Administrative Assistant Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 12K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$59,910
$28.80/hr
vs National Average
$47,012
+27.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $84K
12K employed in District of Columbia
The median Administrative Assistant salary in the District of Columbia is $59,910 per year, translating to approximately $29 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, reflecting the unique economic landscape of the nation's capital.
Several factors can influence an Administrative Assistant salary in the District of Columbia, including years of experience, the specific industry of employment, and the size and type of organization. Higher levels of education or specialized administrative skills can also command a higher earning potential within this role.
Salary Distribution — Administrative Assistant in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,480 |
| 25th percentile | $47,370 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,910 |
| 75th percentile | $73,340 |
| 90th percentile | $84,290 |
Top-Paying Industries for Administrative Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Administrative Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Administrative Assistants in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $59,950 | 5K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $52,990 | 33K |
| Finance and Insurance | $49,850 | 85K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $49,730 | 182K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $49,040 | 188K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Administrative Assistant in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,707 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,910 | $47,012 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,707 | $48,422 |
Administrative Assistant Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,370 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,910 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $73,340 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $84,290 |
Administrative Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Administrative Assistant Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Administrative Assistant ($59,910 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Administrative Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper in DC | $65,180 | +8.8% | $31.34/hr |
| Receptionist in DC | $49,060 | -18.1% | $23.59/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in DC | $48,250 | -19.5% | $23.20/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in DC | $60,310 | +0.7% | $29.00/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in DC | $60,450 | +0.9% | $29.06/hr |
| Dental Assistant in DC | $60,580 | +1.1% | $29.13/hr |
| Truck Driver in DC | $64,170 | +7.1% | $30.85/hr |
| Security Guard in DC | $64,210 | +7.2% | $30.87/hr |
| Tutor in DC | $66,430 | +10.9% | $31.94/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in DC | $68,660 | +14.6% | $33.01/hr |
| Medical Assistant in DC | $51,050 | -14.8% | $24.54/hr |
| Construction Laborer in DC | $50,020 | -16.5% | $24.05/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Administrative Assistant make in the District of Columbia?
- The median Administrative Assistant salary in the District of Columbia is $59,910 annually. The salary range for this role typically falls between $39,480 and $84,290 per year.
What is the hourly wage for an Administrative Assistant in DC?
- An Administrative Assistant in the District of Columbia earns a median hourly wage of $29. This is calculated based on the annual median salary of $59,910.
Is the Administrative Assistant salary in DC higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Administrative Assistant salary in the District of Columbia is 27.4% higher than the national average. This means that professionals in DC can expect to earn significantly more than their counterparts elsewhere in the country.
What are the salary expectations for an entry-level Administrative Assistant in the District of Columbia?
- For an entry-level Administrative Assistant, salaries in the District of Columbia can start around $39,480 per year. As experience is gained, this can increase towards the median of $59,910 and potentially reach $84,290.