A Government Administrative Assistant in the USA usually earns a stable salary for doing office and administrative work for a federal, state, county, city, or other public government office. The government administrative assistant salary can change a lot depending on the job title, government level, location, experience, and pay grade. As a broad reference, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $48,310 for secretaries and administrative assistants in May 2025, while workers in this broad occupation in government, excluding state and local education and hospitals, had a median wage of $54,250. This means a government administrative assistant salary may often be around the upper $40,000s to $50,000s, but actual government administrative assistant pay can be lower or higher depending on the position. Federal administrative assistant jobs can also follow the General Schedule, where the 2026 GS pay table starts at $34,799 for GS-5 Step 1 and $43,106 for GS-7 Step 1 before locality adjustments.
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What Is a Government Administrative Assistant?
A Government Administrative Assistant is a office worker who helps a government department or public agency keep everyday work organized. The job can include answering calls, preparing documents, entering information, scheduling meetings, handling emails, maintaining records and helping managers or other government employees with office tasks. In some offices the person may also deal with public visitors, forms, appointments and basic government services. The exact work is different from one department to another, so one Administrative Assistant may spend most of the day on computer work while another one may be more involved with public counter service and records.
Government Administrative Assistant Salary by State
Government Administrative Assistant pay is not same in every state. Government agencies use different job titles and pay systems, and federal jobs can also have locality-based pay. The table below gives a state-by-state salary reference using BLS data for the broader occupation of Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, except legal, medical, and executive. These figures are not government-only salaries, but they help show how administrative pay can vary around the country. BLS reported these detailed state figures from its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
| State | Approx. Annual Salary Reference | Approx. Hourly Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $41,270 | $19.84 |
| Alaska | Varies by area | Varies |
| Arizona | Varies by area | Varies |
| Arkansas | Varies by area | Varies |
| California | $53,630 | $25.79 |
| Colorado | Varies by area | Varies |
| Connecticut | $55,570 | $26.72 |
| Delaware | Varies by area | Varies |
| Florida | $42,860 | $20.60 |
| Georgia | Varies by area | Varies |
| Hawaii | Varies by area | Varies |
| Idaho | Varies by area | Varies |
| Illinois | Varies by area | Varies |
| Indiana | Varies by area | Varies |
| Iowa | Varies by area | Varies |
| Kansas | $38,340 | $18.43 |
| Kentucky | Varies by area | Varies |
| Louisiana | $38,330 | $18.43 |
| Maine | Varies by area | Varies |
| Maryland | $46,180 | $22.20 |
| Massachusetts | $54,770 | $26.33 |
| Michigan | Varies by area | Varies |
| Minnesota | Varies by area | Varies |
| Mississippi | Varies by area | Varies |
| Missouri | Varies by area | Varies |
| Montana | Varies by area | Varies |
| Nebraska | Varies by area | Varies |
| Nevada | Varies by area | Varies |
| New Hampshire | Varies by area | Varies |
| New Jersey | Varies by area | Varies |
| New Mexico | $42,220 | $20.30 |
| New York | $48,980 | $23.55 |
| North Carolina | Varies by area | Varies |
| North Dakota | Varies by area | Varies |
| Ohio | Varies by area | Varies |
| Oklahoma | Varies by area | Varies |
| Oregon | Varies by area | Varies |
| Pennsylvania | $43,000 | $20.68 |
| Rhode Island | Varies by area | Varies |
| South Carolina | Varies by area | Varies |
| South Dakota | Varies by area | Varies |
| Tennessee | Varies by area | Varies |
| Texas | $42,230 | $20.30 |
| Utah | Varies by area | Varies |
| Vermont | Varies by area | Varies |
| Virginia | Varies by area | Varies |
| Washington | $53,490 | $25.72 |
| West Virginia | Varies by area | Varies |
| Wisconsin | Varies by area | Varies |
| Wyoming | Varies by area | Varies |
| District of Columbia | $57,980 | $27.88 |
The state numbers above are a broad administrative occupation reference, not a list of exact government employee salaries. For example, the BLS detailed occupation data shows annual mean wages of $53,630 in California, $42,230 in Texas, $48,980 in New York, $42,860 in Florida and $43,000 in Pennsylvania for this broader administrative occupation. BLS also reported higher mean wages in places such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington and the District of Columbia in its detailed state data.
Government Administrative Assistant Salary Per Year
When people search for government administrative assistant salary per year, they normally want to know the full yearly income instead of only hourly pay. For a general government administrative role, yearly salary can be affected by experience, agency, job classification and location. A worker in a local government office may have a different salary system than a federal Administrative Support Assistant. Some positions may also include regular step increases, overtime rules or locality pay depending on the employer.
- Entry level government administrative assistant: may start around the lower part of the salary range depending on agency and location.
- Experienced administrative assistant: can move into higher salary levels as duties and responsibility increase.
- Federal administrative assistant: may be paid under a federal grade and step system when the position is covered by the General Schedule.
- State government administrative assistant: pay depends on the state agency and its own classification and salary structure.
- Local government administrative assistant: city and county offices can have their own pay schedules and employee benefits.
Government Administrative Assistant Hourly Pay
Government administrative assistant hourly pay is another common search because many office positions are advertised with an hourly rate. Converting an annual salary into an hourly figure can give a simple idea, but actual hourly pay is based on the employer's salary schedule and working hours. For the broad secretaries and administrative assistants occupation, the BLS reported a national median annual wage of $48,310 in May 2025, which is roughly $23.23 per hour when divided over 2,080 hours. Government industry workers in the same broad occupation had a median annual wage of $54,250, or about $26.08 per hour on the same full-time calculation.
Federal Government Administrative Assistant Salary
Federal government administrative assistant salary can work differently from a normal private office salary. Many federal administrative and support jobs are placed into a federal pay grade and step. The General Schedule, commonly called GS, has grades from GS-1 through GS-15, with ten steps inside each grade. The 2026 base GS table starts at $22,584 for GS-1 Step 1 and reaches $164,301 at GS-15 Step 10 before locality adjustments. Administrative support jobs can appear at different grades depending on the duties, qualifications and agency.
- GS-5 Step 1: $34,799 annual basic pay
- GS-6 Step 1: $38,791 annual basic pay
- GS-7 Step 1: $43,106 annual basic pay
- GS-8 Step 1: $47,738 annual basic pay
- GS-9 Step 1: $52,727 annual basic pay
- GS-10 Step 1: $58,064 annual basic pay
These are 2026 base General Schedule rates and are not a promise of what every federal administrative assistant earns. Federal locality pay can raise the actual salary in many locations, and the exact grade depends on the federal position.
Government Administrative Assistant Starting Salary
The government administrative assistant starting salary can be different from one agency to another because government employers do not all use one salary system. A new worker may start at an entry-level administrative support position with a lower salary and then move up as experience is gained. Federal jobs can use a General Schedule grade and step system, while state, county and city offices often have their own salary classifications.
For federal government jobs, the starting salary is especially connected with the grade of the position and the location where the employee works. A federal administrative support job advertised at GS-5 will not have the same starting pay as a GS-7 position. Locality pay may also make the actual federal salary higher than the basic national rate.
- Entry level: often involves basic office and administrative support work.
- Starting government salary: depends on agency, position classification and location.
- Federal starting pay: can be based on the General Schedule grade and step.
- State starting pay: follows the state's own employee classification and pay structure.
- Local government starting pay: can be set by city or county salary schedules.
Entry Level Government Administrative Assistant Salary
An entry level government administrative assistant normally handles routine office work under the direction of a supervisor or experienced staff member. The salary at this level can be below the overall government administrative assistant average because the worker may have limited experience and fewer responsibilities. But government employment can also come with benefits and structured salary increases that are different from private office jobs.
For federal employment, an entry-level administrative position may be listed at a GS grade such as GS-4, GS-5 or GS-6 depending on the actual job requirements. Some positions can be classified differently, so the job announcement is the best place to check the exact grade and salary range.
Government Administrative Assistant Salary With Experience
Experience can make a noticeable difference in government administrative assistant salary. A worker who has been in the office for several years may take care of more complicated records, prepare reports, coordinate schedules for senior officials or help train new administrative staff. These extra duties can come with a higher classification or promotion.
| Experience Level | Typical Work Level | Salary Situation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 years | Entry administrative support | Usually lower part of the pay range |
| 1–3 years | Regular administrative assistant duties | May move upward with experience |
| 3–5 years | More independent office work | Often higher than starting level |
| 5–10 years | Senior or specialized administrative work | Can reach higher salary classifications |
| 10+ years | Senior support or coordinator duties | Depends strongly on position and agency |
Experience alone does not automatically create a specific salary increase. Government employers usually have formal classification systems, promotion rules, step increases or salary schedules. The actual increase depends on the employer and the employee's position.
Federal vs State Government Administrative Assistant Salary
Federal government administrative assistant salary and state government administrative assistant salary should not be treated as exactly the same job market. Federal agencies can use government-wide pay systems such as the General Schedule, while individual states can create their own classifications and salary ranges. A state administrative assistant in one department can therefore have a different salary from a similar sounding position in another state.
| Government Level | How Pay Is Usually Determined | Common Workplace |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | Federal grade, step and locality system for covered positions | Federal agencies and departments |
| State | State classification and salary schedule | State departments and agencies |
| County | County pay structure | County offices and departments |
| City | City employee salary schedule | Municipal offices |
This is one reason why searches for “government administrative assistant salary” can show many different numbers online. The word government covers several different employers, and the job title itself can also change.
What Does a Government Administrative Assistant Do?
A government administrative assistant helps an office run its normal daily work. The person can spend a large part of the day using a computer, answering emails, organizing documents and communicating with employees or members of the public. Some offices have very routine work, while others need assistants who can handle confidential records, complicated schedules and large amounts of paperwork.
- Answer telephone calls and respond to basic office questions.
- Prepare letters, forms, reports and other office documents.
- Enter and update information in government computer systems.
- Organize electronic and paper records.
- Schedule meetings, appointments and office events.
- Receive and send emails and other official communications.
- Help supervisors and department staff with administrative work.
- Maintain calendars and track important deadlines.
- Provide information to visitors or members of the public.
- Make copies, scan documents and organize files.
- Process routine forms and administrative requests.
- Help prepare reports and spreadsheets.
Government Administrative Assistant Job Duties
The government administrative assistant job duties depend heavily on the department. An assistant working in a city planning office may handle permits and public records, while someone working in a state agency may process applications and maintain employee or program information. A federal office may have additional rules for handling official records and information.
The work is generally office based, but public contact can be an important part of the position. Some administrative assistants spend most of their time behind a desk, while others work at a public service counter or communicate with people by phone throughout the day.
Government Administrative Assistant Education Requirements
Many administrative assistant positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, although the exact education requirement depends on the employer and position. Some government administrative jobs may prefer or require college coursework, an associate degree or previous office experience. Federal job announcements are particularly important because each announcement explains the qualification requirements for that specific position.
- High school diploma: common for basic administrative support positions.
- Associate degree: can be useful for more advanced office positions.
- Bachelor's degree: may be requested for some specialized administrative or program positions.
- Office experience: previous clerical or administrative work can help with many jobs.
- Computer knowledge: important for almost every modern administrative office.
Skills Needed for a Government Administrative Assistant
A government administrative assistant needs good organization because government offices can deal with many records, forms, appointments and deadlines at the same time. Basic computer skills are also important because much of the work is now done through digital systems rather than only paper files.
- Good written and verbal communication
- Basic Microsoft Office or similar software skills
- Typing and data entry skills
- File and record organization
- Time management
- Attention to details
- Customer service skills
- Calendar and appointment management
- Ability to follow office procedures
- Ability to protect confidential information
- Basic spreadsheet and document preparation skills
- Ability to work with different departments and employees
Government Administrative Assistant Work Environment
Most government administrative assistants work in offices during normal business hours, although the exact schedule depends on the department. Some public offices may have early morning, evening or occasional weekend requirements when public services need extended hours. The work usually involves sitting at a computer for long periods and communicating with coworkers, supervisors and the public.
The workplace can be a federal building, state department office, city hall, county office, courthouse, public agency or another government facility. Remote or hybrid work may also be available for some administrative positions, but it depends on the agency and the type of information handled by the employee.
Government Administrative Assistant Benefits
Salary is only one part of the total compensation for a government administrative assistant. Government employees may receive benefits depending on the employer, employment status and specific position. Federal, state and local government benefits are not identical, so applicants should check the actual job announcement or employee benefits information before comparing jobs.
- Health insurance options
- Retirement benefits
- Paid vacation or annual leave
- Sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Life insurance options
- Employee assistance and other workplace programs
- Possible flexible or hybrid work arrangements
How to Increase Government Administrative Assistant Salary
An administrative assistant can increase earning potential by gaining experience, taking on more complex duties and applying for higher-level positions. Learning spreadsheet software, records management, government systems and specialized administrative skills can also help. For federal employees, moving to a higher grade position can create a larger change in basic salary than simply staying in the same entry-level position.
- Gain several years of administrative experience.
- Learn advanced spreadsheet and document software.
- Build strong records management skills.
- Learn the rules and procedures used by the agency.
- Apply for higher-grade government positions when qualified.
- Develop strong communication and public service skills.
- Take relevant training and professional development programs.
- Consider specialized administrative or program support positions.
How Much Does a Government Administrative Assistant Make?
So, how much does a government administrative assistant make in the USA? There is no one salary for every government administrative assistant because federal, state and local agencies use different job titles and pay systems. For the broader occupation of secretaries and administrative assistants, the BLS reported a national median annual wage of $48,310 in May 2025. Workers in government, excluding state and local education and hospitals, had a median annual wage of $54,250. This gives a useful general reference for government administrative work, but the actual salary for a specific government job can be different. ([bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm))
Federal employees can have another pay structure. For example, the 2026 General Schedule base table lists $34,799 for GS-5 Step 1, $43,106 for GS-7 Step 1 and $52,727 for GS-9 Step 1. Locality adjustments can make the actual federal salary higher in many areas. ([opm.gov](https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2026/general-schedule/))
Government Administrative Assistant Average Salary
The phrase government administrative assistant average salary is commonly used by job seekers, but it is important to understand what salary data is being measured. Government administrative assistants can be classified under different occupational titles, so a single national average does not cover every person doing this type of work. BLS data for secretaries and administrative assistants gives a broad benchmark, while individual government agencies publish their own salary ranges.
In May 2025, the BLS reported a median annual wage of $48,310 for secretaries and administrative assistants. The median means half of workers earned more and half earned less. The same BLS source reported a $54,250 median for the government industry category shown in its industry wage data. ([bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm))
Government Office Assistant Salary
A government office assistant is often a similar type of job but the exact duties can be different from an administrative assistant. Office assistants may handle filing, data entry, phone calls, documents, public inquiries and general clerical tasks. Because government agencies use their own job classifications, the salary can depend on the agency, location, grade and experience.
Entry-level office assistant positions may have less responsibility than senior administrative support positions. A worker who moves into a position involving program support, records coordination, scheduling for senior staff or more complex administrative work may be placed in a higher salary range.
Public Sector Administrative Assistant Salary
Public sector administrative assistant salary includes administrative jobs working for government organizations rather than private companies. This can include federal agencies, state departments, counties, cities and other public organizations. Public sector employees may have structured pay ranges and benefits, but the salary system depends on the employer.
Government employment can also have formal job classifications. This means two workers with the same general administrative title may not earn the same amount if their responsibilities, location or classification are different.
Government Secretary Salary
Government secretary salary can overlap with administrative assistant pay because secretarial and administrative jobs often involve similar office responsibilities. However, secretary positions can range from general office support to more advanced work supporting managers, department heads or specialized government programs.
BLS includes secretaries and administrative assistants in a broad occupational group and reports separate information for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants. This is useful because government offices can have several different administrative titles even when the daily work has some similarities. ([bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm))
Administrative Support Assistant Salary Government
An administrative support assistant working for the government can perform many of the same basic tasks as an administrative assistant. The job may involve preparing documents, maintaining records, entering information, scheduling meetings and supporting a department. Federal agencies may use specific titles such as Administrative Support Assistant or Program Support Assistant, and the grade can depend on the duties and qualification requirements.
For federal positions, applicants should always look at the individual vacancy announcement because the title alone does not tell the exact salary. The announcement normally identifies the grade, pay range, duty location and qualification requirements.
GS Administrative Assistant Salary
GS administrative assistant salary generally refers to administrative jobs paid under the federal General Schedule. The General Schedule has grades and steps, and the basic salary rises as the grade or step rises. The 2026 OPM base GS table shows $34,799 at GS-5 Step 1, $38,791 at GS-6 Step 1, $43,106 at GS-7 Step 1 and $47,738 at GS-8 Step 1. These are basic rates before applicable locality adjustments. ([opm.gov](https://piv.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/26Tables/html/GS.aspx))
| GS Grade | 2026 Step 1 Basic Pay |
|---|---|
| GS-4 | $31,369 |
| GS-5 | $34,799 |
| GS-6 | $38,791 |
| GS-7 | $43,106 |
| GS-8 | $47,738 |
| GS-9 | $52,727 |
| GS-10 | $58,064 |
These figures are the 2026 base General Schedule rates. The actual federal pay for a position can be different because locality pay may apply. Also, not every government administrative assistant is a General Schedule employee, so this table should not be used as the salary range for every government office job. ([opm.gov](https://piv.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/26Tables/html/GS.aspx))
Government Administrative Assistant Salary by Location
Location is one of the important factors behind government administrative assistant pay. A federal employee working in a locality with a higher locality adjustment can have a different salary from another employee with the same grade and step in a different area. State and local government employers also have different salary schedules.
The cost of living in a region can also influence the salaries offered by employers, although government pay systems do not simply set salary based on cost of living. Applicants should compare the actual salary range and benefits for the specific job rather than assuming that a national salary number applies everywhere.
Government Administrative Assistant Career Growth
Government administrative work can provide several directions for career growth. An employee may stay in general administrative support or move into a specialized office position. With experience, a person may also apply for coordinator, program support, executive support or supervisory administrative positions when they meet the requirements.
- Administrative Assistant
- Senior Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Support Specialist
- Program Assistant
- Program Support Assistant
- Executive Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Coordinator
- Office Manager
- Administrative Supervisor
- Program or Department Support Roles
Government Administrative Assistant Job Outlook
The broader secretaries and administrative assistants occupation is expected to have many job openings each year because workers leave the occupation, retire or move to other jobs. BLS projects about 358,300 openings per year on average for secretaries and administrative assistants over the 2024–2034 period, although total employment for the broad occupation is projected to show little change. Government administrative assistant openings are only one part of this broader occupational group. ([bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm))
Technology is changing administrative work, especially routine filing, scheduling and document processing. At the same time, government offices still need employees who can communicate with the public, manage records, coordinate work and handle administrative procedures. This means the exact duties of administrative assistants may continue changing as agencies use more digital systems.
Is Government Administrative Assistant a Good Career?
Government administrative assistant work can suit people who like organized office work, computer tasks, communication and structured procedures. The position can offer a way to enter public sector employment without needing the same education required for many professional government occupations. Salary, benefits, promotion opportunities and job duties can vary considerably, so applicants should review the specific agency and position before making a career decision.
How to Find Government Administrative Assistant Jobs
People looking for federal government administrative assistant jobs can search official federal vacancy announcements and review the grade, salary, location and qualification requirements before applying. State and local jobs are normally listed through the official career websites of the relevant state, county or city government.
- Search federal administrative support vacancies.
- Check the GS grade and salary range in federal announcements.
- Compare the duty location and locality pay information.
- Look at state government career websites.
- Check county and city employment portals.
- Read education and experience requirements carefully.
- Compare benefits along with the basic salary.
Government Administrative Assistant Salary vs Private Administrative Assistant
Government and private-sector administrative assistants can have similar daily office duties, but their compensation systems can be different. Private employers may set salary based on company budget, industry, location and experience, while government agencies commonly use formal classifications or salary schedules. Government positions may also provide structured benefits, leave and retirement programs depending on the employer.
BLS data provides a useful broad comparison because government is one of the industries covered in its occupational wage information. In May 2025, the median wage for secretaries and administrative assistants in the government industry category was $54,250, compared with $48,310 for the occupation overall. These figures are not a direct government-versus-private comparison for one identical job title, but they show why industry can matter when looking at administrative pay. ([bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm))
Final Thoughts on Government Administrative Assistant Salary
Government administrative assistant salary in the USA depends on much more than the job title. Federal, state, county and city employers can use different salary systems, and experience, duties and location can all affect pay. For a broad national reference, BLS reported a $48,310 median annual wage for secretaries and administrative assistants in May 2025 and $54,250 for workers in the government industry category. Federal General Schedule positions have another structured system, with 2026 basic pay beginning at different amounts according to grade and increasing with steps and locality adjustments. ([bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm))
For someone interested in this career, the most useful salary number is normally the salary range shown in the actual government job announcement. Checking the grade, location, duties, experience requirement and benefits together gives a more realistic picture than using one national average. Administrative assistants who build computer, communication, records and organizational skills can also qualify for more advanced administrative support positions as their career develops.