As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Secretary I in the United States is $45,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, an Secretary I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Secretary 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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Secretary 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Secretary I | 0-1 years | $45,090 |
| Administrative Assistant, Experienced | 1-3 years | $53,022 |
| Administrative Assistant, Senior | 3-5 years | $63,109 |
| Administrative Assistant, Specialist | 5-7 years | $74,027 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 11.89% |
| PowerPoint | 2.59% |
| Accounts Payable | 1.26% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Consulting
|
$50,963 |
13%
|
|
Analysis
|
$49,610 |
10%
|
|
Project Management
|
$49,159 |
9%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$48,257 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$48,257 |
7%
|
|
Financial Services
|
$47,806 |
6%
|
Secretary I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,487. While startup companies pay approximate $42,711.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $42,711 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $45,172 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $48,754 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $50,487 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $51,865 | $25.0 | 15% |
| Telecom | $51,865 | $25.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $49,610 | $24.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $49,610 | $24.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $49,610 | $24.0 | 10% |
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
| 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% |
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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Secretary 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, Experienced | $53,100 | 18% |
| Medical Administrative Assistant | $45,000 | 0% |
Salaries for an Secretary I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,421 in 2023 to around $38,072 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Secretary I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $38,421 |
| 2024 | $38,210 |
| 2025 | $38,072 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Secretary I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Secretary I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Secretary I roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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