Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary in Madison, WI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Madison, WI

Median annual salary $50,340 +8.7% vs national
Median hourly $24.20
10th percentile $38,130
90th percentile $63,510
Employed locally 5,080
National median $46,290

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Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
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Madison, WI
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    In Madison, WI, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, excluding those in legal, medical, or executive roles, earn a median annual salary of $50,340, which is above the national median of $46,290 for this occupation. The typical hourly wage stands at $24.20. When compared to the local area's median household income of $86,827, it becomes evident that these earnings contribute significantly but do not fully match the average household income in Madison. This discrepancy highlights the role of dual-income households or additional earners to meet the median financial threshold for most families.

    At the entry-level, a secretary or administrative assistant can expect to earn around $38,130 annually, marking the 10th percentile, while those at the 25th percentile earn approximately $44,590. As experience accumulates and skills are honed, earnings increase significantly, with the 75th percentile reporting annual salaries of $58,720, and those in the top 10% earning upwards of $63,510 annually. The salary progression is driven by factors such as job complexity, responsibilities, geographical location within Madison, and individual performance. Experienced workers often take on more varied tasks or supervisory roles, justifying higher compensation compared to their entry-level counterparts.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,130
    25th
    $44,590
    50th (median)
    $50,340
    75th
    $58,720
    90th
    $63,510

    Madison economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $86,827 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 Madison?

    The median hourly wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Madison, WI is $24.20, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $31.43 or more per hour.

    Is Madison 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 Madison, WI is 8.7% 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 Madison?

    Entry-level Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive (10th percentile) earn around $38,130 per year in Madison, WI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $44,590.