What is the median salary for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $51,580.

Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is -7.6% versus the District of Columbia state median of $55,800.

How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is +12.1% versus the BLS national figure of $46,002.

What is the salary range for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Washington, D.C.?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $37,300 and the 90th-percentile at $76,060 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.

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.

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Median annual$51,580

Mean annual$54,740

Range (10th to 90th)$37,300 to $76,060

Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment35,940

State vs national+12.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. secretaries and administrative assistants fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

The middle 50% of workers earn between $43,550 and $62,090, with a median of $51,580.

Typical entry

Education
High school diploma
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

Administrative
Knowledge
4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
4.3 / 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
4.0 / 5

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.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $51,580.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is -7.6% versus the District of Columbia state median of $55,800.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is +12.1% versus the BLS national figure of $46,002.
What is the salary range for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Washington, D.C.?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $37,300 and the 90th-percentile at $76,060 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
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.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Washington, D.C. 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.