As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for an Administrative Assistant I in the United States is $45,083 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant I | 0-1 years | $45,083 |
| Administrative Assistant II | 1-3 years | $53,002 |
| Administrative Assistant III | 3-5 years | $63,081 |
| Administrative Assistant IV | 5-7 years | $73,998 |
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 Administrative Assistant 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
|
$50,944 |
13%
|
|
Analysis
|
$49,591 |
10%
|
|
Project Management
|
$49,140 |
9%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$48,239 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$48,239 |
7%
|
|
Financial Services
|
$47,788 |
6%
|
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 $50,425. While startup companies pay approximate $42,644.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $42,644 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $45,103 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $48,695 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $50,425 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Administrative Assistant 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 Administrative Assistant I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $44,365 and $47,070).
Administrative Assistant 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 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 June 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $53,002 | 18% |
| Medical Secretary | $44,969 | 0% |
Salaries for an Administrative Assistant 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 Administrative Assistant I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $38,421 |
| 2024 | $38,210 |
| 2025 | $38,072 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Administrative Assistant I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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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 $56,863.
The highest pay for Administrative Assistant I is $53,271.
The lowest pay for Administrative Assistant I is $36,807.
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.
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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