Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary in San Jose, CA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
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In San Jose, CA, the typical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants (except legal, medical, and executive) earn a median annual salary of $61,190, which is significantly higher than the national median for this occupation at $46,290. This translates to a median hourly wage of $29.42. When compared to the local area's median household income of $157,444, these professionals' earnings constitute approximately 38.8% of an average household income in San Jose. Despite being higher than the national figures, their salaries remain notably below the broader regional household median, reflecting both the high cost of living in this area and the specialized skills required for roles that do not fall into legal, medical, or executive categories.
For entry-level Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in San Jose, CA, earnings at the 10th percentile start at $44,880 annually. In contrast, those with more experience who earn near the 90th percentile can make up to $88,740 per year. This disparity is driven by a range of factors including experience, education level, and specific skill sets that enhance efficiency and productivity in administrative tasks. Additionally, higher earnings are often associated with roles that entail greater responsibility or require proficiency in multiple software systems. The local unemployment rate at 4.20% also suggests a competitive job market where experienced workers may command higher salaries due to their proven track records and ability to handle complex administrative duties effectively.
Salary percentile breakdown
San Jose economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive make per hour in San Jose?
The median hourly wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in San Jose, CA is $29.42, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $42.93 or more per hour.
Is San Jose 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 Jose, CA is 32.2% 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 Jose?
Entry-level Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive (10th percentile) earn around $44,880 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $51,060.