Secretary

What is this job like?		Back to Top

Secretaries make appointments. They put files in order. They also write letters and answer the phone. They may make travel plans. Secretaries use computers, fax machines, and copiers. Secretaries make sure that the information that leaves the office is right. Other people in the office rely on secretaries to keep things going well.

Some secretaries are called executive secretaries or administrative assistants. These secretaries have more duties. Some make reports and train others. Some secretaries work in one field, such as medicine or law. Medical secretaries help doctors keep track of patients. Legal secretaries work with lawyers.

Most work in offices. These offices can be in companies small or large. They work in hospitals, schools, or banks. Secretaries often must sit for a long time. Also, they spend a lot of time using computers. Sometimes this causes eye strain or wrist problems.

Some companies allow them to work at different times of the day. They also might do some of their work at home. Most secretaries work 40 hours a week, but some work part time.

How do you get ready?		Back to Top

Secretaries and administrative assistants should be good at typing. They also should have good grammar and be well-spoken. They need to know how to use word processing programs. They may also need to know other software programs. Secretaries must operate different office equipment.

Employers want their secretaries to get along well with others. Secretaries should also be well organized and honest.

How much does this job pay?		Back to Top

The middle half of all executive secretaries and administrative assistants, excluding legal and medical secretaries, earned between $30,240 and $46,160 a year in 2006. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $25,190. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $56,740.

In 2006, the middle half of legal secretaries earned between $29,650 and $48,520. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $23,870, but the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $58,770.

Salaries vary a great deal, depending on differences in skill, experience, and level of responsibility.

How many jobs are there?		Back to Top

Secretaries and administrative assistants held about than 4.2 million jobs in 2006. This is one of the largest job categories in the U.S. About 9 out of 10 secretaries worked in firms providing services. These services ranged from education and health to government and retail trade.

What about the future?		Back to Top

The number of jobs for secretaries and administrative assistants is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016. But the number of new secretary and administrative assistant jobs created will be quite large, more than 360,000. The growth will happen largely because secretaries work in industries that are expected to grow fast, like health care and social assistance, and legal services. The strong growth will also happen because the actual job is changing, as secretaries receive more tasks that other professionals in the offices used to do.

In addition to new jobs, many jobs will become available to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave this very common occupation for other reasons. Job opportunities should be best for well-qualified and experienced secretaries.

Are there other jobs like this?		Back to Top

• Bookkeeping clerks
• Court reporters
• Data entry and information processing workers
• Human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists
• Receptionists and information clerks
• Medical assistants
• Medical records and health information technicians
• Office managers
• Paralegals

Where can you find more information?		Back to Top

More BLS information about secretaries and administrative assistants can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook also shows where to find out even more about this job.

Last Modified Date: April 29, 2008