Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants earn $76,590 nationally at the median. The middle 50% of workers fall between $61,390 and $94,390. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and experience.
Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.
Also known as:
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants earn $76,590 nationally, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,390 and $94,390. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
Above the national median for college graduates.
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
Leadership, influence, and business acumen are rewarded here, where managing teams, driving decisions, or persuading others shapes career outcomes.
Working closely with people, teaching, advising, or helping others navigate challenges is a defining feature of this career's daily work.
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
The BLS projects -1.6% employment change for Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants through 2034, a declining trend, below the national average of +5%. About 50,000 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
Declining employment projected.
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
The five states below employ the most Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $76,590 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | 88,830 | $80,490 | +5.1% |
| 2 | California | 63,250 | $84,790 | +10.7% |
| 3 | Texas | 35,090 | $69,580 | -9.2% |
| 4 | Florida | 19,950 | $65,350 | -14.7% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 16,630 | $79,360 | +3.6% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
Most Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants positions require a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify. The program below is the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
A medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience.
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business Operations Support and Assistant | 16,604 | $28,311 | 940 |
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Valley College Victorville, CA | 90 | $1,947 | $36,119 |
| 2 | Brazosport College Lake Jackson, TX | 88 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| 3 | South Georgia Technical College Americus, GA | 86 | $1,164 | $30,364 |
| 4 | South Florida State College Avon Park, FL | 86 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| 5 | Imperial Valley College Imperial, CA | 86 | $1,115 | $34,487 |
| 6 | Manatee Technical College Bradenton, FL | 85 | $1,808 | $38,129 |
Once you've sized up Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
See if the degree that leads to Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants has real financial strengths, but declining employment projections deserve careful consideration. The 4 upsides and 1 concerns below are all data-sourced.
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