Administrative Assistant Salary in USA 2025
Office support pay by experience, industry, and location
Median Annual Salary (BLS)
How Much Do Administrative Assistants Earn in 2025?
Administrative assistants are office support professionals who perform clerical, organizational, and coordination tasks including scheduling, correspondence, file management, and meeting coordination to support executives and teams.
2025 administrative assistant salaries show accessible compensation: median $47,460 annually, with entry-level starting at $33,840–$40,000 and experienced professionals earning $50,000–$76,550+. The BLS reports hourly wages ranging from $14.24 (10th percentile) to $25.33 (90th percentile).
Industry premium matters significantly: Finance and legal sectors pay $55,000–$65,000+, while healthcare and education offer $38,000–$48,000. Location dramatically impacts pay—top metros like San Francisco, New York City, and Seattle offer $55,000–$70,000, while smaller markets pay closer to the national median. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Administrative Assistant Salary by Experience Level
Experience drives steady salary progression:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | $30,000–$40,000 | $14.24–$19.23 |
| Early career (1–4 years) | $40,000–$48,000 | $19–$23 |
| Mid-career (5+ years) | $50,000+ | $24–$28 |
| BLS Median (all levels) | $47,460 | $18.72 |
| Senior/Top 10% | $76,550+ | $25.33+ |
Entry-Level Administrative Assistant
Salary: $30,000–$40,000 (BLS 10th percentile: $33,840)
Focus: Learning office procedures, scheduling, filing, basic correspondence.
Early Career (1–4 Years)
Salary: $40,000–$48,000
Focus: Independent task management, calendar coordination, meeting planning.
Mid-Career (5+ Years)
Salary: $50,000+
Focus: Complex scheduling, project support, team coordination, specialized software proficiency.
Senior/Executive Assistant
Salary: $60,000–$85,000 (Top 10% reach $76,550+)
Focus: Executive support, strategic planning assistance, department coordination.
Administrative Assistant Salary by Industry
Industry choice significantly impacts compensation:
| Industry | Typical Salary Range | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Finance & Insurance | $55,000–$65,000 | Confidential data, executive support |
| Legal Services | $55,000+ | Legal terminology, court deadlines |
| Technology | $52,000–$68,000 | Remote options, technical skills |
| Government/Public | $40,000–$55,000 | Benefits, stability, pension |
| Healthcare | $38,000–$48,000 | Patient scheduling, stable |
| Education | $38,000–$48,000 | Academic support, benefits |
| Non-Profit | $35,000–$45,000 | Mission-driven, limited budgets |
Finance and Insurance (Highest-Paying)
Salary: $55,000–$65,000
Handling confidential client data, financial report preparation, executive scheduling in fast-paced, compliance-heavy environments.
Legal Services
Salary: $55,000+
Requires legal terminology knowledge, court filing deadlines, client confidentiality. Law firms and corporate legal departments.
Technology Companies
Salary: $52,000–$68,000
Hybrid/remote roles, technical proficiency required, fast-paced innovation. Offers flexibility and growth opportunities.
Administrative Assistant Salary by Location
Geographic location creates significant salary differences:
| Metro Area | Typical Salary Range | Premium vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $60K–$75K | +26–58% |
| New York City, NY | $58K–$72K | +22–52% |
| Seattle, WA | $55K–$68K | +16–43% |
| Boston, MA | $54K–$66K | +14–39% |
| Washington, DC | $52K–$64K | +10–35% |
| National Median | $47,460 | Baseline |
| Regional Cities | $42K–$52K | -11–10% |
San Francisco Bay Area (Highest-Paying)
Salary: $60,000–$75,000 (+26–58% vs national median)
Extreme cost of living, tech industry concentration, competitive talent market.
New York City
Salary: $58,000–$72,000 (+22–52% vs national)
Financial services hub, high COL, corporate headquarters concentration.
What Administrative Assistants Do: Role and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Managing calendars and scheduling meetings, answering phones and routing calls, composing and editing correspondence, maintaining filing systems (digital and physical), coordinating travel arrangements, preparing meeting materials, managing office supplies, and greeting visitors.
Required Skills
Strong communication (written and verbal), organization and time management, attention to detail, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), customer service orientation, and discretion with confidential information.
Increasingly Valued Technical Skills
CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot), project management tools (Asana, Monday.com), video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Teams), and data entry efficiency.
Career Advancement from Administrative Assistant
| Career Stage | Position | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Administrative Assistant | $30K–$40K |
| Mid-Level | Administrative Assistant | $47,460 median |
| Senior | Senior Admin/Executive Asst | $60K–$85K |
| Management | Office/Admin Manager | $70K–$100K |
Vertical Advancement
Senior Administrative Assistant: $50,000–$62,000 (specialized software, complex coordination)
Executive Assistant: $60,000–$85,000 (C-suite support, strategic planning assistance)
Office Manager: $55,000–$75,000 (team supervision, operations oversight)
Administrative Services Manager: $70,000–$100,000 (department leadership, budget management)
Lateral Transitions
Human Resources Coordinator: $45,000–$60,000
Project Coordinator: $50,000–$68,000
Operations Coordinator: $48,000–$65,000
How to Increase Your Administrative Assistant Salary
Gain Specialized Experience
Finance/legal assistants earn $55K–$65K versus general $47K median (+16–37%).
Relocate to Top-Paying Metros
San Francisco/NYC pay $58K–$75K versus $47K national (+22–58%).
Develop Technical Skills
CRM proficiency, advanced Excel, and project management tools add value.
Transition to Executive Assistant
EA roles pay $60K–$85K versus standard admin $47K (+27–79%).
Pursue Certifications
CAP (Certified Administrative Professional), Microsoft Office Specialist increase credibility.
Move into Management
Office managers earn $70K–$100K (+48–111%).
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average administrative assistant salary in 2025?
Administrative assistants earn $47,460 median annually according to BLS data. Entry-level earns $30,000–$40,000, mid-career $47,000–$55,000, and senior/executive assistants $60,000–$85,000. Top 10% earn $76,550+.
Do administrative assistants in finance make more than other industries?
Yes, significantly. Finance and legal administrative assistants earn $55,000–$65,000+, representing a 16–37% premium over the $47,460 median. These industries require handling confidential data, compliance knowledge, and executive-level support.
Which cities pay administrative assistants the most?
San Francisco ($60K–$75K), New York City ($58K–$72K), Seattle ($55K–$68K), Boston ($54K–$66K), and Washington, DC ($52K–$64K) pay the highest. These metros offer 10–58% premiums over national median but have higher costs of living.
How much do entry-level administrative assistants make?
Entry-level administrative assistants earn $30,000–$40,000 annually ($14.24–$19.23/hour). BLS reports 10th percentile at $33,840. Higher starting pay available in finance/legal sectors and major metros.
What skills increase administrative assistant salary?
Technical skills (CRM systems, advanced Excel, project management tools), industry expertise (legal terminology, financial compliance), and executive support capabilities increase pay. Certifications like CAP (Certified Administrative Professional) also boost earning potential.