Office and Administrative Support Salaries
October 7, 2026
The Office and Administrative Support Occupations group is one of the largest employment categories in the U.S. economy — covering secretaries, administrative assistants, customer service representatives, bookkeepers, and data entry workers. Wages in this group cluster below the overall workforce median.
Administrative Assistant vs. Executive Assistant
BLS distinguishes executive secretaries and administrative assistants — who support senior-level executives and earn more — from general secretaries and administrative assistants who support a broader range of staff. The wage premium for supporting C-suite executives, particularly in large corporations in major markets, can be significant.
Customer Service Representatives
Customer service representatives are among the most numerous occupations in the economy. Wages vary by industry — financial services, healthcare, and insurance customer service roles pay more than retail or food industry equivalents, reflecting the complexity of the interactions and industry wage levels generally.
Automation Risk
Many administrative support roles are frequently cited as having significant automation exposure — AI, RPA (robotic process automation), and self-service tools are reducing demand for some administrative functions. This context matters when interpreting long-term career paths in this occupational group.
Browse Administrative Wages
Explore the full wage range for administrative occupations in the Office and Administrative Support Occupations group.