Administrative Assistant salary in Seattle, WA
Median pay, Seattle metro
$60,230/year
about $28.96 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $50,700 – $68,080
Half of administrative assistants in the Seattle metro area earn more than $60,230 a year and half earn less. That's 27% higher than the national median of $47,540, and ranks #3 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $45,720 | $21.98 |
| 25th | $50,700 | $24.38 |
| Median (50th) | $60,230 | $28.96 |
| 75th | $68,080 | $32.73 |
| 90th (top earners) | $80,470 | $38.69 |
*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 Seattle metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $50,700 ($24.38/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $50,700 to $68,080 ($24.38 to $32.73/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $68,080 ($32.73/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, Seattle 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.