How Much Does an Administrative Assistant Make? (2025)
The job title of administrative assistant encompasses a variety of responsibilities essential for supporting daily operations in organizations. An administrative assistant is responsible for handling inquiries via phone, email, and social media, greeting visitors at reception, typing letters and reports, updating records in compliance with data protection laws, ordering office supplies, and setting up meetings while taking notes. This role involves interacting with a diverse range of people, from colleagues to external stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication across teams.
Administrative assistants are essential for organizational efficiency, though the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups them under Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, a role projected to show little or no change from 2024 to 2034. According to Salary.com data as of October 01, 2025, administrative assistants employed in the United States earn an average of $41,200 per year, or $20 per hour.
Continue reading this guide to learn about administrative assistant salary expectations, top-paying cities, and common questions about the role, including tips for career advancement.
What is the Administrative Assistant's Salary?
As of October 1, 2025, the average administrative assistant salary in the United States is $41,200 per year or $20 per hour. The salary range for administrative assistants is between $33,558 and $51,516, with most individuals earning between $37,200 and $46,600 per year.
2025 Average Salary for Administrative Assistant: $41,200 per year ($20 per hour)
An administrative assistant reported an average monthly salary of $3,433, while the average weekly pay is $792. The average administrative assistant salary per hour is $20, according to the recent Salary.com report.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $16 | $645 | $2,797 | $33,558 |
| 25th Percentile | $18 | $715 | $3,100 | $37,200 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $20 | $792 | $3,433 | $41,200 |
| 75th Percentile | $22 | $896 | $3,883 | $46,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $25 | $991 | $4,293 | $51,516 |
Apart from the base salary, administrative assistants may receive additional compensation. The average total compensation in the United States is $63,677 per year, including benefits such as Social Security, 401k/403b, healthcare, disability, pension, and time off.
Administrative Assistant Average Salaries State by State
Administrative assistant salaries differ across U.S. states and territories due to factors such as job demand, geographic location, cost of living, and local wage standards in various organizations.
The table below shows the states with the highest average pay for administrative assistants: the District of Columbia ($45,600), California ($45,400), and Massachusetts ($44,800). On the other hand, states with the lowest average salaries include Mississippi ($36,700), Arkansas ($37,200), and West Virginia ($37,100).
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $44,600 |
| Alabama | $37,800 |
| Arkansas | $37,200 |
| Arizona | $40,100 |
| California | $45,400 |
| Colorado | $42,000 |
| Connecticut | $44,000 |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 |
| Delaware | $41,700 |
| Florida | $39,000 |
| Georgia | $39,700 |
| Hawaii | $43,000 |
| Iowa | $39,400 |
| Idaho | $38,400 |
| Illinois | $42,000 |
| Indiana | $39,500 |
| Kansas | $39,200 |
| Kentucky | $38,700 |
| Louisiana | $39,100 |
| Massachusetts | $44,800 |
| Maryland | $42,400 |
| Maine | $40,100 |
| Michigan | $40,500 |
| Minnesota | $42,100 |
| Missouri | $39,100 |
| Mississippi | $36,700 |
| Montana | $38,900 |
| North Carolina | $39,100 |
| North Dakota | $40,700 |
| Nebraska | $38,800 |
| New Hampshire | $41,600 |
| New Jersey | $44,600 |
| New Mexico | $38,100 |
| Nevada | $40,700 |
| New York | $43,800 |
| Ohio | $40,100 |
| Oklahoma | $38,100 |
| Oregon | $41,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $41,000 |
| Rhode Island | $42,700 |
| South Carolina | $38,600 |
| South Dakota | $37,400 |
| Tennessee | $38,500 |
| Texas | $40,200 |
| Utah | $39,400 |
| Virginia | $41,500 |
| Vermont | $40,400 |
| Washington | $44,600 |
| Wisconsin | $40,500 |
| West Virginia | $37,100 |
| Wyoming | $39,500 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Administrative Assistants?
Administrative assistant salaries also vary by city, influenced by the cost of living, local demand, and industry rates in urban areas. For example, cities in California such as San Jose and San Francisco offer higher average salaries for administrative assistants, at $51,900 and $51,400, respectively, often due to the variety of high-profile organizations and tech firms employing professionals in this job title.
| City | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $51,900 |
| San Francisco, CA | $51,400 |
| Oakland, CA | $50,300 |
| New York, NY | $47,700 |
| Queens Village, NY | $47,400 |
| Paramus, NJ | $47,100 |
How Does Experience Affect Administrative Assistant Salaries?
Administrative assistant salaries grow with experience. Salary.com reports that entry-level administrative assistants earn about $39,919 per year, while those with over 8 years of experience average $43,969 per year. Medical secretaries, who may require additional training in healthcare terminology, may earn slightly more due to specialized responsibilities.
| Level | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Administrative Assistant | $39,919 |
| Intermediate Level Administrative Assistant | $40,618 |
| Senior Level Administrative Assistant | $42,545 |
| Specialist Level Administrative Assistant | $43,810 |
| Expert Level Administrative Assistant | $43,969 |
How to Increase Salary as an Administrative Assistant?
According to Salary.com, most administrative assistants in the U.S. need a high school diploma, though some employers prefer candidates with several years of work experience or a bachelor's degree in fields like business or communications. Salaries can increase with more experience, advanced skills, or specialized responsibilities. Here are some practical tips to boost your earning potential in this employed role.
Administrative Assistant Advancements
- Build strong organizational skills: Many employers value individuals with expertise in word processing, scheduling, and managing documents. Demonstrating proficiency in these areas can lead to higher pay and better opportunities.
- Promotion: Administrative assistants can advance to roles like executive assistant or office manager, which come with higher pay and more responsibilities.
- Upskilling and education: Gaining expertise in word processing, spreadsheet software, or healthcare data privacy can increase your demand and salary. Earning a certification in office administration or pursuing additional training can further support career growth.
Administrative Assistant Skills
Administrative assistants with specialized skills can increase their pay. According to Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, skills like content management systems can boost salaries by 8.75%, while project coordination adds 8.61%. These skills allow professionals to handle a variety of tasks across different organizations and interact effectively with people at all levels.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Content Management System | 10.90% | +8.75% |
| Project Coordination | 10.50% | +8.61% |
| Calendaring | 10.70% | +8.25% |
| Presentation Software | 10.60% | +7.71% |
| Proofreading | 10.80% | +6.75% |
| Call Screening | 10.60% | +6.83% |
What are the FAQs About Administrative Assistant Salaries?
Here are some common questions about administrative assistant salary:
Is being an administrative assistant a high-paying job?
It depends. The average salary for an administrative assistant in the U.S. is $41,200, but it can go up to $51,516 based on experience and skills. Pay also varies by location, industry, and job type. Top earners often work in big cities, for example, San Jose, California, where the average salary is $51,900, or in industries like healthcare or transportation.
What does an administrative assistant do?
An administrative assistant supports office operations by performing administrative tasks to assist employees and employers. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing correspondence and maintaining documents to ensure compliance with data regulations.
- Scheduling meetings, assisting with calendars, and handling inquiries via phone or email.
- Supporting departments by coordinating tasks, such as ordering supplies or preparing reports.
Can you be an administrative assistant without a degree?
Yes, you can become an administrative assistant without a bachelor's degree. Based on Salary.com and BLS data, the job typically requires a high school diploma, with additional training provided on the job over a few weeks or months. Medical secretaries may need additional training to learn healthcare-specific terminology to assist patients.
Is being an administrative assistant a good career path?
Yes, being an administrative assistant can be a good career, especially in industries like healthcare or non-profits. According to the BLS, jobs for secretaries and administrative assistants are expected to show little or no change from 2024 to 2034, with about 358,300 openings annually due to replacements. The role offers transferable skills like organizational skills and word processing, providing opportunities for advancement.
What skills do you need to be an administrative assistant?
The skills needed to be an administrative assistant include proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet software, and organizational skills. Individuals should also have strong communication skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and familiarity with data management. For medical secretaries, knowledge of healthcare terminology and patient interaction is important. Tips for standing out include networking with people in target organizations and showcasing a variety of relevant experiences on your resume.
