Earnings

Median annual wages nationally of administrative professionals was $35,330 in May 2012. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,910. The top 10 percent earned more than $57,750.

Median annual wages for different types of administrative assistants in May 2012:

• $47,500 for executive secretaries
• $42,170 for legal secretaries
• $31,350 for medical secretaries
• $32,410 for all others

Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Handbook, 2014-2015 edition, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants.