How much does a Secretary make?

The average salary for a Secretary is $36,959 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 7804 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Secretary employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Secretary in United States is $48,210 per year.

The lowest salary for a Secretary in United States is $28,394 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Secretary or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Secretary.

Glassdoor's anonymous ratings show that 69% of secretaries are satisfied with their current salary level. The career path may become more profitable as professionals gain experience, education, and administrative and data entry skills. Bonuses and profit sharing provide the potential to earn an extra $1,515.41 in annual earnings.

The average secretary's career path trends upward in earnings as they acquire experience, complete their master's degree, and master industry-specific skills. While secretaries have a large salary gap ranging between $22,402.61 and $61,139.02, the average professional earns $35,443.57 each year. Higher salary potential exists at the next seniority level as a senior secretary, which requires strong organizational and leadership skills.

Medical and legal secretaries earn more on average than those working in media or education, so if you want to earn a higher salary as a secretary, switching industries might be the trick. Employers look for those with extensive data entry and/or administrative experience, so gain yours through part-time, remote, or work-from-home roles. While positions vary in the level of education accepted, most entry-level roles only require a high school diploma or associate degree. Earning a bachelor's or master's degree in business or a related field will help you score higher-paying positions throughout your career. Likewise, improve your skills in software, typing, scheduling, relationship building, communication, and professionalism.

To negotiate for a higher salary as a secretary, you need to be on top of your game regarding organization, attention to detail, and time management. From coordinating calendars to taking calls, managing email accounts, and taking notes during meetings, your skills should stand out from your fellow professionals. The more data entry experience you have, the better, so build a solid resume using experience from related roles, and you'll have more bargaining power when looking for new secretary jobs. If you're already in an established position and seeking a raise, look for an increase of 15 to 20%, and ask your employer what you can do to achieve that target.

About 68.99% of Secretary professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional $1,515 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Secretary in United States as a good salary.

Secretary professionals in United States have a wide total pay range, between $22,403 and $61,139 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of $36,959 following the average career path of a Secretary.