How much does a Secretary make?
A secretary’s job includes tasks like organizing schedules, handling phone calls, and managing office supplies. This role is important in many industries. Secretaries often work in offices, and their pay can vary. The average yearly salary for a secretary is around $49,766. This number can change based on experience and location.
Some secretaries make less than the average, while others earn more. The range of salaries helps people see the potential for growth in this career. For example, secretaries in the top 10% can earn up to $95,000 a year. This shows that hard work and experience can lead to higher pay. Secretaries in the lower 10% earn around $28,000 a year. They have less experience but still play a vital role in keeping businesses running smoothly.
What are the highest paying cities for a Secretary?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $87,949
Working in San Francisco offers dynamic opportunities in tech and finance. Prominent companies like Salesforce and Google often seek skilled professionals. The competitive environment brings growth and networking chances.
Find Secretary jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Allentown, PA
Average Salary: $86,140
In Allentown, administrative roles connect you with local businesses and industries. Companies such as Air Products and Chemicals provide stability. The close-knit community supports career development.
Find Secretary jobs in Allentown, PA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $79,217
Los Angeles provides a vibrant atmosphere with many entertainment and media companies. Working here brings exposure to top firms like Disney and Warner Bros. The city's energy reflects in a dynamic work environment.
Find Secretary jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $77,253
San Jose offers excellent opportunities in tech. Silicon Valley's companies such as Intel and Cisco create a thriving workplace. The innovative culture encourages continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Find Secretary jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $74,349
In Washington, DC, working for government or non-profits is common. Agencies like the U.S. Department of State provide impactful roles. Networking and professional growth are abundant in this political hub.
Find Secretary jobs in Washington, DC
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $74,123
San Diego combines a mild climate with diverse industries. Companies like Qualcomm and General Atomics offer solid opportunities. The laid-back atmosphere makes for a pleasant work environment.
Find Secretary jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $71,693
Seattle boasts a strong presence of tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. The innovative culture fuels creativity and teamwork. The city's outdoorsy vibe balances urban life well.
Find Secretary jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $69,462
Sacramento offers a mix of government and private sector jobs. Working here connects you with state agencies and local businesses. The manageable size of the city allows for close-knit professional networks.
Find Secretary jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
Denver, CO
Average Salary: $69,450
Denver provides a mix of urban and outdoor opportunities. Companies like United Airlines and Molson Coors create diverse roles. The active lifestyle is supported by the city's parks and trails.
Find Secretary jobs in Denver, CO
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $68,088
Santa Rosa offers a quieter pace with beautiful surroundings. Local businesses and wineries offer stable employment. The community's focus on quality living enhances work satisfaction.
Find Secretary jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
What are the best companies a Secretary can work for?

-
Allentown School District
Average Salary: $156,748
The Allentown School District offers rewarding Secretary positions that provide administrative support to various departments across multiple schools in the Allentown area. Responsibilities often include managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling communications.
-
Venable LLP
Average Salary: $89,808
At Venable LLP, Secretaries play a crucial role in supporting legal professionals. They manage paperwork, schedule appointments, and assist in client communications. The firm operates from its headquarters in Washington, D.C., with offices in several other states.
-
Sidley Austin
Average Salary: $89,196
Sidley Austin offers dynamic Secretary roles that involve supporting attorneys with various administrative tasks. Secretaries help in organizing files, preparing documents, and managing schedules. This firm operates globally, with major offices in New York, London, and Hong Kong.
-
Palmer Staffing Services
Average Salary: $88,059
Palmer Staffing Services provides opportunities for Secretaries to gain experience in a variety of industries. Duties typically include office management, clerical support, and assisting with staffing solutions. The company has offices in multiple cities across the United States.
-
DLA Piper
Average Salary: $87,654
DLA Piper offers administrative support roles where Secretaries assist lawyers with document preparation and client correspondence. This international firm operates in over 40 countries, providing a global perspective to its administrative staff.
-
Kent Daniels & Associates
Average Salary: $87,652
At Kent Daniels & Associates, Secretaries support real estate professionals with administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings and managing paperwork. The company operates primarily in the Boston area, offering a focused work environment.
-
Fisher & Phillips LLP
Average Salary: $87,024
Fisher & Phillips LLP provides Secretary positions that involve supporting legal teams with various administrative duties. Secretaries help manage calendars, prepare documents, and assist with client communications. The firm has offices in several cities across the U.S.
-
Adams & Martin Group
Average Salary: $85,812
Adams & Martin Group offers administrative roles where Secretaries assist with office management and support various departments. This company operates primarily in the Philadelphia area, providing a local work environment.
-
Cooley LLP
Average Salary: $84,788
Cooley LLP provides opportunities for Secretaries to support legal professionals with administrative tasks. Responsibilities include document management, meeting coordination, and client communications. The firm operates across several states, with major offices in Palo Alto and Washington, D.C.
-
Bowman and Brooke LLP
Average Salary: $84,375
Bowman and Brooke LLP offers administrative roles where Secretaries support attorneys with various tasks. These duties include managing schedules, preparing documents, and assisting with client communications. The firm operates in multiple cities across the United States.
How to earn more as a Secretary?
Securing a higher salary as a Secretary involves both enhancing your skills and making strategic career moves. This profession is vital for managing the operations of a workplace efficiently. However, by taking the right steps, you can significantly increase your earning potential. One key factor is gaining additional certifications that validate your expertise in areas such as office management or specialized software. These certifications can open doors to more advanced positions and higher pay grades.
Another effective strategy is to seek out opportunities for professional development. Attending workshops and courses can keep you updated on the latest trends and technologies in office management. Networking with other professionals in the field can also lead to better job opportunities and salary growth. It is important to aim for roles that offer not just additional responsibilities, but also a higher salary. Positions that require overseeing multiple departments or managing larger teams often come with a higher pay scale. Additionally, switching to industries that traditionally offer higher salaries for secretarial roles can make a big difference.
Consider these five factors to boost your earnings:
- Certifications: Obtain certifications in office management or specialized software.
- Professional Development: Attend workshops and courses to stay updated.
- Networking: Connect with other professionals to explore better job opportunities.
- Career Advancement: Aim for roles with more responsibilities and higher pay scales.
- Industry Shift: Consider moving to sectors that offer higher salaries for secretarial roles.



