As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Executive Secretary in the United States is $90,095 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, an Executive Secretary's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Executive Secretary'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 Executive Secretary'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Executive... Level Executive Secretary | $62,915 |
| Executive... Level Executive Secretary | $72,988 |
| Executive... Level Executive Secretary | $87,816 |
| Executive... Level Executive Secretary | $99,272 |
| Executive... Level Executive Secretary | $119,053 |
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 Executive Secretaries. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 6.72% |
| Microsoft Excel | 1.61% |
| Catering | 1.09% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Logistics
|
$93,698 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$93,698 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$92,797 |
3%
|
|
Project Management
|
$92,797 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$92,797 |
3%
|
|
Onboarding
|
$92,797 |
3%
|
For Executive Secretary roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Executive Secretary positions in Telecom or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Executive Secretary as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $117,123 | $56.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $117,123 | $56.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $112,618 | $54.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $108,113 | $52.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $106,312 | $51.0 | 18% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Executive Secretaries enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 Executive Secretary with a Associate's Degree is between $85,896 and $91,763).
Executive Secretary Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 26.3% |
| Associates | 19.2% |
| Bachelors | 46.2% |
| Masters | 6.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how an Executive Secretary'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for an Executive Secretary can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $77,816 in 2023 to around $75,240 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Executive Secretary salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $77,816 |
| 2024 | $76,002 |
| 2025 | $75,240 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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