SalaryNode

Average Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD

In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area, Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants earn an average annual salary of $66,470. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $60,840, indicating a premium for these roles within this specific region. The localized demand and potentially higher operational costs contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $66,470 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,590.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,020 professionals in this field and a Location Quotient of 0.76, the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area demonstrates a slightly below-average concentration of Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants compared to the national landscape. While not a hub of extreme concentration, the presence of a substantial workforce suggests a stable and ongoing demand for these essential support roles within the legal sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$66,470

The average Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD earns+9.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32

Weekly

$1,278

Monthly

$5,539

Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Salary Distribution in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD

Compensation for Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights a clear career progression path and the value placed on accumulated expertise and efficiency in the legal field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$49,690$23.9
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$49,853$24
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$63,080$30.3
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$83,088$39.9
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$79,590$38.3

Detailed Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$66,470

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$66,470

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $66,470 in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Legal Secretary's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the cost of goods and services is also in line with national benchmarks.

Job Market Context

1,020

Total Jobs

0.758

Per 1K Jobs

0.76

Location Quotient

Below Average

Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD has 0.76x the national average concentration of Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.76 indicates that Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants are employed in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson at a rate slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated, and there may be a balanced demand relative to the supply of professionals in this specific metropolitan area.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?

The median annual salary for a Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $66,470. This typically ranges from $49,690 for entry-level positions to $79,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 9.3% higher than the national median of $60,840.

Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a lucrative place for Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?

Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson earn approximately $5,630 more annually than the national average. This is balanced by a Cost of Living Index that is exactly at the national average, making the higher salary translate effectively to purchasing power.

Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a good place to live for Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?

Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($56,830) and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV.

How does the local job market compare to the national average for this role?

The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area has a slightly lower concentration of Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants compared to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.76. This suggests a stable, rather than booming, job market for this profession in the region.

What is the average number of Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants per 1,000 workers in Baltimore?

In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan area, there are approximately 0.758 Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants for every 1,000 workers, which is slightly below the national average.

How does experience impact salary for Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in this area?

Experience is a significant factor, with entry-level positions earning less and senior roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting a typical career progression and the value of specialized legal administrative skills.

Is the higher salary in Baltimore due to a higher cost of living?

While the nominal salary is higher, the Cost of Living Index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is exactly at the national average (100). This means the increased pay is not solely driven by higher living expenses but likely by local market demand and the value of these roles within the legal sector.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,020 employees in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area with a job density of 0.758 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.