How much does a secretary make?
Answer: A typical secretary in the United States makes $47,540 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 1.7 million people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Secretary pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $33,280 | $47,540 | $66,350 | about 1.7 million |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $59,910 | about 12,000 |
| Massachusetts | $57,940 | about 38,000 |
| Washington | $57,330 | about 32,000 |
| Connecticut | $57,210 | about 23,000 |
| California | $55,400 | about 159,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience and useful skills, the employer or industry, location, and how difficult or responsible the tasks are. The number of hours worked can also change total earnings.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a secretary do?
Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers. Excludes legal, medical, and executive secretaries (43-6011 through 43-6013).
What's a typical day like?
They begin by checking messages and the calendar, then answer calls, arrange appointments, and set up meetings. They also prepare or proofread documents, update files and databases, and help visitors or coworkers.
How to get this job
In the United States, finish high school and practice word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; a college degree is usually not needed. Apply for an entry-level job, then learn office procedures through a few weeks of on-the-job training.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling.
Did you know?
In the United States, workers in this job spend an average of 89% of their workday sitting, although many can choose to sit or stand for key tasks.
What about Japan?
Nearly the same jobThe US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Office and Administrative Support jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/OOH/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-6014.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/ors/factsheet/pdf/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants-except-l
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY