Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive roles in the District of Columbia earn an average annual salary of $57,920. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $47,320, reflecting the unique economic landscape and demand for administrative support within the nation's capital. The concentration of government, non-profit, and corporate headquarters in DC drives this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,760.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 12,130 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.52, the job market for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in the District of Columbia demonstrates robust demand. A Location Quotient above 1.0 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs locally compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing employment sector for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in District of Columbia earns+22.4%above the national average.
$27.9
$1,114
$4,827
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in the District of Columbia have experienced steady growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for skilled administrative support, and the dynamic economic environment of the capital city likely contribute to an upward trend in compensation for these essential roles.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Career progression for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in the District of Columbia typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting greater responsibility and expertise. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $38,030 | $18.3 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $43,440 | $20.9 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $55,800 | $26.8 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $72,400 | $34.8 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $79,760 | $38.3 |
Detailed Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,951
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
While the nominal average salary of $57,920 in the District of Columbia is attractive, it must be considered in light of the local Cost of Living Index of 148.7. This index is substantially higher than the national average (100), meaning that everyday expenses such as housing, transportation, and goods are considerably more expensive. Therefore, the purchasing power of the $57,920 salary in DC is less than it would be in a location with a lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
12,130
Total Jobs
17.115
Per 1K Jobs
1.52
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 1.5x the national concentration of Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.52 for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in the District of Columbia signifies a market where these roles are 52% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a competitive yet abundant job market, with a higher proportion of employers seeking these skills relative to the overall workforce. Professionals in this field can expect numerous opportunities, but also a pool of qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in District of Columbia is $57,920. This typically ranges from $38,030 for entry-level positions to $79,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 22.4% higher than the national median of $47,320.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
Yes, with caveats.The average salary of $57,920 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating lucrative nominal earnings. However, the high cost of living in DC moderates the actual purchasing power of this salary.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($45,010) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the DC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in the District of Columbia is $57,920, which is considerably higher than the national average of $47,320.
What is the concentration of administrative roles in DC?
The Location Quotient of 1.52 indicates that administrative assistant roles are 52% more concentrated in the District of Columbia compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, expenses in DC are nearly 50% higher than the national average, meaning the $57,920 salary may not stretch as far as it would elsewhere.
What is the total number of administrative assistants in DC?
There are approximately 12,130 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive, employed within the District of Columbia.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,130 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 17.115 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 District of Columbia