support · data for May 2025
Median salary $47,540 a year, US
Median hourly pay $22.86 an hour
Middle half earn $38,830–$58,000 25th to 75th percentile
Administrative assistants employed 1,706,790 −6.0% projected by 2035
How much does an administrative assistant make?
- The median administrative assistant salary in the US is $47,540 a year ($22.86 an hour): half of the 1,706,790 administrative assistants BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $49,350.
- The middle half earn between $38,830 and $58,000. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $33,280 and the top 10% more than $66,350.
- That is 7% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays administrative assistants the most (median $59,910), followed by Massachusetts ($57,940) and Washington ($57,330). Mississippi pays the least ($37,340).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Connecticut, where the median is worth $55,217 in typical US prices, then Massachusetts and the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia's higher pay is offset by its prices (109.9 vs a US average of 100).
- In 32 of the 382 metro areas with data, the median administrative assistant salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of administrative assistants to shrink 6.0% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 163,900 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what administrative assistants are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Administrative assistant salary range
Half of administrative assistants earn between $38,830 and $58,000 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $33,280
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $38,830
Median Yearly pay: $47,540
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $58,000
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $66,350
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $33,280 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $38,830 |
| Median | $47,540 |
| Top 25% earn over | $58,000 |
| Top 10% earn over | $66,350 |
Administrative assistant salary by state
The District of Columbia pays administrative assistants the most; Mississippi the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($47,540), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $59,910 median |
| Massachusetts | $57,940 median |
| Washington | $57,330 median |
| Connecticut | $57,210 median |
| California | $55,400 median |
| Rhode Island | $52,140 median |
| Oregon | $51,740 median |
| Minnesota | $51,400 median |
| Hawaii | $50,830 median |
| New Jersey | $50,260 median |
| Maine | $49,820 median |
| New York | $49,600 median |
| Vermont | $48,920 median |
| Colorado | $48,690 median |
| Maryland | $48,680 median |
| Alaska | $48,530 median |
| Illinois | $48,310 median |
| New Hampshire | $48,080 median |
| Delaware | $47,970 median |
| Arizona | $47,940 median |
| Wisconsin | $47,710 median |
| Virginia | $47,620 median |
| North Dakota | $47,480 median |
| Utah | $47,050 median |
| Nebraska | $46,760 median |
| Nevada | $46,570 median |
| New Mexico | $46,450 median |
| Pennsylvania | $46,270 median |
| Ohio | $46,230 median |
| Michigan | $46,020 median |
| Florida | $45,900 median |
| Tennessee | $45,810 median |
| North Carolina | $45,790 median |
| Wyoming | $45,450 median |
| Iowa | $45,150 median |
| Texas | $45,140 median |
| South Carolina | $44,880 median |
| Indiana | $44,270 median |
| Kentucky | $44,200 median |
| Montana | $43,940 median |
| Idaho | $43,710 median |
| Missouri | $43,540 median |
| Kansas | $42,270 median |
| South Dakota | $41,700 median |
| Alabama | $41,630 median |
| Georgia | $41,600 median |
| West Virginia | $40,370 median |
| Oklahoma | $39,660 median |
| Louisiana | $38,790 median |
| Arkansas | $37,630 median |
| Mississippi | $37,340 median |
Where administrative assistant pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Administrative assistants' pay goes furthest in Connecticut once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $55,217 |
| Massachusetts | $54,786 |
| District of Columbia | $54,513 |
| Washington | $53,573 |
| North Dakota | $53,373 |
| Minnesota | $52,119 |
| Nebraska | $51,896 |
| Iowa | $51,446 |
| Maine | $51,334 |
| Rhode Island | $50,978 |
Administrative assistant pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $59,910 | $28.80 | $39,480 | $84,290 | 11,800 | $54,513 |
| Massachusetts | $57,940 | $27.86 | $41,510 | $78,400 | 37,750 | $54,786 |
| Washington | $57,330 | $27.56 | $43,250 | $74,750 | 31,710 | $53,573 |
| Connecticut | $57,210 | $27.50 | $40,700 | $78,300 | 22,650 | $55,217 |
| California | $55,400 | $26.63 | $38,060 | $78,170 | 158,630 | $50,036 |
| Rhode Island | $52,140 | $25.07 | $38,000 | $72,800 | 5,200 | $50,978 |
| Oregon | $51,740 | $24.88 | $38,480 | $70,320 | 23,150 | $50,058 |
| Minnesota | $51,400 | $24.71 | $38,080 | $66,830 | 31,330 | $52,119 |
| Hawaii | $50,830 | $24.44 | $38,480 | $68,120 | 7,020 | $46,230 |
| New Jersey | $50,260 | $24.16 | $36,150 | $72,180 | 65,960 | $46,193 |
| Maine | $49,820 | $23.95 | $39,530 | $63,470 | 6,740 | $51,334 |
| New York | $49,600 | $23.85 | $37,330 | $64,840 | 122,490 | $45,960 |
| Vermont | $48,920 | $23.52 | $39,330 | $61,740 | 3,360 | $49,940 |
| Colorado | $48,690 | $23.41 | $37,300 | $64,960 | 29,120 | $47,248 |
| Maryland | $48,680 | $23.40 | $35,360 | $67,070 | 54,890 | $46,380 |
| Alaska | $48,530 | $23.33 | $35,360 | $64,620 | 5,390 | $47,412 |
| Illinois | $48,310 | $23.23 | $31,930 | $76,790 | 74,280 | $48,330 |
| New Hampshire | $48,080 | $23.12 | $34,380 | $63,690 | 9,050 | $46,158 |
| Delaware | $47,970 | $23.06 | $35,930 | $64,170 | 6,320 | $48,062 |
| Arizona | $47,940 | $23.05 | $36,420 | $67,980 | 31,220 | $47,618 |
| Wisconsin | $47,710 | $22.94 | $36,680 | $61,940 | 28,100 | $50,704 |
| Virginia | $47,620 | $22.89 | $34,040 | $66,700 | 31,580 | $47,100 |
| North Dakota | $47,480 | $22.83 | $34,920 | $60,780 | 5,800 | $53,373 |
| Utah | $47,050 | $22.62 | $31,600 | $63,850 | 14,870 | $47,591 |
| Nebraska | $46,760 | $22.48 | $35,900 | $62,130 | 16,240 | $51,896 |
| Nevada | $46,570 | $22.39 | $34,180 | $63,210 | 16,790 | $46,580 |
| New Mexico | $46,450 | $22.33 | $33,870 | $61,820 | 25,430 | $50,373 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,270 | $22.25 | $32,040 | $61,800 | 65,310 | $47,421 |
| Ohio | $46,230 | $22.23 | $32,130 | $63,150 | 54,790 | $49,831 |
| Michigan | $46,020 | $22.13 | $33,360 | $63,950 | 40,830 | $47,829 |
| Florida | $45,900 | $22.07 | $33,380 | $63,340 | 104,000 | $44,385 |
| Tennessee | $45,810 | $22.02 | $29,660 | $63,130 | 34,580 | $49,864 |
| North Carolina | $45,790 | $22.01 | $31,720 | $61,750 | 43,690 | $48,544 |
| Wyoming | $45,450 | $21.85 | $35,140 | $61,150 | 2,250 | $49,034 |
| Iowa | $45,150 | $21.71 | $33,880 | $60,760 | 12,830 | $51,446 |
| Texas | $45,140 | $21.70 | $29,810 | $63,020 | 149,650 | $46,509 |
| South Carolina | $44,880 | $21.58 | $29,100 | $61,660 | 30,180 | $47,873 |
| Indiana | $44,270 | $21.28 | $31,220 | $60,160 | 20,100 | $47,434 |
| Kentucky | $44,200 | $21.25 | $30,470 | $60,470 | 18,420 | $49,025 |
| Montana | $43,940 | $21.13 | $30,430 | $55,970 | 4,520 | $46,426 |
| Idaho | $43,710 | $21.01 | $29,890 | $58,820 | 7,570 | $45,773 |
| Missouri | $43,540 | $20.93 | $30,890 | $60,270 | 33,180 | $47,943 |
| Kansas | $42,270 | $20.32 | $30,340 | $58,690 | 32,120 | $46,931 |
| South Dakota | $41,700 | $20.05 | $31,200 | $51,480 | 6,120 | $47,073 |
| Alabama | $41,630 | $20.01 | $29,170 | $59,090 | 45,050 | $46,868 |
| Georgia | $41,600 | $20.00 | $26,330 | $62,090 | 44,430 | $43,201 |
| West Virginia | $40,370 | $19.41 | $28,820 | $57,970 | 8,820 | $45,108 |
| Oklahoma | $39,660 | $19.07 | $27,110 | $56,630 | 20,120 | $45,149 |
| Louisiana | $38,790 | $18.65 | $26,680 | $56,340 | 28,040 | $43,976 |
| Arkansas | $37,630 | $18.09 | $28,540 | $55,060 | 8,590 | $43,284 |
| Mississippi | $37,340 | $17.95 | $25,770 | $57,870 | 14,720 | $42,943 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Administrative assistant salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes administrative assistant pay: 386 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- New Haven, CT $63,800
- San Jose, CA $62,940
- San Francisco, CA $62,110
- Seattle, WA $60,230
- Bremerton, WA $59,510
- Boston, MA $59,330
- Napa, CA $58,810
- Santa Rosa, CA $57,720
- Longview, WA $57,580
- Santa Cruz, CA $57,510
Where the pay goes furthest
- New Haven, CT $61,018
- Longview, WA $59,029
- Rochester, MN $58,235
- San Jose, CA $56,999
- Mankato, MN $56,522
- St. Cloud, MN $56,452
- Bremerton, WA $56,350
- Barnstable, MA $55,963
- Mount Vernon, WA $55,621
- Bloomington, IL $55,465
All 386 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Haven, CT | $63,800 | 4,780 | $61,018 | 38% |
| San Jose, CA | $62,940 | 7,970 | $56,999 | 73% |
| San Francisco, CA | $62,110 | 20,270 | $53,722 | 67% |
| Seattle, WA | $60,230 | 15,780 | $54,196 | 45% |
| Bremerton, WA | $59,510 | 830 | $56,350 | 41% |
| Boston, MA | $59,330 | 28,540 | $54,800 | 60% |
| Napa, CA | $58,810 | 630 | $52,250 | 59% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $57,720 | 2,150 | $53,552 | 55% |
| Longview, WA | $57,580 | 430 | $59,029 | 30% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $57,510 | 960 | $52,331 | 72% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $57,440 | 5,800 | $53,751 | 60% |
| Salinas, CA | $57,340 | 1,500 | $52,585 | 58% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $56,980 | 510 | $55,621 | 46% |
| Vallejo, CA | $56,270 | 1,110 | $51,872 | 53% |
| Hartford, CT | $55,940 | 6,980 | $54,445 | 43% |
| Salem, OR | $55,660 | 3,220 | $53,700 | 35% |
| San Diego, CA | $55,380 | 12,070 | $49,496 | 64% |
| Portland, OR | $55,360 | 13,510 | $52,513 | 39% |
| Modesto, CA | $55,140 | 1,830 | $52,964 | 45% |
| Barnstable, MA | $55,040 | 990 | $55,963 | 56% |
| Sacramento, CA | $55,020 | 8,450 | $51,580 | 49% |
| Kahului, HI | $54,820 | 790 | $50,113 | 70% |
| Norwich, CT | $54,340 | 1,410 | $54,099 | 46% |
| Olympia, WA | $54,320 | 2,110 | $52,397 | 45% |
| Hanford, CA | $54,170 | 300 | $53,311 | 43% |
| Oxnard, CA | $54,170 | 2,980 | $49,008 | 65% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $54,080 | 19,180 | $51,592 | 39% |
| Trenton, NJ | $54,050 | 3,680 | $52,384 | 56% |
| Bellingham, WA | $53,820 | 870 | $52,084 | 44% |
| Stockton, CA | $53,770 | 2,310 | $51,166 | 54% |
| Washington, DC | $53,660 | 37,010 | $49,282 | 54% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $53,550 | 58,800 | $47,153 | 66% |
| Kennewick, WA | $53,140 | 1,450 | $53,098 | 38% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $53,100 | 1,160 | $53,557 | 46% |
| Riverside, CA | $52,920 | 13,210 | $49,717 | 57% |
| Rochester, MN | $52,890 | 1,000 | $58,235 | 36% |
| Yakima, WA | $52,540 | 1,020 | $54,990 | 31% |
| Worcester, MA | $52,450 | 3,550 | $51,159 | 48% |
| Portland, ME | $52,000 | 2,930 | $51,051 | 53% |
| Visalia, CA | $51,910 | 1,390 | $52,001 | 40% |
| Bloomington, IL | $51,880 | 930 | $55,465 | 30% |
| Providence, RI | $51,800 | 7,020 | $50,898 | 50% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $51,800 | 1,930 | $47,611 | 76% |
| Merced, CA | $51,710 | 620 | $52,618 | 48% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $51,640 | 290 | $52,416 | 34% |
| Yuba City, CA | $51,480 | 520 | $49,389 | 47% |
| Springfield, MA | $51,460 | 1,900 | $53,570 | 46% |
| New York, NY | $51,440 | 122,680 | $45,699 | 83% |
| Madison, WI | $51,410 | 4,630 | $52,844 | 42% |
| Mankato, MN | $51,410 | 660 | $56,522 | 29% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $51,100 | 1,250 | $50,976 | – |
| Boulder, CO | $51,060 | 1,510 | $48,535 | 52% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $51,010 | 1,170 | $46,972 | 66% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $50,960 | 2,730 | $50,512 | 43% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $50,700 | 520 | $48,818 | 42% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $50,600 | 2,290 | $50,159 | 45% |
| Waterbury, CT | $50,460 | 2,330 | $50,572 | – |
| Chicago, IL | $50,440 | 50,190 | $48,690 | 51% |
| Burlington, VT | $50,210 | 1,200 | $49,738 | 62% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $50,170 | 2,410 | $50,796 | 47% |
| Fresno, CA | $50,100 | 3,870 | $49,042 | 49% |
| Honolulu, HI | $50,020 | 5,130 | $45,079 | 72% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $49,990 | 600 | $52,562 | 42% |
| Corvallis, OR | $49,970 | 560 | $48,040 | 43% |
| Redding, CA | $49,940 | 580 | $49,601 | 40% |
| Bend, OR | $49,890 | 1,110 | $48,153 | 53% |
| Chico, CA | $49,810 | 810 | $49,221 | 37% |
| Denver, CO | $49,760 | 15,350 | $47,040 | 46% |
| Spokane, WA | $49,550 | 2,470 | $49,379 | 37% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $49,470 | 1,230 | $56,452 | 30% |
| Albany, NY | $49,330 | 7,690 | $49,545 | 41% |
| Carson City, NV | $49,270 | 960 | $50,209 | 50% |
| Baltimore, MD | $49,220 | 29,780 | $47,106 | 47% |
| El Centro, CA | $49,150 | 540 | $51,642 | 44% |
| Eugene, OR | $49,140 | 1,670 | $48,381 | 43% |
| Midland, MI | $49,010 | 500 | $53,318 | 34% |
| Nashville, TN | $49,000 | 12,100 | $50,863 | 44% |
| Lewiston, ME | $48,880 | 460 | $51,596 | 39% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $48,850 | 32,850 | $47,633 | 47% |
| Kenosha, WI | $48,800 | 650 | $48,260 | – |
| Phoenix, AZ | $48,800 | 22,010 | $47,234 | 42% |
| Ames, IA | $48,740 | 620 | $54,869 | 29% |
| Lansing, MI | $48,670 | 2,460 | $51,236 | 32% |
| Kingston, NY | $48,620 | 920 | $48,278 | 50% |
| Raleigh, NC | $48,500 | 7,170 | $49,411 | 41% |
| Syracuse, NY | $48,500 | 4,950 | $50,657 | 40% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $48,480 | 7,930 | $50,012 | 38% |
| Austin, TX | $48,470 | 13,870 | $49,426 | 40% |
| Greeley, CO | $48,390 | 1,160 | $48,305 | 42% |
| Medford, OR | $48,310 | 880 | $47,627 | 46% |
| Reno, NV | $48,310 | 3,230 | $47,825 | 51% |
| Midland, TX | $48,270 | 1,400 | $50,395 | 39% |
| Champaign, IL | $48,260 | 1,220 | $52,058 | 34% |
| Bangor, ME | $48,170 | 870 | $49,913 | 38% |
| Anchorage, AK | $48,150 | 2,560 | $45,674 | 47% |
| Ithaca, NY | $47,990 | 900 | $46,449 | 50% |
| Appleton, WI | $47,940 | 1,180 | $51,872 | 30% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $47,920 | 750 | $55,295 | 28% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $47,910 | 6,670 | $47,498 | 41% |
| Columbus, OH | $47,870 | 9,570 | $50,142 | 38% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $47,870 | 3,620 | $43,748 | 57% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $47,860 | 630 | $46,372 | 46% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $47,850 | 9,670 | $50,173 | 38% |
| Durham, NC | $47,840 | 3,120 | $49,030 | 41% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $47,840 | 1,260 | $47,479 | 51% |
| Richmond, VA | $47,840 | 4,940 | $48,887 | 43% |
| Lewiston, ID | $47,820 | 240 | $52,457 | 37% |
| Lexington, KY | $47,790 | 2,500 | $51,449 | 40% |
| Omaha, NE | $47,760 | 7,090 | $51,963 | 35% |
| Charleston, SC | $47,750 | 4,420 | $47,295 | 51% |
| Duluth, MN | $47,740 | 1,220 | $53,781 | 33% |
| State College, PA | $47,700 | 1,140 | $49,296 | 49% |
| Helena, MT | $47,670 | 480 | $49,825 | 41% |
| Albany, OR | $47,600 | 610 | $46,621 | 41% |
| Bismarck, ND | $47,580 | 1,170 | $52,272 | 33% |
| Binghamton, NY | $47,560 | 1,420 | $51,215 | 41% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $47,560 | 480 | $50,588 | 34% |
| Springfield, IL | $47,550 | 1,290 | $51,270 | 30% |
| Naples, FL | $47,520 | 1,670 | $46,047 | 66% |
| Des Moines, IA | $47,500 | 3,110 | $51,799 | 32% |
| Dallas, TX | $47,450 | 37,550 | $46,028 | 42% |
| Miami, FL | $47,450 | 33,380 | $41,566 | 67% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $47,430 | 3,770 | $48,079 | 37% |
| Bozeman, MT | $47,420 | 520 | $46,259 | 56% |
| Manchester, NH | $47,400 | 2,120 | $44,862 | 55% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $47,340 | 260 | $48,425 | 40% |
| Detroit, MI | $47,330 | 16,970 | $47,189 | 38% |
| Minot, ND | $47,320 | 440 | $54,373 | 32% |
| Green Bay, WI | $47,270 | 1,540 | $50,781 | 28% |
| Lafayette, IN | $47,270 | 1,310 | $50,594 | 37% |
| Lincoln, NE | $47,230 | 2,890 | $51,572 | 33% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $47,220 | 2,530 | $47,766 | 52% |
| Vineland, NJ | $47,210 | 820 | $49,193 | 42% |
| Salisbury, MD | $47,140 | 1,150 | $49,301 | 50% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $47,130 | 1,770 | $46,604 | 50% |
| La Crosse, WI | $47,110 | 790 | $51,335 | 34% |
| Louisville, KY | $47,090 | 4,770 | $50,594 | 34% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $47,090 | 790 | $50,673 | 33% |
| Allentown, PA | $47,080 | 4,130 | $47,095 | 47% |
| Fargo, ND | $47,060 | 1,730 | $51,788 | 28% |
| Jackson, MI | $47,020 | 530 | $51,232 | 30% |
| Racine, WI | $47,020 | 670 | $48,999 | 37% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $47,010 | 3,480 | $46,680 | 45% |
| Janesville, WI | $47,000 | 720 | $50,158 | 33% |
| Wausau, WI | $47,000 | 590 | $50,728 | 25% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $46,970 | 720 | $50,616 | 29% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $46,950 | 11,020 | $49,139 | 38% |
| Kansas City, MO | $46,810 | 15,930 | $50,582 | 39% |
| Charlotte, NC | $46,800 | 11,330 | $48,075 | 44% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $46,790 | 1,060 | $47,737 | 51% |
| Buffalo, NY | $46,780 | 6,470 | $48,808 | 37% |
| Toledo, OH | $46,780 | 3,100 | $51,151 | 32% |
| Rochester, NY | $46,770 | 6,230 | $48,199 | 39% |
| Houston, TX | $46,750 | 33,710 | $47,400 | 42% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $46,580 | 610 | $47,389 | 47% |
| Peoria, IL | $46,550 | 2,010 | $51,024 | 30% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $46,530 | 640 | $49,048 | 37% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $46,450 | 6,280 | $48,539 | 39% |
| Casper, WY | $46,420 | 240 | $49,473 | 37% |
| North Port, FL | $46,380 | 3,830 | $45,285 | 54% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $46,320 | 5,730 | $47,294 | 49% |
| Dayton, OH | $46,310 | 3,640 | $49,960 | 34% |
| Lancaster, PA | $46,270 | 2,960 | $47,091 | 41% |
| Waterloo, IA | $46,230 | 720 | $53,103 | 27% |
| St. Louis, MO | $46,200 | 15,000 | $48,587 | 37% |
| Pueblo, CO | $46,150 | 700 | $50,293 | 34% |
| Akron, OH | $46,140 | 3,360 | $49,416 | 34% |
| Rockford, IL | $46,130 | 1,360 | $50,058 | 34% |
| Cleveland, OH | $46,120 | 10,450 | $49,104 | 37% |
| Greenville, SC | $46,120 | 4,870 | $49,453 | 41% |
| Provo, UT | $46,120 | 2,650 | $46,950 | 46% |
| Watertown, NY | $46,120 | 500 | $52,594 | 39% |
| Utica, NY | $46,110 | 1,490 | $49,753 | 37% |
| Huntsville, AL | $46,090 | 4,700 | $49,521 | 36% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $46,040 | 11,080 | $45,941 | 45% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $46,010 | 550 | $45,861 | 56% |
| Ogden, UT | $46,010 | 2,210 | $45,850 | 43% |
| Knoxville, TN | $46,000 | 4,790 | $49,693 | 45% |
| Winchester, VA | $45,990 | 650 | $47,683 | 48% |
| Memphis, TN | $45,960 | 5,500 | $49,860 | 36% |
| Sioux City, IA | $45,950 | 640 | $53,150 | 34% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $45,900 | 370 | $50,086 | 29% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $45,900 | 2,330 | $45,898 | 49% |
| Decatur, IL | $45,890 | 500 | $51,899 | 28% |
| Staunton, VA | $45,890 | 390 | $50,358 | 38% |
| Farmington, NM | $45,860 | 1,250 | $52,288 | 37% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $45,800 | 6,930 | $46,038 | 44% |
| Greensboro, NC | $45,750 | 3,270 | $49,265 | 37% |
| Davenport, IA | $45,710 | 1,670 | $51,314 | 26% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $45,690 | 560 | $48,149 | 44% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $45,680 | 2,980 | $44,632 | 48% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $45,640 | 2,250 | $49,586 | 40% |
| Columbia, SC | $45,620 | 6,610 | $48,707 | 41% |
| Monroe, MI | $45,560 | 330 | $48,731 | 34% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $45,550 | 12,160 | $48,114 | 39% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $45,510 | 950 | $47,666 | 46% |
| Reading, PA | $45,500 | 1,700 | $46,878 | 41% |
| Boise, ID | $45,480 | 3,380 | $46,224 | 51% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $45,440 | 4,710 | $47,558 | 43% |
| Dubuque, IA | $45,430 | 440 | $52,022 | 28% |
| Iowa City, IA | $45,390 | 630 | $49,602 | 46% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $45,380 | 620 | $47,949 | 35% |
| Wilmington, NC | $45,380 | 2,070 | $47,064 | 46% |
| Dover, DE | $45,360 | 1,170 | $46,520 | 47% |
| Atlanta, GA | $45,270 | 25,280 | $45,244 | 49% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $45,110 | 1,290 | $50,706 | 33% |
| Roanoke, VA | $45,100 | 1,230 | $48,174 | 37% |
| Odessa, TX | $45,060 | 920 | $47,989 | 42% |
| Tucson, AZ | $45,030 | 3,630 | $46,473 | 40% |
| Muskegon, MI | $45,020 | 520 | $48,660 | 34% |
| Evansville, IN | $44,980 | 820 | $49,143 | 29% |
| Crestview, FL | $44,950 | 1,300 | $46,325 | 53% |
| York, PA | $44,860 | 1,820 | $46,729 | 37% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $44,820 | 1,340 | $48,416 | 34% |
| Kankakee, IL | $44,740 | 540 | $46,414 | 36% |
| Burlington, NC | $44,630 | 730 | $47,888 | 36% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $44,610 | 830 | $45,402 | 51% |
| St. George, UT | $44,610 | 880 | $45,838 | 50% |
| Sandusky, OH | $44,600 | 520 | $49,955 | 49% |
| Birmingham, AL | $44,580 | 10,900 | $48,645 | 38% |
| Saginaw, MI | $44,560 | 740 | $49,026 | 28% |
| Lima, OH | $44,460 | 490 | $49,582 | 33% |
| Elmira, NY | $44,450 | 530 | $47,088 | 31% |
| Grand Island, NE | $44,450 | 540 | $51,294 | 36% |
| Columbus, IN | $44,410 | 220 | $47,751 | 37% |
| Orlando, FL | $44,370 | 12,220 | $43,750 | 52% |
| Greenville, NC | $44,350 | 540 | $50,169 | 40% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $44,270 | 1,770 | $44,169 | 63% |
| Scranton, PA | $44,260 | 2,670 | $47,309 | 37% |
| Asheville, NC | $44,240 | 1,550 | $45,842 | 46% |
| Kokomo, IN | $44,220 | 200 | $49,326 | 30% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $44,200 | 1,080 | $46,605 | 35% |
| Traverse City, MI | $44,200 | 640 | $47,338 | 50% |
| The Villages, FL | $44,170 | 380 | $51,707 | 47% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $44,100 | 700 | $47,568 | 45% |
| Michigan City, IN | $44,100 | 280 | $48,101 | 33% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $44,040 | 450 | $48,641 | 31% |
| Pocatello, ID | $43,990 | 380 | $49,479 | 29% |
| Canton, OH | $43,930 | 1,560 | $49,135 | 31% |
| Decatur, AL | $43,900 | 1,260 | $50,337 | 30% |
| Lebanon, PA | $43,900 | 630 | $47,096 | 40% |
| Springfield, OH | $43,840 | 460 | $48,452 | 33% |
| Logan, UT | $43,780 | 540 | $45,639 | 39% |
| Bay City, MI | $43,750 | 330 | $47,595 | 28% |
| Panama City, FL | $43,750 | 1,040 | $44,966 | 48% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $43,750 | 1,700 | $48,050 | 40% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $43,740 | 1,800 | $46,447 | 44% |
| Sherman, TX | $43,710 | 530 | $46,614 | 37% |
| Billings, MT | $43,680 | 730 | $46,704 | 38% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $43,670 | 640 | $43,442 | 51% |
| Pensacola, FL | $43,660 | 1,790 | $44,680 | 48% |
| Charleston, WV | $43,550 | 1,630 | $49,089 | 33% |
| San Antonio, TX | $43,440 | 12,260 | $45,863 | 39% |
| Williamsport, PA | $43,440 | 570 | $47,038 | 30% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $43,410 | 490 | $45,513 | 38% |
| Great Falls, MT | $43,400 | 300 | $44,814 | 39% |
| Beaumont, TX | $43,310 | 1,980 | $48,098 | 36% |
| Waco, TX | $43,310 | 1,470 | $46,796 | 39% |
| Elkhart, IN | $43,260 | 720 | $47,894 | 33% |
| Savannah, GA | $43,160 | 1,560 | $45,333 | 49% |
| Niles, MI | $43,140 | 610 | $46,703 | 39% |
| Sebastian, FL | $43,050 | 660 | $43,791 | 59% |
| Mansfield, OH | $43,000 | 500 | $48,384 | 25% |
| Cleveland, TN | $42,880 | 390 | $48,683 | 39% |
| Clarksville, TN | $42,840 | 1,020 | $47,104 | 38% |
| Mobile, AL | $42,840 | 3,780 | $48,628 | 36% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $42,840 | 510 | $48,675 | 36% |
| New Orleans, LA | $42,830 | 6,180 | $46,254 | 44% |
| Killeen, TX | $42,740 | 1,560 | $46,899 | 37% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $42,700 | 2,150 | $46,077 | 40% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $42,660 | 370 | $48,293 | 52% |
| Lawrence, KS | $42,630 | 1,230 | $47,239 | 44% |
| Flint, MI | $42,600 | 1,380 | $45,790 | 29% |
| Deltona, FL | $42,570 | 2,350 | $42,841 | 50% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $42,560 | 2,060 | $46,960 | 36% |
| Missoula, MT | $42,500 | 480 | $44,067 | 46% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $42,410 | 1,100 | $46,109 | 41% |
| Yuma, AZ | $42,390 | 690 | $45,725 | 40% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $42,340 | 470 | $46,747 | 37% |
| Victoria, TX | $42,240 | 440 | $47,017 | 33% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $42,210 | 630 | $48,864 | 29% |
| Wheeling, WV | $42,200 | 770 | $47,779 | 25% |
| Bloomington, IN | $42,180 | 310 | $44,361 | 50% |
| Florence, SC | $42,150 | 1,050 | $48,574 | 43% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $41,990 | 2,470 | $45,909 | 43% |
| Erie, PA | $41,850 | 1,240 | $46,014 | 32% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $41,850 | 7,070 | $46,290 | 40% |
| Paducah, KY | $41,820 | 410 | $48,580 | 33% |
| Morgantown, WV | $41,810 | 790 | $44,801 | 39% |
| Tyler, TX | $41,810 | 1,220 | $45,369 | 38% |
| Lakeland, FL | $41,770 | 2,430 | $42,999 | 52% |
| Rapid City, SD | $41,720 | 990 | $46,792 | 42% |
| Hickory, NC | $41,710 | 1,140 | $47,137 | 46% |
| Augusta, GA | $41,600 | 2,260 | $45,265 | 42% |
| Youngstown, OH | $41,580 | 1,680 | $47,578 | 30% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $41,550 | 1,550 | $45,483 | 45% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $41,550 | 2,330 | $47,366 | 48% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $41,510 | 910 | $46,451 | 37% |
| Wichita, KS | $41,480 | 6,290 | $46,635 | 35% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $41,410 | 320 | $46,811 | 44% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $41,140 | 740 | $43,720 | 45% |
| Morristown, TN | $41,040 | 440 | $47,520 | 46% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $41,030 | 2,360 | $45,482 | 43% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $40,980 | 1,880 | $46,581 | 30% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $40,910 | 5,950 | $45,065 | 40% |
| Lubbock, TX | $40,850 | 1,910 | $44,734 | 39% |
| Jackson, TN | $40,720 | 850 | $47,613 | 41% |
| Tulsa, OK | $40,700 | 5,060 | $45,621 | 41% |
| Weirton, WV | $40,700 | 430 | $45,718 | 24% |
| Springfield, MO | $40,690 | 2,540 | $45,933 | 37% |
| Longview, TX | $40,620 | 1,410 | $45,393 | 34% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $40,490 | 1,770 | $43,239 | 51% |
| Auburn, AL | $40,460 | 1,570 | $46,012 | 47% |
| Manhattan, KS | $40,460 | 1,230 | $44,875 | 37% |
| Gainesville, FL | $40,440 | 1,540 | $41,806 | 49% |
| Ocala, FL | $40,370 | 1,270 | $42,390 | 47% |
| San Angelo, TX | $40,360 | 570 | $43,655 | 39% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $40,260 | 1,390 | $46,895 | 40% |
| Montgomery, AL | $40,260 | 4,060 | $44,892 | 41% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $40,230 | 360 | $45,079 | 38% |
| Sumter, SC | $40,210 | 410 | $45,683 | 44% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $40,180 | 780 | $44,556 | 36% |
| Johnson City, TN | $40,060 | 1,030 | $45,560 | 45% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $39,910 | 740 | $42,272 | 43% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $39,900 | 490 | $45,446 | 29% |
| Kingsport, TN | $39,850 | 1,190 | $46,098 | 40% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $39,830 | 2,620 | $42,409 | 44% |
| Anniston, AL | $39,800 | 900 | $46,307 | 29% |
| Columbia, MO | $39,680 | 1,350 | $44,366 | 44% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $39,680 | 500 | $42,308 | 46% |
| College Station, TX | $39,620 | 1,430 | $43,562 | 46% |
| Daphne, AL | $39,560 | 1,820 | $41,778 | 52% |
| South Bend, IN | $39,510 | 980 | $42,549 | 38% |
| Dothan, AL | $39,500 | 1,190 | $47,117 | 37% |
| Topeka, KS | $39,500 | 2,920 | $44,472 | 38% |
| Sebring, FL | $39,400 | 340 | $42,608 | 46% |
| Abilene, TX | $39,360 | 900 | $43,557 | 61% |
| Owensboro, KY | $39,360 | 470 | $44,419 | 38% |
| Beckley, WV | $39,350 | 490 | $44,529 | 32% |
| Gainesville, GA | $39,320 | 830 | $40,634 | 52% |
| El Paso, TX | $39,280 | 3,720 | $43,687 | 46% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $39,240 | 330 | $42,602 | 48% |
| Hinesville, GA | $39,220 | 180 | $41,753 | 53% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $39,140 | 730 | $43,725 | 40% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $39,080 | 410 | $44,885 | 33% |
| Altoona, PA | $39,010 | 640 | $43,583 | 31% |
| McAllen, TX | $39,010 | 3,180 | $45,416 | 34% |
| Gadsden, AL | $38,860 | 670 | $45,369 | 33% |
| Florence, AL | $38,850 | 1,160 | $45,804 | 33% |
| Little Rock, AR | $38,850 | 2,160 | $43,474 | 38% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $38,840 | 400 | $41,555 | 54% |
| Brownsville, TX | $38,800 | 1,760 | $45,129 | 47% |
| Muncie, IN | $38,780 | 340 | $43,994 | 32% |
| Amarillo, TX | $38,660 | 1,410 | $42,104 | 41% |
| Johnstown, PA | $38,660 | 700 | $44,991 | 28% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $38,600 | 330 | $40,004 | 48% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $38,590 | 440 | $41,907 | 49% |
| Shreveport, LA | $38,580 | 2,200 | $45,514 | 40% |
| Joplin, MO | $38,540 | 990 | $44,961 | 39% |
| Jackson, MS | $38,440 | 3,730 | $43,168 | 46% |
| Macon, GA | $38,400 | 960 | $43,376 | 38% |
| Huntington, WV | $38,280 | 1,510 | $43,292 | 34% |
| Gulfport, MS | $38,100 | 1,670 | $42,331 | 45% |
| Lafayette, LA | $38,060 | 2,210 | $43,642 | 44% |
| Albany, GA | $37,830 | 550 | $43,151 | 34% |
| Slidell, LA | $37,660 | 1,330 | $40,614 | – |
| Fort Smith, AR | $37,640 | 720 | $43,825 | 34% |
| Columbus, GA | $37,570 | 1,300 | $42,074 | 43% |
| Rome, GA | $37,540 | 350 | $41,637 | 41% |
| Texarkana, TX | $37,490 | 670 | $44,625 | 40% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $37,480 | 500 | $43,542 | 32% |
| Enid, OK | $37,460 | 270 | $44,453 | 36% |
| Dalton, GA | $37,440 | 590 | $41,672 | 45% |
| Monroe, LA | $37,320 | 1,150 | $44,643 | 38% |
| Lawton, OK | $37,240 | 570 | $43,332 | 36% |
| Laredo, TX | $37,080 | 1,310 | $42,642 | 37% |
| Houma, LA | $37,010 | 1,180 | $43,488 | 42% |
| Brunswick, GA | $36,470 | 430 | $41,581 | 55% |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $36,310 | 230 | $43,327 | 38% |
| Valdosta, GA | $36,250 | 540 | $41,067 | 44% |
| Athens, GA | $36,110 | 910 | $38,685 | 59% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $35,900 | 380 | $41,804 | 41% |
| Alexandria, LA | $35,890 | 950 | $41,885 | 34% |
| Hammond, LA | $35,880 | 790 | $42,482 | 44% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $35,760 | 240 | $41,712 | 41% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $35,620 | 790 | $40,647 | 44% |
What the median administrative assistant salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $47,540 |
| Month | $3,962 |
| Every two weeks | $1,828 |
| Week | $914 |
| Hour | $22.86 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming an administrative assistant: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | −6.0% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 163,900 |
| Self-employed | 1.5% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Mail carrier | $60,550 | No formal education |
| Bookkeeper | $50,670 | Some college |
| Bank teller | $43,030 | High school diploma |
| Executive assistant | $76,590 | High school diploma |
| Customer service representative | $44,770 | High school diploma |
| Receptionist | $38,010 | High school diploma |
| Dispatcher | $50,340 | High school diploma |
Questions about administrative assistant pay
How much does an administrative assistant make an hour?
The median is $22.86 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $16.00 and the top 10% over $31.90.
How much does an administrative assistant make a month?
About $3,962 a month before taxes at the median salary of $47,540, or $1,828 every two weeks.
What state pays administrative assistants the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $59,910. Massachusetts ($57,940), Washington ($57,330), Connecticut ($57,210) and California ($55,400) follow.
Where do administrative assistants make the most after cost of living?
Connecticut: its median of $57,210 is worth $55,217 at typical US prices. Massachusetts, the District of Columbia and Washington come next.
How much do entry-level administrative assistants make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of administrative assistants earn under $33,280 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $38,830, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become an administrative assistant?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: short-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 43-6014 (Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.