In Chattanooga, TN-GA, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive roles earn an average annual salary of $42,370. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,320, a common trend in regions with a cost of living that aligns with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in shaping compensation within the Chattanooga metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,740.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,810 individuals in this role, Chattanooga presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for administrative professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.93 suggests that the presence of these roles is nearly in line with national averages, indicating a steady demand that mirrors the broader U.S. employment landscape. This signifies a consistent need for administrative support within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-10.5%below the national average.
$20.4
$815
$3,531
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chattanooga's administrative assistant salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving job responsibilities typically contribute to incremental salary increases for administrative roles across most U.S. markets. Therefore, professionals in this field in Chattanooga likely have experienced modest salary growth over the last four years.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Career progression for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive roles in Chattanooga, TN-GA, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive tenure can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly delineate these opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $27,680 | $13.3 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $31,778 | $15.3 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $41,970 | $20.2 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,963 | $25.5 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $58,740 | $28.2 |
Detailed Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $42,370 in Chattanooga, TN-GA, is perfectly balanced by the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an administrative assistant's salary in Chattanooga is equivalent to the national average. While the salary may appear lower than the national average, the cost of living ensures that the real value of the income is maintained, making it a financially neutral relocation from a national perspective.
Job Market Context
2,810
Total Jobs
10.448
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.93x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.93 for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive roles in Chattanooga, TN-GA, indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable and demand exists, it is not a primary hub for this specific type of employment. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
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 Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $42,370. This typically ranges from $27,680 for entry-level positions to $58,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 10.5% lower than the national median of $47,320.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $42,370 is below the national average of $47,320, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This means the salary's purchasing power is equivalent, but not superior, to the national standard.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($40,490) and Dalton, GA.
How does Chattanooga's cost of living compare to the national average?
Chattanooga, TN-GA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services in Chattanooga is comparable to the rest of the United States.
What is the total number of administrative support jobs in Chattanooga?
There are approximately 2,810 individuals employed as Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area.
How does the concentration of administrative roles in Chattanooga compare nationally?
The Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that administrative assistant roles are slightly less concentrated in Chattanooga compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not dominant presence of these jobs.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.93 signify for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.93 means that while administrative assistant jobs are present and in demand, they are not as heavily concentrated as in other parts of the country, implying a moderately competitive job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,810 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 10.448 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA