Executive Assistants to C-suite in NY/SF can earn $150K+; standard admin pays modestly.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Administrative Assistants. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $34,500 | $27,000 | $45,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $42,800 | $33,500 | $55,900 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $49,300 | $38,600 | $64,300 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $59,100 | $46,300 | $77,100 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $67,000 | $52,400 | $87,400 |
Top 10 states by median Administrative Assistant salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $64,100 | $48,700 | $83,300 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $62,100 | $47,200 | $80,700 | +26% |
| California | $61,600 | $46,800 | $80,100 | +25% |
| New York | $61,600 | $46,800 | $80,100 | +25% |
| Washington DC | $61,600 | $46,800 | $80,100 | +25% |
| Connecticut | $59,600 | $45,300 | $77,500 | +21% |
| Maryland | $59,100 | $44,900 | $76,900 | +20% |
| Massachusetts | $58,100 | $44,200 | $75,600 | +18% |
| Colorado | $57,700 | $43,800 | $74,900 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $56,200 | $42,700 | $73,000 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $41,900 | $31,800 | $54,500 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $41,400 | $31,500 | $53,800 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $41,400 | $31,500 | $53,800 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $41,400 | $31,500 | $53,800 | -16% |
| Alabama | $40,900 | $31,100 | $53,200 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $40,900 | $31,100 | $53,200 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $39,400 | $30,000 | $51,200 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $39,400 | $30,000 | $51,200 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $38,400 | $29,200 | $50,000 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $38,400 | $29,200 | $50,000 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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