Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in California. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
Salary distribution
Where California secretaries and administrative assistants fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $46,390 and $65,400, with a median of $55,400.
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Secretaries and Administrative Assistants pay by experience level in California
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in California, by industry
Median offered wage across 3 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Finance and insurance leads with a median of $50,960.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and insurance | ABOVETRAST CAPITAL | 1 | $50,960 |
| Retail and wholesale | BAHO KIDS USA INC | 1 | $55,200 |
| Technology and software | Artist Publishing Group | 1 | $43,680 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in California over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
High school diploma
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.5 / 5
Administrative
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Written Expression
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
- 02
Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.
- 03
Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.
- 04
Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.
- 05
Perform payroll functions, such as maintaining timekeeping information and processing and submitting payroll.
- 06
Collect and deposit money into accounts, disburse funds from cash accounts to pay bills or invoices, keep records of collections and disbursements, and ensure accounts are balanced.
- 07
Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions.
- 08
Set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
-1.6%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Declining
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Explore coursesTop metros in California
Metro-level salary data for secretaries and administrative assistants in major California metropolitan areas.
- San Jose$62,940
- San Francisco$62,110
- San Diego$55,380
- Sacramento$55,020
- Los Angeles$53,550
- Riverside$52,920
Compare Secretaries and Administrative Assistants pay across nearby states
Considering a move? Compare California with another state
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in California is $55,400.
- How does California compare to the national median for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?
- The California median is +15.9% versus the BLS national figure of $47,782.
- What is the salary range for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in California?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $38,060 and the 90th-percentile at $78,170, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Secretaries and Administrative Assistants a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment declining by -1.6% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates 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.