Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary in Portland, OR-WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

Median annual salary $52,450 +13.3% vs national
Median hourly $25.22
10th percentile $38,070
90th percentile $73,920
Employed locally 13,660
National median $46,290

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Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
in
Portland, OR-WA
vs

    In Portland, OR-WA, secretaries and administrative assistants typically earn a median annual salary of $52,450, which translates to an hourly wage of $25.22. This figure is notably higher than the national median for the same occupation at $46,290, reflecting a competitive local labor market for these roles. When compared to the area's median household income of $94,573, it becomes evident that while secretaries and administrative assistants contribute significantly to household earnings, their income constitutes approximately 55% of the average household income in this region. This comparison underscores the role's importance within households but also highlights a disparity when viewed against broader economic benchmarks.

    The salary spectrum for entry-level versus experienced secretaries and administrative assistants in Portland, OR-WA shows a clear progression with experience. Those at the 10th percentile earn approximately $38,070 annually, while those at the 25th percentile make around $45,570. In contrast, individuals at the 75th percentile receive about $62,410 per year, and those at the 90th percentile can earn up to $73,920. This range illustrates that salary increases with experience, skill level, and potentially additional qualifications or certifications. Factors driving these differences include years of service, proficiency in specialized software, managerial responsibilities, or industry-specific knowledge, which are all highly valued in this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,070
    25th
    $45,570
    50th (median)
    $52,450
    75th
    $62,410
    90th
    $73,920

    Portland economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $94,573 2023 • Census ACS
    Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary vs area income 55% Median Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary is 45% 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 Portland?

    The median hourly wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Portland, OR-WA is $25.22, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $34.98 or more per hour.

    Is Portland 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 Portland, OR-WA is 13.3% 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 Portland?

    Entry-level Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive (10th percentile) earn around $38,070 per year in Portland, OR-WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,570.