Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $53,040 +14.6% vs national
Median hourly $25.50
10th percentile $39,030
90th percentile $73,210
Employed locally 14,870
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
in
San Diego, CA
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    In San Diego, CA, secretaries and administrative assistants typically earn a median annual salary of $53,040, which is significantly higher than the national median of $46,290 for the same occupation. This figure translates to a median hourly wage of $25.50. When compared to the local area median household income of $102,285, the earnings of secretaries and administrative assistants represent about 52% of that average, indicating their contribution as a substantial part of many households' total income in this region. The higher salary in San Diego can be attributed to its cost of living and economic conditions, which also reflect an estimated employment figure of approximately 14,870 individuals within this occupation.

    For entry-level secretaries and administrative assistants in San Diego, the earnings start at a lower end with salaries around $39,030 (10th percentile), while those more experienced can earn up to $73,210 annually (90th percentile). The salary range from $44,710 at the 25th percentile to $61,370 at the 75th percentile illustrates significant earning potential as workers gain experience and skills. Factors driving this salary difference include years of experience, specific administrative duties performed, proficiency with technology, and any additional responsibilities or certifications that enhance a worker's capabilities beyond entry-level tasks. As such, experienced professionals in this field can command higher wages reflective of their increased value to employers.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $39,030
    25th
    $44,710
    50th (median)
    $53,040
    75th
    $61,370
    90th
    $73,210

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary vs area income 52% Median Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary is 48% 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 San Diego?

    The median hourly wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in San Diego, CA is $25.50, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $36.43 or more per hour.

    Is San Diego 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 San Diego, CA is 14.6% 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 San Diego?

    Entry-level Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive (10th percentile) earn around $39,030 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $44,710.