Corporate Secretary Average Salary and Hourly Rate in 2025
A corporate secretary is a senior-level officer responsible for ensuring a company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, supporting the board of directors, and maintaining high standards of corporate governance. They play a crucial role in organizing board meetings, managing corporate records, and acting as a key advisor on governance and compliance matters.
In 2025, corporate secretaries earn an average annual salary of $218,600 or $105 per hour. Keep in mind that corporate secretary salaries may vary depending on key factors such as education level, experience, geographic location, skills, and demand.
In the following sections, this guide will provide an overview of corporate secretaries’ pay and a detailed outline of their job responsibilities, job outlook, and career trends for the coming years.
An Overview of Corporate Secretary Salaries
The average salary for corporate secretaries in the United States as of July 10, 2025, is $218,600 per year. The salary range for corporate secretaries typically falls between $184,021 to $257,995, according to the latest data from Salary.com.
| Percentile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $184,021 |
| 25th Percentile | $200,500 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $218,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $239,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $257,995 |
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also reports that salaries for corporate secretaries, also known as legal officers or lawyers, vary depending on which industries they work in. For instance, corporate secretaries working for the federal government can earn up to $174,680, while those working for the state government (excluding education and hospitals) can only earn about $111,280.
| Industry | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Federal Government | $174,680 |
| Legal Services | $143,470 |
| Local Government (Excluding Education and Hospitals) | $125,180 |
| State Government (Excluding Education and Hospitals) | $111,280 |
Corporate Secretary Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown
The average corporate secretary’s pay can be broken down into hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly amounts. According to Salary.com, the average rate for a corporate secretary in the United States is $105 per hour or $18,217 per month.
- Average salary per hour: $105
- Average salary per week: $4,204
- Average salary per month: $18,217
- Average salary per year: $218,600
As previously noted, corporate secretaries in the United States will find that their salary may vary due to key factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and education. These factors will be explored in detail below.
How Experience Impacts Corporate Secretary Salaries?
Aside from their educational background, certifications, and accreditations, corporate secretaries with higher levels of experience earn more than their peers most of the time. As shown in the list below, there are notable salary differences across various experience levels of corporate secretaries in the United States.
Based on the Salary.com data, the difference between entry-level corporate secretary salaries and expert-level corporate secretary salaries is $9,185. This also shows a significant gap between the intermediate-level corporate secretary salaries and specialist-level corporate secretary salaries, with $209,145 and $214,007, respectively.
- Entry-Level Corporate Secretary Salary: $207,524
- Intermediate-Level Corporate Secretary Salary: $209,145
- Senior-Level Corporate Secretary Salary: $211,306
- Specialist-Level Corporate Secretary Salary: $214,007
- Expert-Level Corporate Secretary Salary: $216,709
State-by-State Breakdown of Average Salaries for Corporate Secretaries
It can also be noted that each US state has different average salaries for corporate secretaries due to several factors such as cost of living, industry performance, and demand.
Based on the Salary.com data, the District of Columbia offers the highest corporate secretary income in the United States at $242,000. The next ones are California and New Jersey with $241,100 and $236,900 per year, respectively. On the other hand, Mississippi has the lowest pay with $194,900.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $236,600 |
| Alabama | $200,800 |
| Arkansas | $197,500 |
| Arizona | $213,000 |
| California | $241,100 |
| Colorado | $223,000 |
| Connecticut | $233,600 |
| District of Columbia | $242,000 |
| Delaware | $221,400 |
| Florida | $206,800 |
| Georgia | $210,800 |
| Hawaii | $228,500 |
| Iowa | $209,200 |
| Idaho | $204,100 |
| Illinois | $222,800 |
| Indiana | $209,800 |
| Kansas | $208,100 |
| Kentucky | $205,700 |
| Louisiana | $207,800 |
| Massachusetts | $237,900 |
| Maryland | $225,400 |
| Maine | $213,100 |
| Michigan | $215,300 |
| Minnesota | $223,700 |
| Missouri | $207,700 |
| Mississippi | $194,900 |
| Montana | $206,400 |
| North Carolina | $207,700 |
| North Dakota | $215,900 |
| Nebraska | $205,900 |
| New Hampshire | $221,000 |
| New Jersey | $236,900 |
| New Mexico | $202,500 |
| Nevada | $216,300 |
| New York | $232,400 |
| Ohio | $212,800 |
| Oklahoma | $202,100 |
| Oregon | $222,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $217,600 |
| Rhode Island | $226,600 |
| South Carolina | $204,800 |
| South Dakota | $198,700 |
| Tennessee | $204,300 |
| Texas | $213,200 |
| Utah | $209,300 |
| Virginia | $220,100 |
| Vermont | $214,500 |
| Washington | $237,000 |
| Wisconsin | $215,000 |
| West Virginia | $196,800 |
| Wyoming | $209,600 |
Corporate Secretary Salaries: Top Earning Cities Revealed
The Salary.com data reveals that the top three highest paying cities for corporate secretaries in the United States are San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, all in the state of California.
| Top Paying Cities | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $275,700 |
| San Francisco, CA | $273,000 |
| Oakland, CA | $266,900 |
| New York, NY | $253,300 |
| Queens Village, NY | $251,700 |
| Paramus, NJ | $249,900 |
Explore Corporate Secretary Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary
In addition to their salary, corporate secretaries receive a range of benefits and rewards. According to data from Salary.com, the average total compensation includes the average corporate secretary salary with benefits such as Social Security and 401(k)/403(b) plans.
- Social Security
- 401K/403B plans
- Disability insurance
- Healthcare
- Pension plan
- Time Off (PTO)
Corporate Secretary (Legal Officer) Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
A corporate secretary, also known as a legal officer, ensures a company complies with legal and regulatory requirements while supporting the board of directors and maintaining strong corporate governance. They also play a vital role in ensuring organizational transparency, compliance, and effective governance, contributing to the company’s long-term success.
Corporate secretaries work across various industries, including finance, professional services, healthcare, and government. Their key responsibilities include:
- Organizing Board Meetings: Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, distribute materials, and record minutes accurately.
- Ensuring Compliance: Monitor adherence to laws and regulations, prepare and file legal documents and reports.
- Maintaining Corporate Records: Manage bylaws, articles of incorporation, and board resolutions.
- Advising on Governance: Guide the board and management on governance best practices.
- Liaising with Stakeholders: Serve as the link between the board, shareholders, and regulators; manage shareholder communications and meetings.
- Drafting Legal Documents: Prepare and review contracts and agreements to protect the company’s interests.
- Supporting Risk Management: Identify legal risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Reporting: Summarize legal research and compliance findings, presenting recommendations to management or the board.
When and How to Ask for a Raise as a Corporate Secretary?
As a corporate secretary (legal officer), your role is vital in ensuring organizational compliance, facilitating board operations, and upholding high standards of corporate governance. Enhancing your professional profile through continuous learning, certifications, and a record of achievement is key to increasing your value and earning potential within your organization.
Below is a step-by-step guide tailored to corporate secretaries on when and how to request a raise, following the style and structure you provided:
- Build a Strong Educational and Professional Foundation
- Educational Background: Most corporate secretaries hold at least a bachelor’s degree in law, business, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized courses in corporate governance, compliance, or business administration can further strengthen your qualifications.
- Certifications and Licenses: Earning credentials from recognized institutions, such as the Institute of Corporate Secretaries or governance-focused organizations demonstrates your expertise and commitment to professional development.
- Gain Significant Experience and Demonstrate Mastery
- Work Experience: Accumulate experience in corporate law, compliance, or governance roles. Mastering skills such as board management, regulatory filings, and stakeholder communication are essential for progression.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with evolving legal and regulatory requirements. Participate in workshops, seminars, and ongoing education to maintain relevance and credibility.
- Document Your Achievements and Contributions
- Track Milestones: Maintain a record of your accomplishments, such as successful board meetings, improved compliance processes, or contributions to governance reforms.
- Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to highlight your value as a professional.
- Choose the Right Time to Ask
- Optimal Timing: Request a raise after a positive performance review, completion of a major project, or when you have taken on additional responsibilities. Align your request with favorable company performance or annual review cycles.
- Market Awareness: Research salary trends for corporate secretaries in your region and industry to set realistic expectations.
- Prepare and Schedule a Formal Meeting
- Request a Meeting: Arrange a dedicated meeting with your manager or relevant decision makers. A formal setting underscores the seriousness of your request.
- Professional Presentation: Clearly articulate your achievements, contributions, and the value you bring to the organization. Be specific about your desired salary or raise, referencing industry benchmarks and your expanded responsibilities.
Why Does a Corporate Secretary Make So Much?
A corporate secretary typically receives a big paycheck because he plays a significant role in helping clients and companies stay compliant with crucial laws and regulations in any industry. This allows them to save a lot of money and earn more at the same time. His valuable opinions and insights, especially about significant legal issues, usually convert to higher compensation.
This requires a corporate secretary to gain the necessary abilities to hone his craft, especially in litigation, legal research, and trial preparation work to make smart and practical decisions. According to BLS, these are the important qualities that a corporate secretary (legal officer) should have:
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Persuasion
- Problem-solving skills
- Research skills
Moreover, certain skills and certifications can increase the earning potential of a corporate secretary. According to the Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Solution, corporate secretaries with presentation software and customer satisfaction skills can earn up to 7.38% and 6.24% more, respectively.
Other high compensation skills include:
- Calendaring: +6.12% Salary Increase
- Trial Preparation: +4.33% Salary Increase
- Court Filing: +4.28% Salary Increase
- Legal Research: +3.88% Salary Increase
- Billing: +3.33% Salary Increase
- Litigation: +2.86% Salary Increase
The Future of Corporate Secretaries: Job Outlook and Career Trends
Based on the report of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job title outlook for corporate secretaries, also known as legal officers or lawyers, is projected to grow by 5% from 2023 to 2033. This is as fast as the national average and translates to about 35,600 job openings every year, mainly due to corporate secretaries retiring or switching occupations.
The employment growth and demand for corporate secretaries are expected to remain stable throughout the coming years. As long as individuals, businesses, and companies need legal assistance to comply with relevant laws and regulations, corporate secretaries will always have a place in any industry.
