Summary
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Quick Facts: Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | |
---|---|
$39,680 per year
$19.08 per hour |
|
High school diploma or equivalent | |
See How to Become One | |
See How to Become One | |
3,413,600 | |
-8% (Decline) | |
-286,900 |
What Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Do
Secretaries and administrative assistants do routine clerical and organizational tasks.
Work Environment
Although secretaries and administrative assistants work in nearly every industry, about half of all workers in the occupation are employed in healthcare; education; and professional, scientific, and technical services. Most work full time.
How to Become a Secretary or Administrative Assistant
High school graduates who are comfortable using word processing and spreadsheet programs usually qualify for entry-level positions. Although workers typically learn their duties over several weeks on the job, legal and medical secretaries and administrative assistants may need additional training for industry-specific terminology. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants typically need several years of related work experience.
Pay
The median annual wage for secretaries and administrative assistants was $39,680 in May 2021.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of secretaries and administrative assistants is projected to decline 8 percent from 2021 to 2031.
Despite declining employment, about 354,000 openings for secretaries and administrative assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for secretaries and administrative assistants.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of secretaries and administrative assistants with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about secretaries and administrative assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.