Administrative Assistant salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$53,660/year
about $25.80 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $44,750 – $64,090
Half of administrative assistants in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $53,660 a year and half earn less. That's 13% higher than the national median of $47,540, and ranks #9 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,890 | $18.22 |
| 25th | $44,750 | $21.51 |
| Median (50th) | $53,660 | $25.80 |
| 75th | $64,090 | $30.81 |
| 90th (top earners) | $79,660 | $38.30 |
*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 Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $44,750 ($21.51/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $44,750 to $64,090 ($21.51 to $30.81/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $64,090 ($30.81/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, Washington DC 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.