Introduction
The role of a secretary is an important one, providing administrative support to a wide range of employers. From taking phone calls to managing emails, secretaries are often the first point of contact for many businesses. With such a vital role, it’s no surprise that there is a great deal of interest in understanding the salary expectations associated with being a secretary. In this article, we will explore the salary of a secretary to provide a better understanding of what you can expect to earn in this profession.
Salary Guide: What to Expect as a Secretary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for secretaries and administrative assistants was $38,880 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,910, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,420. Other reports have suggested that the average salary for a secretary is around $43,000 per year, but this varies depending on experience, industry, and location.
There are a number of factors that can influence the salary of a secretary. For example, secretaries working in industries such as finance, law, or healthcare may be paid more than those working in other sectors. Additionally, secretaries with more experience may be able to command higher salaries.
How Much Does a Secretary Make in Different Industries?
The salary of a secretary can vary depending on the industry they work in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-paying industries for secretaries and administrative assistants in May 2019 were legal services ($51,010), management of companies and enterprises ($48,500), and local government ($46,830). On the other hand, some of the lowest-paying industries include educational services ($35,040), social assistance ($33,260), and religious organizations ($31,060).
It’s important to note that these figures are just estimates and do not reflect the actual salary of individual secretaries. However, they do provide a useful indication of the differences in salary that can be expected between different industries.
Exploring the Earning Potential of a Secretary
In addition to base salaries, secretaries may also be eligible for bonuses and benefits. According to research by PayScale, secretaries can expect to receive an average bonus of $1,017 per year. Additionally, most secretaries are entitled to health insurance, vacation days, and other benefits.
Furthermore, secretaries may also be able to take advantage of career advancement opportunities. Many secretaries go on to become executive assistants or office managers, which can lead to higher salaries and additional responsibilities.
The Average Salary of a Secretary: What You Need to Know
The national average salary for a secretary is around $43,000 per year. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on location. For example, according to data from Salary.com, secretaries in California earn an average of $51,821 per year, while those in Texas earn an average of $40,539.
It’s also important to note that salaries can vary within states as well. For instance, secretaries in San Francisco earn an average of $57,743 per year, while those in Houston earn an average of $37,942.
The Impact of Experience on Secretary Pay
Experience is another factor that can influence the salary of a secretary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, secretaries with 1-4 years of experience earn an average of $34,530 per year. Those with 5-9 years of experience earn an average of $41,310, while those with 10-19 years of experience earn an average of $47,080.
In addition to higher wages, experienced secretaries may also be eligible for more benefits, such as paid time off and retirement plans. They may also be offered more opportunities for career advancement, which can lead to even higher salaries.
Conclusion
The role of a secretary is an important one and the salary expectations associated with it can vary significantly depending on experience, industry, and location. Generally speaking, the average salary for a secretary is around $43,000 per year, but this can change depending on the sector and region. Additionally, experienced secretaries can expect to earn higher salaries and may be eligible for additional benefits and career advancement opportunities.
We hope this article has provided a useful overview of the salary expectations associated with being a secretary. For more information on this topic, please refer to the sources listed below.
Sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- PayScale: Secretary Salary
- Salary.com:
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