Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Secretaries and administrative assistants handle the day-to-day operations that keep offices running. They draft emails and letters, schedule meetings, manage filing systems, answer phones, and organize records in paper and digital formats. This work happens in offices across government, healthcare, education, and private businesses.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves scheduling appointments in calendar systems, typing and editing documents, filing paperwork and updating digital records, and fielding phone calls or emails from clients and staff. Assistants might prepare meeting agendas, maintain office supplies, process expense reports, and coordinate between departments. Tasks shift based on office needs—one day focused on correspondence, another on organizing records or handling administrative requests.
Who this work suits
Holland code CES. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this role if you like systems, accuracy, and keeping things organized. People drawn to conventional work (following procedures, maintaining order) and enterprising work (managing information, supporting decision-makers) tend to thrive here. Strong communication and attention to detail matter most.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Secretary (OA) · Veterans Health Administration · Albuquerque, New Mexico · $62392–$81114
- Secretary (Office Automation) · Veterans Health Administration · El Paso, Texas · $40736–$52957
- SECRETARY (OFFICE AUTOMATION) · U.S. Pacific Fleet · Bremerton, Washington · $51037–$73731
- National Press Secretary - Office of the Democratic Leader (NY-08) · House of Representatives · Washington, District of Columbia · $0–$0
- Command Secretary · U.S. Coast Guard · Portsmouth, Virginia · $56713–$73724
- Secretary (Office Outomation) · Defense Commissary Agency · Fort Gordon, Georgia · $45409–$59031
- Secretary (Office Automation) · Defense Commissary Agency · Fort Gordon, Georgia · $45409–$59031
- Secretary · Indian Health Service · Multiple Locations · $45409–$59031
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $47,370 | $59,910 | $73,340 | 11,800 |
| Massachusetts | $48,150 | $57,940 | $64,240 | 37,750 |
| Washington | $48,840 | $57,330 | $64,620 | 31,710 |
| Connecticut | $47,630 | $57,210 | $66,050 | 22,650 |
| California | $46,390 | $55,400 | $65,400 | 158,630 |
| Rhode Island | $44,770 | $52,140 | $61,630 | 5,200 |
| Oregon | $45,460 | $51,740 | $61,020 | 23,150 |
| Minnesota | $44,860 | $51,400 | $60,540 | 31,330 |
| Hawaii | $43,920 | $50,830 | $60,410 | 7,020 |
| New Jersey | $43,200 | $50,260 | $61,370 | 65,960 |
| Maine | $44,750 | $49,820 | $57,570 | 6,740 |
| New York | $43,920 | $49,600 | $59,100 | 122,490 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Administrative Assistant (PA) — NOCTI
- Administrative Assisting — NOCTI
- Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) — International Association of Administrative Professionals
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 172 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-6014.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.