How much does a secretary make?
a year · about $23 an hour
A typical secretary in the United States makes $47,540 a year, about $23 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
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.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $33,280 and $66,350How do you become one?
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.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($59,910), lowest in Mississippi ($37,340).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a secretary averages $39,441. Secretary salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: 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).
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