In Columbia, SC, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive roles earn an average annual salary of $42,840. This figure is below the national average of $47,320, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the South Carolina capital. The specific needs and economic drivers of the Columbia metropolitan area play a significant role in shaping compensation for these vital support positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,400.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,100 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.4, Columbia, SC demonstrates a notable concentration of administrative support professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for these skills within the region, indicating a stable job market for experienced administrative assistants.
Salary Overview
The average Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Columbia, SC earns-9.5%below the national average.
$20.6
$824
$3,570
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive roles in Columbia, SC, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by inflation, increasing demand for administrative support, and the evolving responsibilities within these positions.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Career progression for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Columbia, SC, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior administrative professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries considerably higher than the average, with percentile gaps clearly signifying career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $30,380 | $14.6 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $32,130 | $15.4 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $42,490 | $20.4 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $53,550 | $25.7 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $56,400 | $27.1 |
Detailed Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $42,840 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an administrative assistant's salary in Columbia is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the local cost of living does not significantly inflate or deflate the real value of their earnings.
Job Market Context
6,100
Total Jobs
15.812
Per 1K Jobs
1.4
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.40, Columbia, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.4 for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Columbia, SC, indicates that this profession is 40% more concentrated in the area than the national average. This suggests a healthy and active job market with a higher availability of these roles relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to more opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
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 Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Columbia, SC is $42,840. This typically ranges from $30,380 for entry-level positions to $56,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 9.5% lower than the national median of $47,320.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
No, but it is competitive.While the average salary of $42,840 is below the national average, the high concentration of these roles (LQ of 1.4) suggests strong local demand and ample job opportunities.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($40,110) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Columbia, SC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Columbia, SC is $42,840, which is lower than the national average of $47,320.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.4 mean for administrative assistants in Columbia, SC?
A Location Quotient of 1.4 signifies that administrative assistant roles are 40% more concentrated in Columbia, SC, than the national average, indicating a higher demand and potentially more job availability in the region.
How does the cost of living in Columbia, SC affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $42,840 salary in Columbia, SC, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings stretch as far as they would elsewhere in the country.
What is the total number of administrative assistants in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 6,100 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive employed in Columbia, SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,100 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 15.812 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 Columbia, SC