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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants salary in San Diego, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Diego metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$82,630
Mean annual$83,940
Range (10th to 90th)$50,360 to $115,030
San Diego, California employment5,820
State vs national+13.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Diego executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$50,36025TH$66,650MEDIAN$82,63075TH$98,44090TH$115,030

The middle 50% of workers earn between $66,650 and $98,440, with a median of $82,630.

Typical entry

  • Education

    High school diploma

  • Experience

    5 years or more

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Administrative

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Written Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Manage and maintain executives' schedules.

  2. 02

    Process payroll information.

  3. 03

    Make travel arrangements for executives.

  4. 04

    Prepare invoices, reports, memos, letters, financial statements, and other documents, using word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software.

  5. 05

    Coordinate and direct office services, such as records, departmental finances, budget preparation, personnel issues, and housekeeping, to aid executives.

  6. 06

    Answer phone calls and direct calls to appropriate parties or take messages.

  7. 07

    Prepare responses to correspondence containing routine inquiries.

  8. 08

    Open, sort, and distribute incoming correspondence, including faxes and email.

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Other metros in California

How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants in San Diego, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants in the San Diego metropolitan area is $82,630.
Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants?
The San Diego metro median is -2.5% versus the California state median of $84,790.
How does San Diego compare to the national median for Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants?
The San Diego metro median is +13.0% versus the BLS national figure of $73,131.
What is the salary range for Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants in San Diego?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $50,360 and the 90th-percentile at $115,030 for the San Diego metro area.
What education is required for Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.