How much does a Secretary make?
The average yearly salary for a secretary is $49,803. This role involves a range of duties, from managing schedules to handling correspondence, which may explain the salary range. Secretaries in the lowest 10 percent earn about $28,000, while those in the top 10 percent earn more than $96,900.
Most secretaries fall into the middle salary range, earning between $34,264 and $84,373 annually. This variance often depends on the industry and the size of the company. Secretaries in larger companies or specialized fields tend to earn more. Understanding these figures can help job seekers set realistic salary expectations when pursuing secretarial roles.
What are the highest paying cities for a Secretary?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $88,461
In San Francisco, this role offers exciting opportunities with tech giants. Working here means supporting companies like Google and Salesforce. The city’s fast-paced environment keeps things dynamic.
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Allentown, PA
Average Salary: $86,219
Allentown provides a blend of industrial and service-based job opportunities. Companies like PPL Corporation offer stable work. The area’s friendly atmosphere makes for a pleasant workplace.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $81,093
In Los Angeles, this position offers roles in entertainment and media companies. Working here means supporting big names in Hollywood. The city’s vibrant culture adds excitement to daily tasks.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $76,918
San Jose is at the heart of Silicon Valley. This role means working with tech companies like Cisco and Intel. The area’s innovative spirit makes for a stimulating work environment.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $76,001
San Diego offers a mix of defense and healthcare sector jobs. Companies like Naval Base San Diego provide stable employment. The city’s beautiful weather enhances the working experience.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $75,912
In Washington, DC, this position often involves government or non-profit roles. Working here means supporting key institutions. The city’s rich history provides a unique backdrop for daily work.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $72,575
Seattle offers tech and aerospace job opportunities. Companies like Boeing and Amazon provide solid roles. The city’s progressive culture makes for a forward-thinking workplace.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $71,383
Denver offers diverse job opportunities in energy and tech sectors. Companies like Xcel Energy provide stable roles. The city’s scenic beauty enhances the overall work experience.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $71,286
Sacramento provides roles in government and education sectors. Working here means supporting the state’s operations. The city’s laid-back atmosphere makes for a comfortable work environment.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $69,968
Santa Rosa offers job opportunities in wine production and healthcare. Companies like Sutter Health provide stable roles. The city’s charming environment adds to the pleasant work atmosphere.
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What are the best companies a Secretary can work for?

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Allentown School District
Average Salary: $129,363
Allentown School District offers competitive salaries for Secretary roles. These roles are spread across multiple locations in Allentown. Secretaries play a crucial role in supporting administrative tasks and ensuring smooth operations.
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Venable LLP
Average Salary: $91,588
Venable LLP is a leading law firm with offices in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Secretaries at Venable provide vital support to attorneys, managing schedules and communications to ensure efficient workflow.
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Kirkland & Ellis
Average Salary: $89,368
Kirkland & Ellis is a top-tier law firm with multiple offices across the United States. Secretaries here assist in legal research, document preparation, and office management, ensuring seamless operations.
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DLA Piper
Average Salary: $88,649
DLA Piper is an international law firm with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia. Secretaries here handle administrative tasks, support lawyers, and ensure efficient communication within the firm.
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Kent Daniels & Associates
Average Salary: $88,048
Kent Daniels & Associates is a renowned firm with offices in major cities. Secretaries work closely with business leaders to manage schedules, communications, and special projects, contributing to the firm's success.
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Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost LLP
Average Salary: $87,338
Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost LLP offers rewarding roles for Secretaries. They manage office tasks, assist with legal research, and support attorneys, ensuring the smooth running of the firm.
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Fisher & Phillips LLP
Average Salary: $86,617
Fisher & Phillips LLP has offices in various locations. Secretaries here handle administrative duties, support legal teams, and ensure that all office operations run smoothly.
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Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Average Salary: $86,615
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP provides excellent opportunities for Secretaries. They manage client communications, assist with legal research, and support the legal team in multiple locations.
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Adams & Martin Group
Average Salary: $85,661
Adams & Martin Group offers competitive salaries for Secretaries. They handle administrative tasks, support business operations, and ensure efficient communication within the firm.
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Bowman and Brooke LLP
Average Salary: $85,000
Bowman and Brooke LLP is a law firm with multiple locations. Secretaries here provide essential support to attorneys, managing schedules, communications, and administrative tasks to ensure the firm runs smoothly.
How to earn more as a Secretary?
A Secretary can take several steps to earn more. Increasing skills and knowledge often leads to higher pay. Secretaries should consider learning new software programs or improving their typing speed. They can also gain experience in specialized areas like legal or medical fields. These skills make them more valuable to employers.
Networking plays a big role in earning more. Secretaries who build relationships with colleagues and industry professionals can learn about better job opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations helps with this. Word of mouth can also lead to higher-paying positions. Seeking out mentorship and advice from experienced professionals can provide guidance on how to advance.
Gaining more certifications can lead to higher pay as well. Many Secretaries earn certifications in specific areas like bookkeeping or executive assistance. These certifications show employers that they have advanced skills. They can also lead to higher-paying jobs.
Here are some ways to earn more as a Secretary:
- Learn new skills and take courses
- Network with colleagues and industry professionals
- Gain certifications in specialized areas
- Seek out mentorship and career advice
- Consider working in higher-paying industries or companies



