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Administrative Assistant I Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Administrative Assistant I in the United States is $45,094 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,286
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,761 to $49,382
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,816
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Administrative Assistant I Salaries

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

How Experience Level Affects Administrative Assistant I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Administrative Assistant I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Administrative Assistant I (0-1 years): $45,094
  • Administrative Assistant II (1-3 years): $53,032
  • Administrative Assistant III (3-5 years): $63,124
  • Administrative Assistant IV (5-7 years): $74,042
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Administrative Assistant I0-1 years$45,094
Administrative Assistant II1-3 years$53,032
Administrative Assistant III3-5 years$63,124
Administrative Assistant IV5-7 years$74,042
View as Graph

How Do Administrative 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 Administrative Assistant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $49,928.
  • California: $49,739.
  • Massachusetts: $49,076.

Top Paying Cities for Administrative 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: $56,877
  • San Francisco: $56,254
  • Oakland: $55,069

What Skills Can Increase an Administrative Assistant 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%
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 Administrative Assistant 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 $50,956
13%
Analysis $49,603
10%
Project Management $49,152
9%
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Administrative Assistant I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Administrative Assistant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,394. While startup companies pay approximate $42,629.

Administrative Assistant I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $42,629
Growth Stage 51~500 $45,084
Established 501~5000 $48,662
Enterprise 5000+ $50,394

Administrative Assistant I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Administrative Assistant 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, Administrative Assistant positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Administrative Assistant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Administrative Assistant I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$51,858$25.015%
Telecom$51,858$25.015%
Biotechnology$49,603$24.010%
Energy & Utilities$49,603$24.010%
Internet$49,603$24.010%

How Education impacts an Administrative Assistant I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Administrative Assistant I enter the field with a Bachelor's 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 Administrative Assistant I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $44,503 and $47,240.

Administrative Assistant I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Administrative Assistant 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%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how an Administrative 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
$40,761
Average $45,094/year
$49,382
$3,397
Average $3,758/month
$4,115
$784
Average $867/week
$950
$20
Average $22/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,382 $4,115 $950 $24
Average $45,094 $3,758 $867 $22
25th Percentile $40,761 $3,397 $784 $20

Administrative Assistant I Salary Growth & Career Path

Administrative Assistant I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Administrative Assistant I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Administrative Assistant II $53,032 18%
Medical Secretary $50,639 12%

Most common benefits for Administrative Assistant I

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

Common company salaries for Administrative Assistant I

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

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FAQ about Administrative Assistant I

1. Where can an Administrative Assistant I earn the most?

An Administrative Assistant I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Administrative Assistant I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Administrative Assistant I is $56,877.

2. What is the highest pay for Administrative Assistant I?

The highest pay for Administrative Assistant I is $53,286.

3. What is the lowest pay for Administrative Assistant I?

The lowest pay for Administrative Assistant I is $36,816.

4. What are the responsibilities of Administrative Assistant I?

Provides administrative support to an individual, team, department or group in an organization. Collects, reviews and analyzes data and prepares reports, charts, budgets, and other presentation materials utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, or specialized software. Prepares and distributes reports or other communications on a regular schedule. Maintains files, databases, and archives of relevant records. Screens calls and responds to or routes routine inquiries from external or internal sources with appropriate correspondence or other messaging. Schedules and coordinates meetings, travel, and other group activities. May manage expense reporting, invoicing, office supply inventory, or other routine processes. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Administrative Assistant I?

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

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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