How much does a Secretary make?
The salary for a secretary varies based on experience and location. On average, a secretary earns about $49,640 each year. This job pays fairly well, especially for those with just a high school diploma or some college education.
The bottom 10% of secretaries earn about $28,000 or less. The middle 50% make between $34,273 and $59,364. Those in the top 10% can make upwards of $97,000 per year. These numbers show how much potential there is to earn more with experience and skill.
What are the highest paying cities for a Secretary?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $88,572
In San Francisco, administrative professionals enjoy a fast-paced environment. Companies like Salesforce and LinkedIn offer dynamic roles. Offices often focus on innovation and teamwork.
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Allentown, PA
Average Salary: $87,148
Allentown provides a mix of industries for office managers. Lehigh Valley Health Network and PPL Corporation offer stable positions. The community atmosphere makes it a great place to work and live.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $80,044
Los Angeles is home to a bustling business scene. Working in entertainment companies like Disney and Warner Bros. can be exciting. Office roles here often involve a lot of coordination and communication.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $76,320
San Jose offers a tech-centric environment. Firms like Intel and Cisco provide diverse opportunities. Employees often work on cutting-edge projects in a collaborative setting.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $75,394
In Washington, DC, administrative roles are often in government or consulting firms. Companies like Accenture and Deloitte offer meaningful work. The political environment adds a unique dynamic to daily tasks.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $74,756
San Diego combines a relaxed lifestyle with dynamic business opportunities. Qualcomm and Scripps Health provide stable roles. The beautiful surroundings make for a pleasant work environment.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $72,182
Seattle's tech industry is booming. Microsoft and Amazon offer exciting positions. Employees benefit from a creative and innovative workplace culture.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $70,795
Denver's growing economy offers many opportunities. Firms like United Airlines and Coors Light provide stable roles. The outdoor lifestyle complements a balanced work-life approach.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $70,261
Sacramento offers a mix of government and private sector jobs. Companies like Blue Shield of California and CBRE Group provide diverse roles. The capital city setting adds a unique flavor to office work.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $69,757
Santa Rosa provides a more laid-back work environment. Charles Schwab and Safeway offer stable positions. The wine country location adds a charming touch to the professional landscape.
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What are the best companies a Secretary can work for?

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Allentown School District
Average Salary: $138,766
The Allentown School District provides administrative and clerical support for its offices. Secretary jobs here often involve managing schedules, handling communications, and ensuring smooth operations. The district operates schools across Allentown, Pennsylvania.
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Venable LLP
Average Salary: $92,321
Venable LLP is a law firm that offers various administrative roles. Secretaries here assist attorneys with document preparation, client interactions, and office management. The firm operates in several locations across the United States, including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia.
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DLA Piper
Average Salary: $89,108
DLA Piper is a global law firm where secretaries support legal professionals with tasks like scheduling meetings, managing files, and coordinating communications. The firm operates in major cities across the world, including New York, London, and Singapore.
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Kent Daniels & Associates
Average Salary: $88,048
Kent Daniels & Associates is a law firm that provides administrative support for its offices. Secretaries here handle tasks such as calendar management, document organization, and client assistance. The firm has offices in Ohio and Kentucky.
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Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Average Salary: $87,721
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP is a law firm with various administrative roles. Secretaries assist attorneys with a range of tasks, including legal document preparation and scheduling. The firm operates in multiple locations in Kentucky and Ohio.
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Fisher & Phillips LLP
Average Salary: $86,669
Fisher & Phillips LLP offers legal support roles where secretaries assist attorneys with administrative tasks. Responsibilities include managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling correspondence. The firm operates in several cities across the United States.
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Adams & Martin Group
Average Salary: $86,030
Adams & Martin Group provides administrative roles that involve supporting legal professionals. Secretaries assist with tasks such as document management, client communications, and office organization. The firm has offices in Ohio and Kentucky.
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Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost LLP
Average Salary: $85,923
Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost LLP offers administrative roles where secretaries support attorneys with tasks like scheduling, document preparation, and client coordination. The firm operates in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
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Jackson Lewis
Average Salary: $85,618
Jackson Lewis provides various administrative roles, including secretaries who assist attorneys with office management and client support. The firm operates in several locations across the United States, including New York and California.
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Ballard Spahr LLP
Average Salary: $83,813
Ballard Spahr LLP offers administrative roles where secretaries support attorneys with tasks such as scheduling, document management, and client communication. The firm operates in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
How to earn more as a Secretary?
Looking to boost your earnings as a Secretary? Here are several effective strategies to consider. By focusing on these areas, you can improve your job performance and potentially earn more. Making the most of your skills and dedication can lead to greater rewards in your career.
First, gaining additional certifications can open up higher-paying opportunities. Certifications in areas like project management or advanced office software can make you more valuable. Second, seek out leadership roles within your current job. Taking on more responsibility can lead to a higher salary. Third, network with other professionals in your field. Building a strong network can lead to new job offers and promotions. Fourth, continuously improve your skills. Staying updated with the latest tools and techniques can set you apart from others. Finally, consider negotiating your salary. Being prepared to discuss your value can lead to a better offer.
By focusing on these factors, Secretaries can significantly increase their earning potential. Adding certifications, taking on more responsibility, networking, improving skills, and negotiating salaries are all effective steps. These strategies can help you advance your career and achieve greater financial success.
- Gain additional certifications.
- Seek leadership roles within your job.
- Network with other professionals.
- Continuously improve your skills.
- Negotiate your salary.



