Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
Less than 5 years
None
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants provide high-level administrative support and coordination for organizations. Nationally, this occupation employs about 503,000 people, indicating a sizable presence in the workforce. The role emphasizes strong project management, interpersonal abilities, and proficiency with computers and information technology, supported by solid writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. Creativity, adaptability, mathematics, customer service, and fine motor skills also contribute to success in this field. While projected national employment growth is -1.6%, there are still an estimated 50,000 annual openings, suggesting ongoing turnover and replacement needs. The national median annual salary of $74,260 reflects substantial earning potential for those who build strong skill sets. Typical entry into this career is possible with a high school diploma or equivalent, making it accessible to a wide range of candidates who are ready to develop these key competencies. Related options include medical, legal, and other secretarial and administrative assistant roles, as well as broader information and record clerk paths.
The national median annual salary for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants is $74,260. Within this overall picture, certain states and metro areas stand out for higher typical earnings. Among states, California shows a median salary of $89,000, while Massachusetts is at $82,650 and New York at $80,640. Washington has a median of $79,250, and Colorado is at $65,850. At the metro level, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area has a median salary of $106,220, and the San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA area has a median of $105,190, both notably above the national median. The New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ metro reports $83,840, and Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV sits at $90,320. These figures indicate that location can significantly affect earning potential within this occupation.
Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants have national employment of about 503,000. The projected employment growth for this occupation is -1.6%, indicating a modest decline in the total number of positions over the projection period. However, there are still an estimated 50,000 annual openings nationwide. This combination suggests that, even with slightly shrinking overall employment, there is continuing movement in and out of these roles, creating opportunities for new entrants and career changers. Job seekers can expect that openings will arise from factors such as turnover and replacement needs, rather than from expansion in the total number of jobs. People considering this career may want to pay close attention to location, salary levels, and how well their skills align with the core requirements, as these factors can shape the practicality and attractiveness of entering or advancing in this field.
Location plays a major role in the career landscape for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants. Among states, California offers a median salary of $89,000 with employment of 59,640 and an opportunity score of 67.38. Massachusetts and New York also stand out, with median salaries of $82,650 and $80,640 and opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78, respectively. Washington and Colorado show lower median salaries than these three but still appear among the top states by opportunity score. At the metro level, San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA leads with an opportunity score of 77.42, a median salary of $106,220, and employment of 5,300. The New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ metro has a similar opportunity score of 77.27 and employment of 76,950. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA also combines high pay with a strong opportunity score. These differences suggest that certain states and metros concentrate stronger opportunity scores and higher pay within this occupation.
The typical education for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants is a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the field accessible to individuals who complete secondary education and are ready to build relevant skills. Success in this occupation is strongly connected to a blend of technical, organizational, and interpersonal abilities. Key skills include project management, interpersonal skills, and competence with computers and information technology, which support efficient coordination and handling of information. Writing and reading, along with speaking and listening, are also central, reflecting the importance of clear communication. Creativity and innovation, adaptability, and mathematics further strengthen a candidate’s profile, while customer service skills support effective interaction with internal and external stakeholders. Fine motor skills round out the list, highlighting the value of accuracy and control in tasks that require precise handling of materials or equipment. Individuals who combine a high school education with these skills are well positioned for this career path.
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