Administrative Assistant salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 1 to 12 months to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$55,400/ yr
$4,617 / mo · $26.63 / hr
↑ $7,860 above the national median ($47,540)
Pay by experience
Entry
$38,064
Median
$55,400
Experienced
$78,166
Demand
Declining
Program length
1 to 12 months
Projected growth
-1.6%
Annual openings
202,800
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How California compares to the national wage trend
California median
$55,400
2025 national
$47,540
2024 national
$46,290
↑ +2.7% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
-1.6% projected growth through 2034
202,800 average annual openings nationwide for Administrative Assistants.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$1,520
- Time to complete1 to 12 months
- Credential earnedState Certificate
What you get back
- Starting salary$38,064
- Median salary$55,400
- Experienced salary$78,166
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become an Administrative Assistant in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find an Administrative Assistant program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Administrative Assistant tracks complete in 1 to 12 months and average $1,520 in tuition.
Earn your State Certificate
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a State Certificate in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly 202,800 Administrative Assistant openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for an Administrative Assistant in California is $55,400 per year, which is $26.63 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $38,064 while experienced Administrative Assistants can earn up to $78,166 annually.
Next step
Find Administrative Assistant Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Administrative Assistant classes in your area.