Administrative Support

Career Information

Work environment

Although secretaries and administrative assistants work in nearly every industry, many are employed in schools, hospitals, and government, legal, and medical offices. Most work full time.

How to Become a Member of the Armed Forces

High school graduates who have experience using computer software applications usually qualify for entry-level positions. Although most secretaries learn their job in several weeks, many legal and medical secretaries require additional training to learn industry-specific terminology. Executive secretaries usually need several years of related work experience.

Pay

The median annual wage for secretaries and administrative assistants was $38,880 in May 2018.

Job Outlook

Employment of secretaries and administrative assistants is projected to decline 7 percent from 2018 to 2028. Most job openings will result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation.