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

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Median annual salary $60,320 +30.3% vs national
Median hourly $29.00
10th percentile $43,220
90th percentile $92,810
Employed locally 20,460
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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San Francisco, CA
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    In San Francisco, CA, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive, earn a median annual salary of $60,320, which is notably higher than the national median of $46,290. This positions them well above the local household income median of $133,780 when considering dual-earner households or multiple sources of income within a family unit. The elevated earnings in this occupation can be attributed to San Francisco's high cost of living and competitive job market, which necessitates higher wages compared to other regions.

    Entry-level Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in San Francisco earn around $43,220 annually (10th percentile), while those with more experience can earn up to $92,810 annually (90th percentile). This significant disparity is driven by factors such as the accumulation of skills, responsibilities, and tenure. Experienced workers often take on more complex tasks, manage larger teams, or work in environments that require specialized knowledge, which commands higher compensation. Furthermore, geographical demand for skilled administrative professionals in a bustling economic hub like San Francisco can further widen this salary gap, reflecting both market dynamics and individual career progression.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $43,220
    25th
    $49,340
    50th (median)
    $60,320
    75th
    $74,690
    90th
    $92,810

    San Francisco economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $133,780 2023 • Census ACS
    Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary vs area income 45% Median Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary is 55% 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 Francisco?

    The median hourly wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in San Francisco, CA is $29.00, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $43.37 or more per hour.

    Is San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA is 30.3% 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 San Francisco?

    Entry-level Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive (10th percentile) earn around $43,220 per year in San Francisco, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $49,340.