Salaries Vary Greatly for Administrative Positions

by Alex A. Kecskes

Unlike some fields, salaries for administrative jobs are "all over the map." What you earn can be largely dependent on where you work, what you do, and the specific industry you're in.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, legal administrators, for example, are often paid high salaries. There's also a lot of overtime work, so you can expect late nighters and weekends. If you're salaried (as opposed to hourly), you won't be paid for the extra work.

If you're part of the administrative support staff in the financial industry, you'll ride the money crest of hedge funds, mergers and acquisitions. If you're a broker's assistant, you can add a commission to your base salary.

Another admin moneymaker is the personal assistant (PA). Working for the right person can sometimes net you a six-figure income. But, as in the legal field, you'll pull some weekenders and all nighters. Some PAs are constantly on call, giving up personal time and vacations to serve their "masters." Think Andy Sachs slaving for Miranda Priestly in Devil Wears Prada.

In terms of geography, admin salaries are usually lowest in southern cities and highest in northern, western and coastal cities. New York City and San Francisco pay the most, but they also cost the most to live in.

One final note: The glamour industries--fashion, advertising, entertainment, and publishing--all have very low starting salaries for admin-level work. Some are even unpaid internships for the first 6 months. The upside is that you get perks—meeting celebs, going to fashion shows, travel, etc. The goal here is to work hard and move up fast.

For an additional perspective, check out this video:

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