California ranks 5th of 51 states and D.C. for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($55,800) by $2,610 — a 5% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $38,360 to $76,110 — a $37,750 spread, 16% wider than the national $32,550 range.
California employs roughly 9.8% of all secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive in the country (169,670 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $38,360 | $18.44 |
| 25th percentile | $45,370 | $21.81 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $53,190 | $25.57 |
| 75th percentile | $62,810 | $30.20 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,110 | $36.59 |
| Mean (average) | $56,120 | $26.98 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $53,190 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $55,800 | +5% |
| Connecticut | $55,690 | +5% |
| Washington | $54,560 | +3% |
| Massachusetts | $53,690 | +1% |
| Rhode Island | $51,500 | -3% |
| Hawaii | $50,580 | -5% |
| Oregon | $49,950 | -6% |
| Minnesota | $49,900 | -6% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other | $52,950 | 28,730 |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $52,720 | 116,890 |
| Procurement Clerks | $53,700 | 7,290 |
| Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks | $54,120 | 25,360 |
| Billing and Posting Clerks | $54,240 | 42,110 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $51,780 | 58,830 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary in California?
The mean secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive salary in California is $56,120 per year. The median (middle) salary is $53,190 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in California?
Entry-level secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $38,360 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $45,370 per year.
What is the highest Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $76,110 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $62,810 per year.
How does the California Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary compare to the national average?
The median secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive salary in California is $53,190, which is +15% above national average of $46,290.