Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary in Durham, NC

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

Median annual salary $47,130 +1.8% vs national
Median hourly $22.66
10th percentile $32,230
90th percentile $61,040
Employed locally 3,500
National median $46,290

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Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
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Durham, NC
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    In Durham, NC, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive, earn a median annual salary of $47,130, which is slightly above the national median of $46,290. With an hourly rate at $22.66, these earnings place them modestly within the local economic framework where the area's median household income stands at $81,017. This indicates that while secretaries and administrative assistants contribute significantly to individual households, their salaries typically represent less than half of a typical local household's total income. This disparity underscores the reliance on dual-income households or supplementary financial sources in Durham for meeting average living expenses.

    Salary progression for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Durham reflects a notable difference between entry-level and experienced workers. At the 10th percentile, entry-level salaries are approximately $32,230 annually, indicating that newcomers earn considerably less than their more seasoned counterparts at the 90th percentile who may earn up to $61,040 per year. This variance is driven by several factors including years of experience, specialization within administrative tasks, and additional skills such as proficiency in office software or managerial capabilities. Experienced workers often command higher wages due to a proven track record of reliability and efficiency, which are highly valued in administrative roles. The estimated employment for this occupation stands at 3,500 individuals, indicating a stable demand within the local economy.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $32,230
    25th
    $42,230
    50th (median)
    $47,130
    75th
    $54,240
    90th
    $61,040

    Durham economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $81,017 2023 • Census ACS
    Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary vs area income 58% Median Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary is 42% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive make per hour in Durham?

    The median hourly wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Durham, NC is $22.66, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $30.07 or more per hour.

    Is Durham above or below average for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salaries?

    The median Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary in Durham, NC is 1.8% above the national median of $46,290. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

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

    Entry-level Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive (10th percentile) earn around $32,230 per year in Durham, NC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $42,230.