In the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive roles command an average annual salary of $54,750. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $47,320, indicating a localized premium for these essential support positions. The specific economic landscape and demand within this region likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,450.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,970 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.86, the job market for Administrative Assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, shows a stable, albeit slightly below national concentration, presence. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 9.744 suggests a consistent demand for these professionals within the local economy, supporting a reliable employment environment.
Salary Overview
The average Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns+15.7%above the national average.
$26.3
$1,053
$4,563
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Administrative Assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing responsibilities, and a competitive job market typically drive incremental salary increases for these vital administrative roles.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Career progression for Administrative Assistants typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory duties can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the substantial earning potential as one advances in their administrative career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $37,780 | $18.2 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $41,063 | $19.7 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $53,570 | $25.8 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $68,438 | $32.9 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $73,450 | $35.3 |
Detailed Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $54,750 in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, aligns perfectly with 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 this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial standing relative to living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,970
Total Jobs
9.744
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 0.86x 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 0.86 suggests that while Administrative Assistants are a recognized part of the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA workforce, the concentration of these roles is slightly lower than the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive market where demand exists, but the sheer volume of opportunities may not be as dense as in other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, 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 Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $54,750. This typically ranges from $37,780 for entry-level positions to $73,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 15.7% higher than the national median of $47,320.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a lucrative place for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.The average salary of $54,750 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, making it financially favorable.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($52,200) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
How does the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Administrative Assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, is $54,750, which is $7,430 higher than the national average of $47,320.
What is the total number of Administrative Assistants in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area?
There are approximately 1,970 individuals employed as Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA region.
How does the concentration of Administrative Assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA compare to the national average?
The Location Quotient of 0.86 indicates that the concentration of Administrative Assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, is slightly below the national average.
What does a Cost of Living Index of 100 mean for Administrative Assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the cost of living in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, is exactly the same as the national average, making the $54,750 salary maintain its purchasing power.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,970 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 9.744 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 Maria-Santa Barbara, CA