The following starting salary information from the OfficeTeam 2008 Salary Guide  is derived from the thousands of job orders handled in the  United States and Canada each year by OfficeTeam staffing managers. Continuing or ongoing salaries are not reported since too many factors -- such as seniority, work ethic, performance and training -- impact a full-time employee’s compensation as a work history develops.  Job descriptions, regional analysis of hiring trends, and selected local salary variances are also included in the Salary Guide.  To obtain a free copy of the Salary Guide,  visit the OfficeTeam Web site, www.officeteam.com or call (800) 804-8367.

Also see link to IAAP research findings and other salary resources below.

Glossary of Job Descriptions

Figures listed above are average national starting salaries.  See OfficeTeam Salary Guide for regional variances.
- Add up to 10 percent for expert bilingual abilities.
- Add up to 7 percent for Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) or Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) designation.
- Add up to 11 percent for Microsoft Office Specialist Certification.
* Add 10% or more for senior executive assistants supporting C-level executives in large firms.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Glossary of Job Descriptions

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, median annual earnings of secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive, were $27,450 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $21,830 and $34,250. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $41,550. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive in May 2006 were:

Median annual earnings of executive secretaries and administrative assistants were $37,240 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $30,240 and $46,160. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,190, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $56,740. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of executive secretaries and administrative assistants in May 2006 were:

Median annual earnings of legal secretaries were $38,190 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,650 and $48,520. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $58,770. Medical secretaries earned a median annual salary of $28,090 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $23,250 and $34,210. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $19,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $40,870.

Salaries vary a great deal, however, reflecting differences in skill, experience, and level of responsibility. Certification in this field may be rewarded by a higher salary.
 

•  A 2005 survey of IAAP members showed that 45% of members earn more than $40,000 per year in base salary, compared to 33% in 2002 and 8% in 1997.

Average Salary and Employee Benefits Information
International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
"Profile of Administrative Professionals Survey" - February 2005
In early February 2005, a total of 15,000 IAAP members were randomly selected and asked to participate in a benchmarking survey designed to gather current data on job titles, key responsibilities, demographics, average salaries, job satisfaction, technology usage, training needs and other key issues relating to today’s administrative professionals. More than 3,200 members answered the online survey by the February 26 response deadline. Below are survey results relating to average salaries and employee benefits.

Survey results based on 3,200 total responses

Current job title

IAAP member current annual base salary income (in U.S. dollars)

ADDITIONAL SALARY RESEARCH RESOURCES

Average Secretarial/Administrative Support Salaries,
Historical Information, Various Surveys, 1951-2005

Return to IAAP Research and Trends