In California, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants (excluding legal, medical, and executive roles) earn an average annual salary of $56,120. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $47,320, reflecting the state's robust economy and higher operational costs. The demand for skilled administrative support in California's diverse industries contributes to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,110.
- Outlook: California boasts a substantial workforce of 169,670 individuals in this administrative support sector. While the Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the sheer volume of jobs and the state's economic dynamism indicate a stable and significant demand for these roles. This large workforce size ensures a consistent need for administrative professionals across various industries.
Salary Overview
The average Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in California earns+18.6%above the national average.
$27
$1,079
$4,677
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past four years, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in California have experienced steady growth, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. As businesses continue to rely on efficient administrative operations, the demand for qualified professionals likely kept pace, driving compensation upwards in line with market adjustments and increased responsibilities.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary Distribution in California
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for administrative roles. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects the value placed on expertise, reliability, and advanced administrative capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $38,360 | $18.4 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $42,090 | $20.2 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $53,190 | $25.6 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $70,150 | $33.7 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $76,110 | $36.6 |
Detailed Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,520
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the average annual salary of $56,120 in California appears attractive, it must be considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This index is substantially higher than the national average, meaning that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished compared to lower-cost states. Prospective employees should carefully weigh the higher nominal wage against the increased expenses associated with living in California.
Job Market Context
169,670
Total Jobs
9.396
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
California has 0.83x the national average concentration of Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.83, the market for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive, in California is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the state employs a large number of these professionals, the proportion relative to the total workforce is marginally lower than the national benchmark. This suggests a competitive but not oversaturated market, with opportunities available for skilled candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive make in California?
The median annual salary for a Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in California is $56,120. This typically ranges from $38,360 for entry-level positions to $76,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 18.6% higher than the national median of $47,320.
Is California a lucrative place for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
Yes, California offers a lucrative environment for these roles, with salaries significantly above the national average.The average salary of $56,120 is considerably higher than the national average, indicating strong earning potential. However, this must be balanced against California's elevated cost of living.
Is California a good place to live for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($52,500) and Visalia, CA.
How does California's cost of living affect the administrative assistant salary?
California's Cost of Living Index of 138.5 means that $56,120 does not stretch as far as it would in a lower-cost state. While the nominal salary is higher, the real purchasing power is reduced due to increased expenses for housing, goods, and services.
What is the concentration of administrative assistants in California compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates that administrative assistants are slightly less concentrated in California's workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a proportionally smaller, yet still significant, presence in the state's job market.
How many administrative assistants are employed in California?
California employs a substantial 169,670 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive, highlighting the state's significant demand for these roles.
Does experience significantly impact an administrative assistant's salary in California?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary determination. Entry-level positions will earn less, while senior administrative assistants with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average, reaching higher percentiles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 169,670 employees in the California area with a job density of 9.396 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California