Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $51,580 +11.4% vs national
Median hourly $24.80
10th percentile $37,300
90th percentile $76,060
Employed locally 35,940
National median $46,290

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    In Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants typically earn a median annual salary of $51,580, which translates to about $24.80 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $46,290. When compared to the local area's median household income of $123,896, it becomes evident that the earnings of these workers represent approximately 41.6% of a typical household's income in this region. The concentration of employment opportunities, estimated at 35,940 positions, reflects the demand for administrative support roles in a robust metropolitan economy characterized by a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.00%.

    Salaries for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants can vary significantly depending on experience levels. Entry-level workers often earn around $37,300 annually (10th percentile), while those with more experience may reach up to $76,060 per year at the 90th percentile. The 25th percentile income is approximately $43,550, indicating a substantial earnings increase for those further along in their careers or possessing specialized skills. Factors driving these differences include years of experience, education level, skill proficiency, and performance in roles that demand higher responsibility or specialization within the administrative field. This salary progression highlights the potential financial benefits of advancing one's career over time in this sector.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,300
    25th
    $43,550
    50th (median)
    $51,580
    75th
    $62,090
    90th
    $76,060

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary vs area income 42% Median Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary is 58% 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 Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $24.80, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $38.30 or more per hour.

    Is Washington 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 Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 11.4% 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 Washington?

    Entry-level Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive (10th percentile) earn around $37,300 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $43,550.