Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Office Assistant I Salary in the United States

How much does an Office Assistant I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Office Assistant I in the United States is $38,153 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.

However, an Office Assistant I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $43,273
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $34,543 to $40,833
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $31,256
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Office Assistant I Salaries

An Office Assistant 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.

How Do Office Assistant I 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 Office Assistant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $42,243.
  • California: $42,083.
  • Massachusetts: $41,523.

Top Paying Cities for Office Assistant 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: $48,113
  • San Francisco: $47,593
  • Oakland: $46,593

What Skills Can Increase an Office Assistant I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 17.12% 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.
  • Accounting (Mentioned in 2.43% Job Postings): Creating financial statements and reports based on the summary of financial and business transactions.
  • Office Management (Mentioned in 1.53% Job Postings): Office management is a profession involving the design, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance of the process of work within an office or other organization, in order to sustain and improve efficiency and productivity.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 17.12%
Accounting 2.43%
Office Management 1.53%
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 Office Assistant I's salary.

  • Brand Awareness: Can increase your salary by up to 36%.
  • Patient Care: Can increase your salary by up to 26%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Brand Awareness $51,888
36%
Patient Care $48,073
26%
Analysis $44,639
17%
Get Latest Data

Office Assistant I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Office Assistant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $42,638. While startup companies pay approximate $36,067.

Office Assistant I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $36,067
Growth Stage 51~500 $38,145
Established 501~5000 $41,172
Enterprise 5000+ $42,638

Office Assistant I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Office Assistant I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 39% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Office Assistant positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Office Assistant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Office Assistant I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$45,784$22.020%
Energy & Utilities$42,731$21.012%
Software & Networking$42,731$21.012%
Internet$41,968$20.010%
Pharmaceuticals$41,968$20.010%

How Education impacts an Office Assistant I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Office Assistant Is enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Office Assistant I with a No Diploma is between $36,080 and $38,090).

Office Assistant I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Office Assistant I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 6.3%
High School 47.2%
Associates 13.4%
Bachelors 29.9%
Masters 3.1%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Office Assistant I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Office Assistant 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 September 01, 2026
$34,543
Average $38,153/year
$40,833
$2,879
Average $3,179/month
$3,403
$664
Average $734/week
$785
$17
Average $18/hour
$20
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $40,833 $3,403 $785 $20
Average $38,153 $3,179 $734 $18
25th Percentile $34,543 $2,879 $664 $17

Office Assistant I Salary Growth & Career Path

Office Assistant I

Next Role

Advancement

For an Office Assistant I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Administrative Services - Clerical - Intermediate role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $42,400 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Office Assistant I

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

Common company salaries for Office Assistant I

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

Find Your Next Office Assistant I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Office Assistant I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Office Assistant I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Office Assistant I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Office Assistant I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What states are best for PA?

The East is favorable for PAs, with states like Massachusetts, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Vermont offering a supportive practice environment. These states provide autonomy and meet key elements for modern PA practice. Salaries for Office Assistants in these regions range from $34,583 to $42,453, with a mid-salary of $38,123, reflecting the competitive job market.

3. How many hours do office assistants work?

Office assistants typically work full-time, averaging 35 to 40 hours per week. In smaller companies, part-time roles may be available if there's less work. The salary for office assistants ranges from $34,583 to $42,453, with a mid-salary of $38,123, reflecting the responsibilities and demands of the position.

4. Is working in a office a good job?

Working in an office can be a rewarding career choice, offering stability and a balanced work-life environment. With salaries ranging from $34,583 to $42,453, it provides competitive compensation compared to service or retail jobs. If you're seeking professional growth and a supportive atmosphere, a business office role might be the perfect fit for your future.

5. How much does office job pay in USA?

The salary for an Office Assistant in the USA ranges from a minimum of $34,583 to a maximum of $42,453, with a median salary of $38,123. This translates to an average monthly pay of approximately $3,182. Salaries can vary based on experience and location within the country.

6. What is higher than office assistant?

The role of an office administrator encompasses all the responsibilities of an office assistant, but with a broader skill set and the ability to handle additional tasks. Typically, office administrators earn between $34,583 and $42,453, with a median salary of $38,123, making them a vital part of any office environment.

7. How much do USA pay per hour?

As of January 17, 2025, the average hourly pay for an Office Assistant in the United States ranges from approximately $16.63 (MinSalary) to $20.00 (MidSalary) and up to $20.41 (MaxSalary). This reflects a typical salary range of $34,583 to $42,453 annually, indicating a competitive wage for this role.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst