Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary in Knoxville, TN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Knoxville, TN

Median annual salary $42,120 -9% vs national
Median hourly $20.25
10th percentile $28,440
90th percentile $60,990
Employed locally 4,580
National median $46,290

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Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
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Knoxville, TN
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    In Knoxville, TN, secretaries and administrative assistants earn a median annual salary of $42,120, which translates to approximately $20.25 per hour. When compared to the national median for this occupation at $46,290, local workers earn less than their counterparts in other parts of the United States. Additionally, the median income for households in Knoxville stands at $69,734 annually, indicating that the earnings for secretaries and administrative assistants are significantly lower than the typical household income within the area. This discrepancy highlights a potential economic gap between individual occupational salaries and broader local income levels.

    Entry-level workers in this field, represented by the 10th percentile, earn around $28,440 per year, while those at the 25th percentile make approximately $35,060 annually. In contrast, experienced professionals who are situated at the higher end of the salary spectrum—specifically, the 75th and 90th percentiles—can expect to earn about $51,860 and $60,990 respectively each year. The disparity in earnings between entry-level and seasoned employees is primarily driven by factors such as experience, skill level, education, job performance, and additional responsibilities undertaken within their roles. As workers gain expertise and demonstrate increased competency, they are likely to secure higher-paying positions, contributing to the widening salary gap observed across different career stages.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $28,440
    25th
    $35,060
    50th (median)
    $42,120
    75th
    $51,860
    90th
    $60,990

    Knoxville economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,734 2023 • Census ACS
    Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary vs area income 60% Median Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary is 40% 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 Knoxville?

    The median hourly wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Knoxville, TN is $20.25, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $30.96 or more per hour.

    Is Knoxville 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 Knoxville, TN is 9% 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 Knoxville?

    Entry-level Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive (10th percentile) earn around $28,440 per year in Knoxville, TN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $35,060.