Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary in Houston, TX

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Median annual salary $45,790 -1.1% vs national
Median hourly $22.01
10th percentile $29,520
90th percentile $63,030
Employed locally 33,190
National median $46,290

Compare Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary & buying power

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Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
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Houston, TX
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    In Houston, TX, secretaries and administrative assistants typically earn a median annual salary of $45,790, with an hourly wage of approximately $22.01. When compared to the national median for this occupation at $46,290, these workers in Houston earn slightly less than their counterparts across the United States. This local median income represents about 57% of the area's median household income of $80,458, indicating that a typical secretary or administrative assistant in Houston earns significantly less than the average household. The disparity highlights the difference between individual earnings within specific occupations and broader household incomes, which may include multiple earners.

    For entry-level secretaries and administrative assistants in Houston, salaries start at around $29,520, placing them in the 10th percentile of wage distribution for this occupation. In contrast, more experienced workers can earn up to approximately $63,030 annually, reaching the 90th percentile. The salary progression from entry-level to experienced positions is driven by factors such as accumulated job skills, experience, and possibly additional certifications or education that enhance an employee’s value within their role. As workers gain expertise, adapt to more complex tasks, and assume greater responsibilities over time, they are typically rewarded with higher compensation, reflecting the increased contribution to organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,520
    25th
    $36,660
    50th (median)
    $45,790
    75th
    $54,380
    90th
    $63,030

    Houston economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $80,458 2023 • Census ACS
    Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary vs area income 57% Median Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary is 43% 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 Houston?

    The median hourly wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Houston, TX is $22.01, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $31.70 or more per hour.

    Is Houston 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 Houston, TX is 1.1% below 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 Houston?

    Entry-level Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive (10th percentile) earn around $29,520 per year in Houston, TX. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,660.