Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Salary in Durham, NC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Median annual salary $45,500 +1.9% vs national
Median hourly $21.88
10th percentile $37,630
90th percentile $57,300
Employed locally 5,390
National median $44,640

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Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
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Durham, NC
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    In Durham, NC, Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants earn a median annual salary of $45,500, which is slightly above the national median of $44,640. This median translates to an hourly rate of $21.88. When compared to the local household income, with an area median of $81,017, it indicates that these professionals typically contribute significantly to their households' earnings but still earn below the median household level. Despite this, the profession remains a vital source of employment in Durham, supporting approximately 5,390 individuals and maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.20%.

    Entry-level workers in this field tend to earn closer to the lower percentiles, with salaries around $37,630 at the 10th percentile, while those further along in their careers or occupying more specialized roles can reach the 75th percentile salary of $48,200 and even higher, up to $57,300 at the 90th percentile. The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as accumulated expertise, additional certifications, specialization within medical administrative duties, and the ability to manage complex tasks effectively. As these professionals advance in their careers, they often take on more responsibilities or move into higher-demand areas of healthcare administration, which can significantly increase their earning potential.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,630
    25th
    $38,840
    50th (median)
    $45,500
    75th
    $48,200
    90th
    $57,300

    Durham economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $81,017 2023 • Census ACS
    Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary vs area income 56% Median Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary is 44% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants make per hour in Durham?

    The median hourly wage for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Durham, NC is $21.88, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.37 or more per hour.

    Is Durham above or below average for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salaries?

    The median Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary in Durham, NC is 1.9% above the national median of $44,640. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Durham?

    Entry-level Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $37,630 per year in Durham, NC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,840.