How much does a Secretary make?
Secretaries play a vital role in many workplaces. They handle a wide range of tasks, from managing schedules to organizing files. Their work is essential for keeping businesses running smoothly. The average yearly salary for a secretary is around $49,024. This salary can vary based on experience and location.
The salary for secretaries can range quite a bit. Some secretaries earn as little as $28,000 a year, while others make over $95,000. Most secretaries fall somewhere in the middle. Here are some common salary ranges:
- 12.77% of secretaries earn between $28,000 and $34,091.
- 20.74% earn between $34,091 and $40,182.
- 17.29% earn between $40,182 and $46,273.
- 12.50% earn between $46,273 and $52,364.
- 10.43% earn between $52,364 and $58,455.
- 6.33% earn between $58,455 and $64,545.
- 4.99% earn between $64,545 and $70,636.
- 2.99% earn between $70,636 and $76,727.
- 2.77% earn between $76,727 and $82,818.
- 2.10% earn between $82,818 and $88,909.
- 2.08% earn over $88,909.
What are the highest paying cities for a Secretary?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $88,020
In San Francisco, administrative roles thrive in tech hubs and finance firms. Companies like Salesforce and Google offer dynamic environments. Professionals manage schedules, communications, and office operations.
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Allentown, PA
Average Salary: $81,642
Allentown provides a mix of industries for administrative roles. Companies such as PPL Corporation and Air Products offer stable environments. Secretaries handle office tasks, meetings, and support executives.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $76,640
Los Angeles offers diverse opportunities in entertainment and media. Firms like Disney and NBCUniversal need skilled administrators. Secretaries coordinate schedules, travel, and office logistics.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $75,050
Washington, DC, is a hub for government and non-profits. Agencies like the Department of State and USAID require efficient administrators. Secretaries manage paperwork, meetings, and communications.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $74,924
San Jose, in Silicon Valley, offers tech-focused administrative roles. Companies like Intel and Cisco Systems need adept secretaries. They handle office tasks, meetings, and support tech teams.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $72,469
Seattle provides a mix of tech and healthcare opportunities. Firms like Amazon and Kaiser Permanente need skilled administrators. Secretaries handle schedules, communications, and office operations.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $72,387
San Diego offers roles in biotech and defense. Companies like Illumina and General Atomics need efficient administrators. Secretaries manage office tasks, meetings, and support executives.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $67,764
Sacramento offers government and education roles. Agencies like the State of California and UC Davis need skilled administrators. Secretaries handle paperwork, meetings, and support staff.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $66,660
Denver provides a mix of energy and tech roles. Companies like Xcel Energy and Oracle need efficient administrators. Secretaries manage schedules, communications, and office logistics.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $63,956
Santa Rosa offers roles in healthcare and agriculture. Firms like Sutter Health and Gallo Winery need skilled administrators. Secretaries handle office tasks, meetings, and support executives.
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What are the best companies a Secretary can work for?

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Allentown School District
Average Salary: $163,967
Allentown School District offers competitive salaries for Secretary jobs. These positions support administrative tasks in various schools across the district. The district operates in Allentown, PA, providing a range of educational services.
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State of Washington
Average Salary: $110,133
The State of Washington provides attractive salaries for Secretary roles. These positions involve administrative support in government offices across the state. The state operates in multiple locations, including Seattle, Olympia, and Spokane.
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Baker McKenzie
Average Salary: $96,118
Baker McKenzie is a global law firm that offers good salaries for Secretary jobs. These roles assist in managing office operations and support legal teams. The firm has offices in major cities like Chicago, New York, and London.
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MORRISON & FOERSTER
Average Salary: $91,804
MORRISON & FOERSTER provides competitive pay for Secretary positions. These roles support legal professionals in offices located in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.
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CyberCoders
Average Salary: $90,357
CyberCoders offers attractive salaries for Secretary jobs. These positions involve administrative support in tech companies. The company operates in various locations, including Atlanta, Boston, and San Francisco.
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Fisher & Phillips LLP
Average Salary: $88,246
Fisher & Phillips LLP provides good salaries for Secretary roles. These positions support legal teams in offices across the country, including Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
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Venable LLP
Average Salary: $87,500
Venable LLP offers competitive pay for Secretary jobs. These roles assist in managing office operations and supporting legal professionals. The firm has offices in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Richmond.
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Kent Daniels & Associates
Average Salary: $87,029
Kent Daniels & Associates provides attractive salaries for Secretary positions. These roles support administrative tasks in offices located in Atlanta, Chicago, and New York.
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Adams & Martin Group
Average Salary: $86,874
Adams & Martin Group offers competitive pay for Secretary jobs. These roles involve administrative support in offices across the country, including Boston, New York, and San Francisco.
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Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
Average Salary: $86,582
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP provides good salaries for Secretary positions. These roles support legal teams in offices located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.
How to earn more as a Secretary?
A secretary plays a crucial role in any organization. They manage schedules, handle communications, and support executives. To earn more, consider these key factors. Improving skills can lead to higher pay. Secretaries who master advanced software and learn new languages often see better job offers. Continuing education helps stay competitive.
Experience matters. Secretaries with more years in the field usually earn more. Taking on leadership roles or special projects can boost earnings. Networking with other professionals can also open doors to higher-paying positions. Seeking roles in industries that pay well, like finance or law, can make a difference. Secretaries who work in larger companies or urban areas often find better pay. Each of these factors can help increase a secretary's salary.
Consider these factors to earn more as a secretary:
- Enhance skills through training and education.
- Gain more experience and take on leadership roles.
- Network with other professionals in the field.
- Seek higher-paying industries and locations.
- Look for opportunities in larger companies.