How Much Does an Executive Secretary Make? (2025)
Understanding the executive secretary salary can be helpful if you're considering this career. As of March 2025, the average executive secretary salary in the United States is $74,890 per year, and employment for this role is expected to grow 1 percent from 2023 to 2033.
This salary guide explores everything you need to know about the executive secretary role, including job descriptions and salary expectations, especially with factors that influence pay, such as experience, location, and industry demand.
What Does an Executive Secretary Do?
Executive secretary help organizations run smoothly by performing routine clerical and organizational tasks. Their duties vary by specialty but generally include managing schedules, organizing files, handling communications, and supporting staff in day-to-day operations.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), their responsibilities also include:
- Answering telephones and taking messages or transferring calls.
- Scheduling appointments and maintaining event calendars.
- Arranging staff meetings and handling meeting logistics.
- Handling incoming and outgoing mail, faxes, and other communications.
- Preparing memos, invoices, reports, and other documents.
- Editing and proofreading documents for accuracy.
- Maintaining databases and filing systems.
- Performing basic bookkeeping tasks.
- Managing office supplies and vendor relationships.
- Operating office equipment, such as videoconferencing tools and computers.
- Assisting in preparing presentations and reports.
- Coordinating travel arrangements and events.
Executive secretaries often work in various sectors, including schools, government offices, and private corporations. Their role may also include specialized tasks such as legal or medical administration, depending on the industry.
What is Executive Secretary Salary Overview?
As mentioned, the average executive secretary salary in the United States is $74,890 per year or $36 per hour, as of March 2025.
Based on our data, the executive secretary salary range is between $57,696 to $94,568 per year. The executive secretary per month is $6,241.
Moreover, executive secretaries often earn an average of $36 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $28 to $45. The average weekly salary for an executive secretary is $1,440, with pay ranging from $1,110 to $1,819.
2025 Executive Secretary Average Salary: $74,890 per year ($36 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median core salary for executive secretary is $76,990 per year. This includes salary and bonuses and varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $59,032 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,590 |
| 50th Percentile | $76,990 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,390 |
| 90th Percentile | $98,769 |
The average total salary for executive secretary is $109,638, according to our report. The total compensation package for the role includes benefits like healthcare ($8,352), time off ($9,476), and Social Security ($5,890), which make up 21.6% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $74,890 | 68.3% |
| Bonus | $2,100 | 1.9% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $5,890 | 5.4% |
| 401K/403B | $3,234 | 2.9% |
| Disability | $1,540 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 7.6% |
| Pension | $4,157 | 3.8% |
| Time Off | $9,476 | 8.6% |
| Total Compensation | $109,638 | 100% |
What Can Affect Executive Secretary Salaries?
The salary of executive secretary varies based on factors such as experience, location, education, and skills. Here is a breakdown of the key factors that influence earnings.
By Experience Level
According to our report, many executive secretary with less than a year of experience earn an average salary of $73,226 per year. In contrast, those with eight or more years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $77,239 per year.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Executive Secretary | $73,226 |
| Intermediate Level Executive Secretary | $74,194 |
| Senior Level Executive Secretary | $76,478 |
| Specialist Level Executive Secretary | $76,935 |
| Expert Level Executive Secretary | $77,239 |
By Geographic Location
Also, the salary of an executive secretary in the United States varies by location, probably influenced by factors such as cost of living, local economy, and industry presence.
For example, among hot cities in the United States, San Francisco has the highest average salary at $93,590 per year, while Miami have lower median salary at $72,290 per year.
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $82,290 | $93,590 | $106,490 |
| Washington, District of Columbia | $73,290 | $83,390 | $94,790 |
| Miami, Florida | $63,590 | $72,290 | $82,190 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $69,090 | $78,590 | $89,390 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $73,790 | $83,990 | $95,490 |
| New York, New York | $76,890 | $87,490 | $99,490 |
| Dallas, Texas | $64,990 | $73,890 | $84,090 |
By Skills
High-demand skills drive salary increases for executive secretary. Our Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report shows that those with calendaring skills can see a 10.91% pay increase, while those with internal communications skills may receive 10.09%. The demand for these skills is 18.52% and 1.95%, respectively.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Calendaring | 18.52% | +10.91% |
| Internal Communications | 1.95% | +10.09% |
| Business Operations | 1.95% | +9.89% |
| Travel Management | 27.18% | +7.68% |
| Public Relations | 3.43% | +5.86% |
| Spreadsheet Software | 43.20% | +4.94% |
How to Become an Executive Secretary
Becoming an executive secretary requires specific education, training, and key skills. Here's how to become one:
- Get Education: A high school diploma is typically required for a secretary position. Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and database software is essential. Taking postsecondary courses in office procedures or industry-specific fields, such as legal or medical secretarial studies, can improve qualifications. A bachelor’s degree is not required, but some employers may prefer it, especially for executive secretary roles.
- Get Training: Most training occurs on the job, usually lasting a few weeks, where you'll learn office procedures and administrative tasks. If you plan to work in a specialized field, such as legal or medical, additional training in industry-specific terminology and practices may be necessary.
- Gain Work Experience: Entry-level experience, such as working as a general office clerk or secretary, is helpful for building relevant skills. For executive secretary roles, several years of related work experience are typically required.
- Develop Key Skills: Successful secretaries need strong decision-making abilities to prioritize tasks and make decisions on behalf of others. Interpersonal skills are important for effective communication and maintaining courteous interactions with clients, staff, and customers. Organizational skills are essential for keeping schedules, files, and office systems in order to ensure office efficiency. Writing skills, including good grammar and professionalism, are necessary for composing memos, emails, and other office communications.
What are the FAQs about Executive Secretary?
Here are some common questions about certified executive secretary salary:
What is the average salary of an executive secretary in 2025?
As of March 2025, the average salary for an executive secretary in the United States is $74,890 per year or $36 per hour.
What is the salary range for executive secretaries?
The salary range typically falls between $57,696 and $94,568 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry.
How much do executive secretaries earn per month and per week?
The estimated monthly salary is approximately $6,241, while the weekly salary is around $1,440, with pay ranging from $1,110 to $1,819.
What is the median salary for an executive secretary?
The median salary, which represents the 50th percentile, is $76,990 per year, including base salary and bonuses.
What factors influence an executive secretary's salary?
Salary variations depend on experience, location, industry demand, and specialized skills. More experienced executive secretaries earn higher salaries, while those in cities with a higher cost of living typically receive better compensation. Industries such as legal, healthcare, and corporate sectors may offer higher pay. Skills in areas like calendaring, business operations, and travel management can also positively impact earnings.
