Salary guide
Administrative Assistant (Government) Salary Guide (2026)
Stable government employment with pay that often exceeds the private-sector equivalent.
Entry level
$34,000
Typical starting range
National median
$47,000
Most common salary
Government office
Experienced (75th %ile)
$62,000
Stronger long-run earnings
Top earners (90th %ile)
$80,000
Upper-end compensation
Federal agencies
BLS code
43-6014
Total jobs
3,400,000
Hiring outlook
-2% (Slightly declining (automation))Overview
Government administrative assistants and secretaries consistently earn more than their private-sector counterparts, particularly at the federal level where GS-5 through GS-9 pay scales apply. State and local government positions vary by jurisdiction but typically include better benefits packages — especially defined-benefit pensions — than comparable private positions. Federal employees follow the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with locality pay adjustments that can add 15–35% in high-cost areas.
Career intelligence
Hiring outlook
Stable but selective. Government office roles usually move slower and reward credential fit and list placement.
Pension quality
Solid, especially in federal and long-established state systems.
Overtime potential
Low to moderate. Overtime exists but is usually not the main compensation driver.
Competition level
Moderate to high in strong-benefit jurisdictions because these roles attract broad applicant pools.
Shift and schedule
Mostly daytime office schedules with more predictable hours than public-safety tracks.
Highest-paying states
Annual median salary for Administrative Assistant (Government)s by state. Sort the list or compare two states side by side.
Lowest-paying states
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | $32,000 |
| Arkansas | $33,000 |
| South Dakota | $34,000 |
| West Virginia | $35,000 |
| Montana | $36,000 |
Benefits and total compensation
Base salary is only part of the picture. Government employers often add 30–50% in benefits value on top of base pay through pensions, overtime structures, healthcare, and longevity-based progression.
Defined-benefit pension (FERS for federal; state equivalents vary)
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program — broad plan selection
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching up to 5%
Generous annual and sick leave accrual
Federal holidays (11 paid days)
Locality pay adjustments for high-cost metro areas
What affects your pay
Federal vs. state vs. local government employer
GS grade level for federal positions (GS-5 through GS-9 typical)
Locality pay area (DC, SF, NYC add 25–33%)
Years in service and within-grade step increases
Agency — some agencies have special pay authorities above GS scale
Title-specific skills (bilingual pay, specialized software certification)
Practice before applying
See how the Administrative Assistant (Government) exam path actually works
Use the study guide to understand the testing format, then jump into practice before you apply. It is the fastest way to compare pay upside with the exam track behind it.
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023–2024. Figures represent median annual wages for workers in the listed occupation. Total compensation including benefits, overtime, and pension contributions may differ substantially from base salary. Last reviewed: April 2026.