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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Special Assistant in California is $97,527 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Special Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Special Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $108,216 | $9,018 | $2,081 | $52 |
| Average | $97,527 | $8,127 | $1,876 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,712 | $7,143 | $1,648 | $41 |
KIPP SoCal Public Schools - Los Angeles, CA
KIPP - San Diego, CA
Orinda Union School District - Orinda, CA
KIPP - Los Angeles, CA
A Special Assistant'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 a Special Assistant'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 Special Assistant | $70,449 |
| Executive... Level Special Assistant | $81,736 |
| Special A... Level Special Assistant | $98,348 |
| Executive... Level Special Assistant | $111,164 |
| Executive... Level Special Assistant | $133,312 |
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 Special Assistants. 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:
For Special Assistant 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, Special Assistant positions in Telecom or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Special Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $126,785 | $61.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $126,785 | $61.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $121,909 | $59.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $117,033 | $56.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $115,082 | $55.0 | 18% |
Understanding how a Special Assistant'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 | $108,216 | $9,018 | $2,081 | $52 |
| Average | $97,527 | $8,127 | $1,876 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,712 | $7,143 | $1,648 | $41 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Special Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Help Group
Los Angeles, CA
Help Group | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. If you are driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in your community and shape brighter futures, Help Group is... more
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Roane County Schools
Baldwin Park, CA
Roane County Schools | Baldwin Park, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Educational Assistant - Special Education Qualifications:18 years of ageHigh school diploma or equivalent.Meets "Highly Q... more
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The Creekside School
San Jose, CA
The Creekside School | San Jose, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About The Creekside School. The Creekside School is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children... more
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Armada Ltd
Oceanside, CA
Armada Ltd | Oceanside, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Type: Full TimeLocation: MCTSSA, Camp Pendleton, CAOvertime Exempt: NoReports To: ARMADA HQSecurity Clearance Required: A... more
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Mal house
Los Angeles, CA
Mal house | Los Angeles, CA
M.is a young man diagnosed with autism.His parents are looking for someone to support him at home and in the community (90034 area) You will be assisting M... more
10 Days Ago
Palo Alto Unified School District
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto Unified School District | Palo Alto, CA
Job Title. Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist students with mental and physical disabilities to attain vocational, community, communicat... more
9 Days Ago
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