Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Also called: Administrative Assistant (Admin Assistant), Administrative Secretary (Admin Secretary), Office Assistant, SecretaryPerform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.
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What the data says: AI could halve the time on 24 of its 31 tasks, and jobs are projected to shrink 6.0% by 2035. In the most exposed occupations, the squeeze shows up first among early-career workers. How to think about this →
About this projection
BLS builds AI into its projections where the research supports it: “BLS generally applies adjustments based on this research conservatively, where there is convincing evidence for a change.”
It also notes a limit: “BLS projection methods are not designed to capture extremely rapid technological change.”
On its AI exposure groups, BLS says exposure “does not imply job loss.”
Recent conditions
- In 2024, 2.7% of people in this work were unemployed, against 3.8% across all occupations Census ACS 2024
- From Sep 2025 to Aug 2026, 7.8 hires for every 10 job openings in private educational services, which employs about 20% of people in this work, against 7.3 across all industries BLS JOLTS
One box per opening, filled for each hire; hires beyond the openings are added in a lighter shade. Higher can mean openings get filled, or that people leave often; lower, that jobs go unfilled, or hiring is slow.7.8 this industry7.3 all industries
Median pay by state BLS OEWS May 2025, state estimates
Tap a state for its figures.
Median pay in every state
| State | Median | Middle half earn | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $41,630 | $35,580 to $49,120 | 45,050 |
| Alaska | $48,530 | $41,760 to $58,910 | 5,390 |
| Arizona | $47,940 | $40,510 to $55,860 | 31,220 |
| Arkansas | $37,630 | $31,720 to $46,210 | 8,590 |
| California | $55,400 | $46,390 to $65,400 | 158,630 |
| Colorado | $48,690 | $42,840 to $58,170 | 29,120 |
| Connecticut | $57,210 | $47,630 to $66,050 | 22,650 |
| Delaware | $47,970 | $40,230 to $58,600 | 6,320 |
| District of Columbia | $59,910 | $47,370 to $73,340 | 11,800 |
| Florida | $45,900 | $37,840 to $53,340 | 104,000 |
| Georgia | $41,600 | $32,130 to $52,090 | 44,430 |
| Guam | $36,030 | $29,990 to $46,570 | 1,610 |
| Hawaii | $50,830 | $43,920 to $60,410 | 7,020 |
| Idaho | $43,710 | $36,770 to $49,350 | 7,570 |
| Illinois | $48,310 | $39,050 to $61,180 | 74,280 |
| Indiana | $44,270 | $36,860 to $50,050 | 20,100 |
| Iowa | $45,150 | $38,040 to $51,070 | 12,830 |
| Kansas | $42,270 | $35,960 to $49,380 | 32,120 |
| Kentucky | $44,200 | $36,970 to $51,370 | 18,420 |
| Louisiana | $38,790 | $31,840 to $46,710 | 28,040 |
| Maine | $49,820 | $44,750 to $57,570 | 6,740 |
| Maryland | $48,680 | $41,030 to $59,290 | 54,890 |
| Massachusetts | $57,940 | $48,150 to $64,240 | 37,750 |
| Michigan | $46,020 | $38,350 to $53,090 | 40,830 |
| Minnesota | $51,400 | $44,860 to $60,540 | 31,330 |
| Mississippi | $37,340 | $30,430 to $46,490 | 14,720 |
| Missouri | $43,540 | $36,750 to $49,930 | 33,180 |
| Montana | $43,940 | $37,210 to $48,450 | 4,520 |
| Nebraska | $46,760 | $39,710 to $54,080 | 16,240 |
| Nevada | $46,570 | $39,440 to $54,500 | 16,790 |
| New Hampshire | $48,080 | $40,880 to $56,680 | 9,050 |
| New Jersey | $50,260 | $43,200 to $61,370 | 65,960 |
| New Mexico | $46,450 | $38,200 to $55,720 | 25,430 |
| New York | $49,600 | $43,920 to $59,100 | 122,490 |
| North Carolina | $45,790 | $38,100 to $51,870 | 43,690 |
| North Dakota | $47,480 | $40,270 to $53,880 | 5,800 |
| Ohio | $46,230 | $38,170 to $53,710 | 54,790 |
| Oklahoma | $39,660 | $32,230 to $48,310 | 20,120 |
| Oregon | $51,740 | $45,460 to $61,020 | 23,150 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,270 | $37,980 to $53,090 | 65,310 |
| Puerto Rico | $25,730 | $22,600 to $29,680 | 17,810 |
| Rhode Island | $52,140 | $44,770 to $61,630 | 5,200 |
| South Carolina | $44,880 | $36,880 to $52,420 | 30,180 |
| South Dakota | $41,700 | $36,280 to $47,670 | 6,120 |
| Tennessee | $45,810 | $37,040 to $54,000 | 34,580 |
| Texas | $45,140 | $36,030 to $53,540 | 149,650 |
| Utah | $47,050 | $37,930 to $55,260 | 14,870 |
| Vermont | $48,920 | $44,340 to $56,620 | 3,360 |
| Virgin Islands | $44,040 | $36,680 to $49,110 | 530 |
| Virginia | $47,620 | $39,040 to $57,600 | 31,580 |
| Washington | $57,330 | $48,840 to $64,620 | 31,710 |
| West Virginia | $40,370 | $34,090 to $47,920 | 8,820 |
| Wisconsin | $47,710 | $42,360 to $56,030 | 28,100 |
| Wyoming | $45,450 | $38,760 to $50,310 | 2,250 |
Nationally: $47,540. Shades run from the lowest state median to the highest; a territory below that range takes the lightest. How to read this
How AI touches the work
What AI could speed up, task by task, and where people already use it.
AI could halve the time on 24 of its 31 tasks
| AI rating | Its main tasks | Share of Claude conversations May 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Not much | Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing. | 0.01% |
| AI + software | Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions. | Not published |
| AI alone | Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals. | Not published |
| AI + software | Create, maintain, and enter information into databases. | 0.25% |
| AI alone | Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs. | Not published |
| AI + software | Set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material. | Not published |
See all 31 tasks
| Not much | Make copies of correspondence or other printed material. | Not published |
| AI alone | Complete forms in accordance with company procedures. | under 0.01% |
| AI + software | Conduct searches to find needed information, using such sources as the Internet. | 0.10% |
| Not much | Compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence, or reports, such as presentations or expense, statistical, or monthly reports. | Not published |
| AI alone | Operate electronic mail systems and coordinate the flow of information, internally or with other organizations. | Not published |
| AI + software | Maintain scheduling and event calendars. | 0.02% |
| AI + software | Learn to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented. | Not published |
| AI + software | Locate and attach appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies. | Not published |
| AI alone | Open, read, route, and distribute incoming mail or other materials and answer routine letters. | under 0.01% |
| AI + software | Schedule and confirm appointments for clients, customers, or supervisors. | 0.02% |
| AI + software | Review work done by others to check for correct spelling and grammar, ensure that company format policies are followed, and recommend revisions. | 0.04% |
| Not much | Order and dispense supplies. | Not published |
| AI alone | Prepare conference or event materials, such as flyers or invitations. | 0.04% |
| Not much | Train and assist staff with computer usage. | Not published |
| AI + software | Coordinate conferences, meetings, or special events, such as luncheons or graduation ceremonies. | Not published |
| Not much | Provide services to customers, such as order placement or account information. | Not published |
| AI alone | Manage projects or contribute to committee or team work. | Not published |
| Not much | Collect and deposit money into accounts, disburse funds from cash accounts to pay bills or invoices, keep records of collections and disbursements, and ensure accounts are balanced. | Not published |
| AI alone | Establish work procedures or schedules and keep track of the daily work of clerical staff. | Not published |
| AI alone | Mail newsletters, promotional material, or other information. | Not published |
| AI + software | Supervise other clerical staff and provide training and orientation to new staff. | Not published |
| AI alone | Arrange conference, meeting, or travel reservations for office personnel. | Not published |
| AI alone | Perform payroll functions, such as maintaining timekeeping information and processing and submitting payroll. | Not published |
| AI alone | Prepare and mail checks. | Not published |
| AI alone | Develop or maintain internal or external company Web sites. | 0.09% |
Ordered by how important O*NET's respondents rate each task (1 to 5) times the share who say it is part of their job. The ordering is ours. 10 of the 31 have a published share of Claude conversations; “not published” means too few conversations for Anthropic to publish a figure.
Where people already use AI
The tasks above say what AI could speed up. This shows what people are using it for. Its 31 tasks fall under 30 work activities that many occupations share, and Microsoft counted how often each one came up in 200,000 conversations with its Copilot assistant in 2024.
- #1 Gather information from physical or electronic sources
- #4 Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise
- #11 Provide information to guests, clients, or customers
- and 8 more, in the table below
| Work activity | This occupation's tasks under it | People asked AI for help in 10,000 conversations |
AI did it for them in 10,000 conversations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execute financial transactions | |||
| Distribute materials, supplies, or resources | |||
| Process shipments or mail | |||
| Provide information to guests, clients, or customers | |||
| Provide general assistance to others, such as customers, patrons, or motorists | |||
| Purchase goods or services | |||
| Operate office equipment | |||
| Schedule appointments |
Show all 30 activities
| Maintain operational records | |||
| Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures | |||
| Gather information from physical or electronic sources | |||
| Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise | |||
| Operate computer systems or computerized equipment | |||
| Prepare informational or instructional materials | |||
| Assist others to access additional services or resources | |||
| Compile records, documentation, or other data | |||
| Process digital or online data | |||
| Select materials or equipment for operations or projects | |||
| Examine materials or documentation for accuracy or compliance | |||
| Design computer or information systems or applications | |||
| Prepare documentation for contracts, applications, or permits | |||
| Issue documentation | |||
| Operate communications equipment or systems | |||
| Schedule operational activities | |||
| Notify others of emergencies or problems | |||
| Develop organizational policies, systems, or processes | |||
| Train others on operational or work procedures | |||
| Assign work to others | |||
| Collect fares or payments | |||
| Supervise personnel activities |
How people in this work use Claude
What people in this work made with Claude % of conversations
- A document or report15%
- Data or a spreadsheet15%
- An app or website14%
- An analysis or summary8%
- An email or message5%
How they worked with Claude
70% of these conversations were about work. Anthropic Economic Index, May 2026.
How to read this
Work activities come from O*NET, which links every task to the broader activities it involves. Microsoft's figures are for the activity across everyone who used Copilot, not for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive specifically. Copilot is a general chat assistant; dedicated coding tools are not included, so programming help is under-counted here. Activities are listed by how many of this occupation's tasks fall under them.
The task ratings say whether AI could halve the time a task takes: on its own (“AI alone”), or with software built on it (“AI + software”). They were made by people in 2023 (Eloundou et al.). Claude's share is the task's share of all Claude.ai conversations in May 2026; Anthropic doesn't publish a task with too few conversations. None of these add up to the BLS exposure group, which combines five research measures.
More in the Guide: task ratings · task order · work activities · Copilot figures · Claude
High exposure doesn't mean fewer jobs
BLS projects most occupations in its two most exposed groups to grow: 141 of 206 rated Very high and 165 of 206 rated High. Each dot is one of the 831 occupations BLS rates.
Career moves into and out of this occupation
From moves between occupations found in online resumes, 2002–2016. Career changes only: a first job after school isn't a move.
Where people moved next
of 1,261,918 moves out
- 1 Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants Very high +0.0% 4%
- 2 Managers, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 4%
- 3 Customer Service Representatives Very high -5.3% 4%
- 4 First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers Very high +0.1% 3%
- 5 Office Clerks, General Very high -6.0% 3%
Where people moved in from
of 1,163,947 moves in
- 1 Customer Service Representatives Very high -5.3% 6%
- 2 Office Clerks, General Very high -6.0% 5%
- 3 Retail Salespersons Very high -0.3% 4%
- 4 Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants Very high +0.0% 3%
- 5 First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers Very high +0.1% 3%
Resumes over-represent younger, white-collar job-seekers and moves into management. Schubert, Stansbury and Taska (resume data).
Education and training for the occupation
O*NET survey of workers in this occupation
- 50% high school
- 7% postsecondary certificate
- 10% some college
- 22% associate's
- 11% bachelor's
O*NET 31.0 survey of workers in this occupation · 57 people answered.
Census survey (American Community Survey)
- 3% less than high school
- 25% high school
- 29% some college
- 15% associate's
- 23% bachelor's
- 5% master's
Census ACS 2024, all workers in this occupation · 22,427 people surveyed.
Why the two can differ
O*NET asks about 20 people in each occupation, which makes its shares uncertain, but it reports the exact occupation and counts certificates. The Census survey reaches thousands, but it groups some occupations together and counts degrees only. More in the Guide
Median pay by highest degree full-time, year-round · Census ACS 2024, all workers in this occupation
2 programs: Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General and Executive Assistant/Executive Secretary.
Jobs that require a credential BLS Occupational Requirements Survey 2023
11.6% this occupation
45.3% all occupations
| By kind | This occupation | All occupations |
|---|---|---|
| a license | <0.5% | 19.1% |
| a certification | <0.5% | 5.8% |
| an educational certificate | <0.5% | 2.8% |
Share of jobs whose employer requires it. BLS doesn't say which credential. How to read this
Look up certifications, training and licenses U.S. Department of Labor
- Certification Finder ↗ certifications CareerOneStop lists for this occupation
- Training Finder ↗ schools and programs, nationwide; narrow the place there
- License Finder ↗ licenses by state
- Apprenticeship Finder ↗ DOL lists 3 registered apprenticeships in this occupation (Administrative Assistant; Administrative Assistant (Police); SCRIPT SUPERVISOR). Apprenticeship.gov can't be linked to one occupation, so search for “Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive” there.
These open in a new tab and send only the occupation's public code. More in the Guide
BLS AI exposure categories (Aug 2026) · BLS Employment Projections 2025–35 · O*NET 31.0 · Task ratings: Eloundou et al., Science (2024) · Microsoft "Working with AI" v1.1 · Anthropic Economic Index (2026-06-26) · Schubert, Stansbury and Taska · NCES CIP–SOC · Census ACS 2024 · BLS JOLTS · Brynjolfsson, Chandar and Chen, Stanford (Aug 2026)
See it online, and explore any career: https://www.pathmosaic.com/card/43-6014.00