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Salary

How much does a Secretary make?

The average salary for a Secretary is $49,803 per year in the US.

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.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Secretary?

Job seekers looking for top-paying secretary positions will find several cities offering competitive salaries. San Francisco, CA, leads with an average salary of $88,461, followed by Allentown, PA, where secretaries earn an average of $86,219 per year. Other high-paying cities include Los Angeles, CA, and San Jose, CA, both offering averages above $75,000 annually. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking higher earnings in administrative roles. San Diego, CA, and Washington, DC, also present attractive salary ranges for secretaries, with averages above $70,000. Job seekers should consider these cities to maximize their earning potential.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Secretary jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $88,461 and Santa Rosa, CA with the lowest at $69,968.
  1. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in Allentown, PA


  3. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

What are the best companies a Secretary can work for?

Allentown School District stands out as the best-paying company for Secretary jobs, with an average salary of $129,363. Venable LLP follows closely, offering a salary of $91,588. Kirkland & Ellis pays $89,368, making it another top choice for job seekers. Other notable companies include DLA Piper, Kent Daniels & Associates, and Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost LLP, all of which offer competitive salaries. These companies provide excellent opportunities for professionals in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Secretary jobs, highlighting Allentown School District with the highest at $129,363 and Bowman and Brooke LLP with the lowest at $85,000.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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:

  1. Learn new skills and take courses
  2. Network with colleagues and industry professionals
  3. Gain certifications in specialized areas
  4. Seek out mentorship and career advice
  5. Consider working in higher-paying industries or companies

Currently 1,685 Secretary job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Secretary in the US?

Learn what a Secretary does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Secretary today.
Position
Overview
Secretary
1,685 Job Openings