Administrative Assistant Salary in the United States
Based on 1.7M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$47,012
$22.60/hr
Salary Range
$34K – $64K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
1.7M
workers nationwide
The median Administrative Assistant salary in the United States is $47,012 per year, or approximately $23 per hour. This figure reflects the typical earnings for individuals in this crucial support role across the nation, where an estimated 1,706,780 professionals are employed.
Several factors influence an Administrative Assistant salary in the United States. These include the level of experience an individual possesses, the specific industry they work in, and the geographic location of the job. For instance, the District of Columbia offers a higher median pay at $59,910, highlighting regional economic influences.
Salary Distribution — Administrative Assistant
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $33,791 |
| 25th percentile | $39,585 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,012 |
| 75th percentile | $55,238 |
| 90th percentile | $64,285 |
Administrative Assistant Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Administrative Assistant
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $59,910 | +27.4% | 12K |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $57,940 | +23.2% | 38K |
| 3 | Washington | $57,330 | +21.9% | 32K |
| 4 | Connecticut | $57,210 | +21.7% | 23K |
| 5 | California | $55,400 | +17.8% | 159K |
| 6 | Rhode Island | $52,140 | +10.9% | 5K |
| 7 | Oregon | $51,740 | +10.1% | 23K |
| 8 | Minnesota | $51,400 | +9.3% | 31K |
| 9 | Hawaii | $50,830 | +8.1% | 7K |
| 10 | New Jersey | $50,260 | +6.9% | 66K |
Administrative Assistant Salary by Industry
How much Administrative Assistants earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($59,950 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $59,950 | +27.5% | 5K |
| 2 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $52,990 | +12.7% | 33K |
| 3 | Finance and Insurance | $49,850 | +6.0% | 85K |
| 4 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $49,730 | +5.8% | 182K |
| 5 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $49,040 | +4.3% | 188K |
| 6 | Manufacturing | $48,980 | +4.2% | 68K |
| 7 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $48,290 | +2.7% | 6K |
| 8 | Wholesale Trade | $47,720 | +1.5% | 60K |
| 9 | Transportation and Warehousing | $47,550 | +1.1% | 37K |
| 10 | Educational Services | $47,470 | +1.0% | 347K |
| 11 | Construction | $46,940 | -0.2% | 136K |
| 12 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $46,790 | -0.5% | 57K |
| 13 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $46,440 | -1.2% | 176K |
| 14 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $45,880 | -2.4% | 23K |
| 15 | Administrative and Support Services | $45,760 | -2.7% | 110K |
| 16 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $45,730 | -2.7% | 96K |
| 17 | Accommodation and Food Services | $45,070 | -4.1% | 20K |
| 18 | Information | $45,020 | -4.2% | 23K |
| 19 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $44,810 | -4.7% | 3K |
| 20 | Retail Trade | $42,890 | -8.8% | 53K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Administrative Assistant
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,012 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,422 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Administrative Assistant Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $39,585 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,012 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $55,238 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $64,285 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an Administrative Assistant in the US?
- The median salary for an Administrative Assistant in the United States is $47,012 annually. This means that half of all Administrative Assistants earn more than this amount, and half earn less, with typical hourly wages around $23.
What is the salary range for Administrative Assistants?
- The salary range for Administrative Assistants in the US generally falls between $33,791 on the lower end and $64,285 on the higher end. This broad spectrum indicates significant variation in pay based on several factors.
Which states pay Administrative Assistants the most?
- While many states offer competitive salaries, the District of Columbia stands out as a top-paying location, with an average salary of $59,910. This indicates that administrative support roles can command higher compensation in major metropolitan and government centers.
How many Administrative Assistants are employed in the United States?
- There are a substantial number of Administrative Assistants employed across the nation, totaling approximately 1,706,780 individuals. This large workforce signifies the widespread demand for these essential support professionals.