Administrative Assistant salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$50,440/year
about $24.25 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $42,260 – $62,970
Half of administrative assistants in the Chicago metro area earn more than $50,440 a year and half earn less. That's 6% higher than the national median of $47,540, and ranks #12 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $34,300 | $16.49 |
| 25th | $42,260 | $20.32 |
| Median (50th) | $50,440 | $24.25 |
| 75th | $62,970 | $30.27 |
| 90th (top earners) | $78,820 | $37.89 |
*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 Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $42,260 ($20.32/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $42,260 to $62,970 ($20.32 to $30.27/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $62,970 ($30.27/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, Chicago 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.