Position
Salary

How much does a Secretary make?

The average salary for a Secretary is $49,640 per year in the US.

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.

View Secretary jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Secretary?

Job seekers looking to become a secretary can explore lucrative opportunities in several major cities. San Francisco, California, tops the list with an impressive average salary of $88,572. This city's high cost of living often reflects in higher wages for administrative roles. Another noteworthy city is Allentown, Pennsylvania, where secretaries earn an average of $87,148 per year. California’s vibrant job market offers attractive salaries, with Los Angeles and San Jose also making the list. Los Angeles provides an average salary of $80,044, while San Jose offers $76,320 for secretarial work. These cities provide a promising landscape for those looking to advance in their administrative careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Secretary jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $88,572 and Santa Rosa, CA with the lowest at $69,757.
  1. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in Allentown, PA


  3. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in Washington, DC


  6. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in Seattle, WA


  8. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in Denver, CO


  9. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Secretary jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

What are the best companies a Secretary can work for?

Allentown School District offers the highest average salary for Secretary jobs at around $138,766. This makes it an excellent option for job seekers looking for a good pay. Venable LLP follows closely, with an average salary of about $92,321, also a competitive choice in the industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Secretary jobs, highlighting Allentown School District with the highest at $138,766 and Ballard Spahr LLP with the lowest at $83,813.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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.

  1. Gain additional certifications.
  2. Seek leadership roles within your job.
  3. Network with other professionals.
  4. Continuously improve your skills.
  5. Negotiate your salary.

Currently 1,679 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
1,679 Job Openings