Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $82,630 +11.3% vs national
Median hourly $39.73
10th percentile $50,360
90th percentile $115,030
Employed locally 5,820
National median $74,260

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Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
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San Diego, CA
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    In San Diego, CA, Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants earn a median annual salary of $82,630, which is approximately $8,370 higher than the national median of $74,260. This income stands in comparison to the area's median household income of $102,285, indicating that executive secretaries typically earn slightly less than the average San Diego household. The local unemployment rate of 4.30% suggests a relatively stable job market for this occupation, with an estimated employment of 5,820 individuals in the region.

    When comparing earnings between entry-level and experienced workers within this field, there is a noticeable variance driven by factors such as experience, skill level, and responsibilities. Entry-level positions tend to align closer to the 10th percentile salary at $50,360, reflecting the initial stage of career development where employees are gaining foundational skills. In contrast, more experienced professionals often earn salaries near or above the 75th percentile, which is $98,440, due to their advanced expertise and greater responsibility. Additionally, top earners in this occupation may reach the 90th percentile, earning up to $115,030 annually. This disparity highlights how experience and proficiency can significantly impact earning potential within the field of executive secretarial work.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $50,360
    25th
    $66,650
    50th (median)
    $82,630
    75th
    $98,440
    90th
    $115,030

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants salary vs area income 81% Median Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants salary is 19% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants make per hour in San Diego?

    The median hourly wage for Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants in San Diego, CA is $39.73, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $58.54 or more per hour.

    Is San Diego above or below average for Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants salaries?

    The median Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants salary in San Diego, CA is 11.3% above the national median of $74,260. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants in San Diego?

    Entry-level Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $50,360 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $66,650.