Administrative Assistant salary in Detroit, MI
Median pay, Detroit metro
$47,330/year
about $22.75 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $39,800 – $55,700
Half of administrative assistants in the Detroit metro area earn more than $47,330 a year and half earn less. That's about the same as the national median of $47,540, and ranks #21 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $34,080 | $16.38 |
| 25th | $39,800 | $19.13 |
| Median (50th) | $47,330 | $22.75 |
| 75th | $55,700 | $26.78 |
| 90th (top earners) | $65,240 | $31.37 |
*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 Detroit metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $39,800 ($19.13/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $39,800 to $55,700 ($19.13 to $26.78/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $55,700 ($26.78/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, Detroit 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.