As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Administrative Assistant I in California is $49,730 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, an Administrative Assistant I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Administrative Assistant I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $54,455 | $4,538 | $1,047 | $26 |
| Average | $49,730 | $4,144 | $956 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,952 | $3,746 | $864 | $22 |
Ballard Spahr LLP - San Francisco, CA
Ballard Spahr LLP - San Francisco, CA
Amazon - Bloomington, CA
TradeJobsWorkforce - San Jose, CA
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, 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 | $49,730 |
| Administrative Assistant II | 1-3 years | $58,472 |
| Administrative Assistant III | 3-5 years | $69,594 |
| Administrative Assistant IV | 5-7 years | $81,635 |
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:
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:
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 $55,622. While startup companies pay approximate $47,040.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $47,040 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $49,752 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $53,714 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $55,622 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $57,189 | $27.0 | 15% |
| Telecom | $57,189 | $27.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $54,703 | $26.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $54,703 | $26.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $54,703 | $26.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $54,455 | $4,538 | $1,047 | $26 |
| Average | $49,730 | $4,144 | $956 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,952 | $3,746 | $864 | $22 |
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 | $58,472 | 18% |
| Medical Secretary | $49,603 | 0% |
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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