Administrative Assistant salary in Boston, MA
Median pay, Boston metro
$59,330/year
about $28.52 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $48,690 – $65,140
Half of administrative assistants in the Boston metro area earn more than $59,330 a year and half earn less. That's 25% higher than the national median of $47,540, and ranks #4 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $42,930 | $20.64 |
| 25th | $48,690 | $23.41 |
| Median (50th) | $59,330 | $28.52 |
| 75th | $65,140 | $31.32 |
| 90th (top earners) | $79,050 | $38.00 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a administrative assistant job in the Boston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $48,690 ($23.41/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $48,690 to $65,140 ($23.41 to $31.32/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $65,140 ($31.32/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Executive assistant roles supporting senior leaders usually pay more than general admin roles and fall under a different BLS category.
- Ask whether the role is hourly or salaried, and how overtime is handled.
- "Other duties as assigned" can grow quickly. Ask what a typical week looks like.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Boston metro. Occupation: Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive (SOC 43-6014). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.