Salary Outlook
The Labor Department reports administrative assistants earned a median average salary of $31,870 in 2011. The best-paid made approximately $47,670 a year, while the worst-paid made around $20,050. The highest earners worked in the metropolitan areas of Trenton, N.J., San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $27,910.00 |
| 2004 | $25,700.00 |
| 2006 | $27,320.00 |
| 2008 | $31,000.00 |
| 2010 | $32,000.00 |
Average Administrative Assistant Pay vs. All Business Jobs
Administrative assistants earn slightly less than executive assistants, receptionists, and customer service representatives. The highest-paid in the profession earn roughly $47,670, which is on par with what the lowest-paid sales managers and financial analysts make.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Sales Manager | $101,640.00 |
| Financial Analyst | $75,650.00 |
| Executive Assistant | $45,580.00 |
| Administrative Assistant | $31,870.00 |
| Customer Service Representative | $30,610.00 |
| Receptionist | $25,240.00 |
See Complete List of Best Business Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Administrative Assistants
The highest paid in the administrative assistant profession work in the metropolitan areas of Trenton, NJ, San Francisco, CA, and Washington, DC. The Boston, MA area also pays well, as does the city of Framingham, MA.
Trenton, NJ
Average Salary: $44,700 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an administrative assistant working in Trenton, NJ is $44,700, which is $12,830 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $43,270 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an administrative assistant working in San Francisco, CA is $43,270, which is $11,400 more than the average pay in the profession.
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $43,010 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an administrative assistant working in Washington, DC is $43,010, which is $11,140 more than the average pay in the profession.
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $42,080 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an administrative assistant working in Boston, MA is $42,080, which is $10,210 more than the average pay in the profession.
Framingham, MA
Average Salary: $41,780 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an administrative assistant working in Framingham, MA is $41,780, which is $9,910 more than the average pay in the profession.
