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Hourly Wage for Secretary I Salary in the United States

What is the hourly salary range of Secretary I?

As of October 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Secretary I in the United States is $22, which translates to an annual salary of about $45,100.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $26 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $20 to $24 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $18 per hour

Key Factors That Influence Secretary I Salaries

An Secretary I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Secretary Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $56,900
  • San Francisco: $56,300
  • Oakland: $55,100

What Skills Can Increase an Secretary I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 11.89% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • PowerPoint (Mentioned in 2.59% Job Postings): A computer software created by Microsoft which allows the user to create slides with recordings, narrations, transitions and other features in order to present information.
  • Accounts Payable (Mentioned in 1.26% Job Postings): Accounts payable (AP) is money owed by a business to its suppliers shown as a liability on a company's balance sheet. It is distinct from notes payable liabilities, which are debts created by formal legal instrument documents.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 11.89%
PowerPoint 2.59%
Accounts Payable 1.26%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Secretary I's salary.

  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Consulting $50,963
13%
Analysis $49,610
10%
Project Management $49,159
9%

Secretary I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Secretary I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,349. While startup companies pay approximate $42,633.

Secretary I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $42,633
Growth Stage 51~500 $45,079
Established 501~5000 $48,616
Enterprise 5000+ $50,349

Secretary I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Secretary I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Telecom sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Secretary positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Secretary I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Secretary I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$51,865$25.015%
Telecom$51,865$25.015%
Biotechnology$49,610$24.010%
Energy & Utilities$49,610$24.010%
Internet$49,610$24.010%

How Education impacts an Secretary I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Secretary Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Secretary I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $44,187 and $46,851).

Secretary I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Secretary I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.1%
High School 33.1%
Associates 19.5%
Bachelors 42.6%
Masters 3.6%
Doctorate 0.1%

Secretary I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Secretary I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$40,800
Average $45,100/year
$49,400
$3,400
Average $3,758/month
$4,117
$785
Average $867/week
$950
$20
Average $22/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,400 $4,117 $950 $24
Average $45,100 $3,758 $867 $22
25th Percentile $40,800 $3,400 $785 $20

Most common benefits for Secretary I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Secretary I

Here are companies hiring for Secretary I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Secretary I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Secretary I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Secretary I roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

2. How to get hired as a secretary?

To become a secretary, take relevant courses in high school and obtain a diploma. Research various fields to find your niche, and consider completing an internship for hands-on experience. Build a strong resume highlighting your skills. Secretary salaries range from $42,000 to $52,400, with a median of $46,600, making it a rewarding career choice. Apply for positions that match your qualifications.

3. What is the highest paying job?

The highest paying job varies by field, but for reference, the salary range for a Secretary is between $42,000 and $52,400, with a mid-salary of $46,600. While this may not be the top tier, it highlights the importance of administrative roles in various industries. For higher-paying positions, consider careers in medicine or specialized fields.

4. What are the qualifications for a secretary?

To qualify as a secretary, candidates typically need a Master's degree with a minimum of 55% marks. Additional qualifications, such as membership in the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, or a degree in Law, are preferred. The salary range for this position is between $42,000 and $52,400, with a midpoint of $46,600.

5. Is secretary job stressful?

The role of a secretary can indeed be stressful. As the primary point of contact for staff and management, they often face a high volume of requests, which can intrude on personal time. This constant demand can lead to increased stress levels. However, with a salary range of $42,000 to $52,400, the compensation reflects the responsibilities and challenges of the position.

6. What are the qualifications for a secretary?

To qualify as a secretary, candidates typically need a Master's degree with a minimum of 55% marks. Additional qualifications such as membership in the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, or a degree in Law are preferred. The salary range for this position is between $42,000 and $52,400, with a midpoint of $46,600.

7. What type of secretary is paid the most?

The highest-paid secretary position typically falls within specialized roles, such as executive or legal secretaries. Based on salary data, the maximum salary for a secretary is $52,400, with a minimum of $42,000 and a midpoint of $46,600. These figures indicate that while some secretaries earn well, top-tier positions can command higher salaries depending on the industry and responsibilities.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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