In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive roles command an average annual salary of $56,150. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $47,320, indicating a premium placed on these administrative roles within the local economy. The higher pay is likely influenced by the region's unique economic drivers and potentially a competitive job market for skilled administrative professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,180.
- Outlook: The Santa Cruz-Watsonville metropolitan area supports a local workforce of 1,130 individuals in administrative support roles, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 11.456. This indicates a steady presence of these positions within the local employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 1.02 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average, implying a stable and consistent demand for administrative talent in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+18.7%above the national average.
$27
$1,080
$4,679
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 administrative assistant salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for skilled support staff, and the evolving nature of administrative duties likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these professionals.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Career progression for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized administrative roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect the value placed on accumulated skills, expertise, and the ability to handle more complex responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $37,320 | $17.9 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $42,113 | $20.2 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $55,480 | $26.7 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $70,188 | $33.7 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $77,180 | $37.1 |
Detailed Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,150 in Santa Cruz-Watsonville 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 this region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage, suggesting that the increased pay effectively offsets the local expenses.
Job Market Context
1,130
Total Jobs
11.456
Per 1K Jobs
1.02
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.02, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.02, the job market for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is nearly identical in concentration to the national average. This suggests a balanced market where the availability of jobs closely matches the national distribution. Professionals in this field can expect a competitive but accessible job market, with opportunities reflecting the broader national landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $56,150. This typically ranges from $37,320 for entry-level positions to $77,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 18.7% higher than the national median of $47,320.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a lucrative place for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
Yes, it is a lucrative place.The average salary of $56,150 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($64,620) and Salinas, CA.
How does the Santa Cruz-Watsonville salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Administrative Assistants in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $56,150, which is $8,830 higher than the national average of $47,320.
What is the concentration of administrative assistant jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The concentration of these jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.02, is slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable presence of administrative roles in the local workforce.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the administrative assistant salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
No, the cost of living in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is at the national average (100), meaning the higher local salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary across the country.
How many administrative assistant jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
There are approximately 11.456 administrative assistant jobs per 1,000 workers in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,130 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 11.456 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA