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Secretary II Salary in the United States

How much does an Secretary II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Secretary II in the United States is $53,040 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, an Secretary II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $64,407
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,620 to $58,990
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,685
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Secretary II Salaries

An Secretary II'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.

How Do Secretary II Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Secretary IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $58,720.
  • California: $58,500.
  • Massachusetts: $57,720.

Top Paying Cities for Secretary IIs

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: $66,890
  • San Francisco: $66,160
  • Oakland: $64,770

What Skills Can Increase an Secretary II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 11.77% 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 2.58% 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.
  • Bookkeeping (Mentioned in 1.32% Job Postings): Bookkeeping is the recording of financial transactions, and is part of the process of accounting in business. Transactions include purchases, sales, receipts, and payments by an individual person or an organization/corporation. There are several standard methods of bookkeeping, including the single-entry and double-entry bookkeeping systems. While these may be viewed as "real" bookkeeping, any process for recording financial transactions is a bookkeeping process. Bookkeeping is the work of a bookkeeper (or book-keeper), who records the day-to-day financial transactions of a business. They usually write the daybooks (which contain records of sales, purchases, receipts, and payments), and document each financial transaction, whether cash or credit, into the correct daybook—that is, petty cash book, suppliers ledger, customer ledger, etc.—and the general ledger. Thereafter, an accountant can create financial reports from the information recorded by the bookkeeper.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 11.77%
PowerPoint 2.58%
Bookkeeping 1.32%
See More Skills

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 II's salary.

  • Financial Services: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Financial Services $63,118
19%
Analysis $57,814
9%
Project Management $56,753
7%
Get Latest Data

Secretary II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Secretary II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $59,274. While startup companies pay approximate $50,140.

Secretary II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $50,140
Growth Stage 51~500 $53,028
Established 501~5000 $57,237
Enterprise 5000+ $59,274

Secretary II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Secretary II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Secretary positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Secretary II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Secretary II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$66,300$32.025%
Internet$63,648$31.020%
Software & Networking$63,648$31.020%
Energy & Utilities$60,996$29.015%
Aerospace & Defense$58,344$28.010%

How Education impacts an Secretary II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Secretary IIs 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 II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $51,356 and $54,518).

Secretary II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Secretary II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.2%
High School 35.1%
Associates 20.5%
Bachelors 39.2%
Masters 3.9%
Doctorate 0.1%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how an Secretary II'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 September 01, 2026
$47,620
Average $53,040/year
$58,990
$3,968
Average $4,420/month
$4,916
$916
Average $1,020/week
$1,134
$23
Average $26/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $58,990 $4,916 $1,134 $28
Average $53,040 $4,420 $1,020 $26
25th Percentile $47,620 $3,968 $916 $23

Secretary II Salary Growth & Career Path

Secretary II

Next Role

Advancement

For an Secretary II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Administrative Assistant, Senior role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $63,200 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Secretary II

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

Common company salaries for Secretary II

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

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FAQ about Secretary II

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Secretary II roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary of a secretary?

The highest salary of a secretary is $60,740 annually. The salary range for secretaries typically falls between $48,690 (minimum) and $54,230 (midpoint), reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibilities in the role.

3. Which degree is best for secretary?

An associate's degree in secretarial science offers a comprehensive education in business operations and office applications. Pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree relevant to the company's industry can enhance a secretary's understanding of daily tasks. With salaries ranging from $48,690 to $60,740, investing in education can lead to better job opportunities and higher earnings.

4. How much is the US Secretary of State paid?

The salary for a Secretary ranges from $48,690 to $60,740, with a mid-range salary of $54,230. This reflects the compensation for secretarial positions, which can vary based on experience and location.

5. Is secretary job stressful?

Secretaries often face stressful situations, such as managing tight schedules and challenging client requests. With salaries ranging from $48,690 to $60,740, it's crucial for them to maintain a balanced work-life approach. This balance helps preserve their mental and emotional health, enabling them to stay composed and effective under pressure.

6. What is the highest CS salary in US?

The highest salary for a Secretary ranges from $48,690 to $60,740 annually, with a mid-salary of $54,230. In comparison, top Computer Scientist salaries in the U.S. can reach as high as $206,532 in Livermore, CA, showcasing a significant difference in compensation across these professions.

7. How much does a 2nd officer earn in USA?

While salary data for a 2nd officer varies, it typically ranges from $48,690 to $60,740 annually. The midpoint salary is approximately $54,230. This reflects a more focused range compared to broader estimates, providing a clearer picture of earnings for this role in the USA.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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