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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary in Memphis, Tennessee

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Memphis 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$43,160
Mean annual$44,750
Range (10th to 90th)$28,490 to $62,810
Memphis, Tennessee employment5,990
State vs national-6.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Memphis secretaries and administrative assistants fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$28,49025TH$35,940MEDIAN$43,16075TH$52,89090TH$62,810

The middle 50% of workers earn between $35,940 and $52,890, with a median of $43,160.

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)

  1. 01

    Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.

  2. 02

    Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.

  3. 03

    Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.

  4. 04

    Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.

  5. 05

    Perform payroll functions, such as maintaining timekeeping information and processing and submitting payroll.

  6. 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.

  7. 07

    Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions.

  8. 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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Other metros in Tennessee

How the Memphis metro compares to other major Tennessee metro areas for secretaries and administrative assistants.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Memphis, Tennessee?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in the Memphis metropolitan area is $43,160.
Does Memphis pay more than the Tennessee state average for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?
The Memphis metro median is -0.5% versus the Tennessee state median of $43,370.
How does Memphis compare to the national median for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?
The Memphis metro median is -6.2% versus the BLS national figure of $46,002.
What is the salary range for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Memphis?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $28,490 and the 90th-percentile at $62,810 for the Memphis 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 Memphis 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.