Administrative Assistant (government)

Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.

O*NET definition of Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive (SOC 43-6014) · Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive (SOC 43-6014) naming each level as required to be hired, 57 respondents, O*NET survey August 2019. Each employer sets its own minimum.

High school graduates who are comfortable using word processing and spreadsheet programs usually qualify for entry-level positions. Although workers typically learn their duties over several weeks on the job, legal and medical secretaries and administrative assistants may need additional training for industry-specific terminology. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants typically need several years of related work experience.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Secretaries and Administrative Assistants”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

State government pay plans

Official pay ranges for the job classes that match Administrative Assistant (government) in 29 state civil-service plans. They cover state employees only, not cities, counties or school districts.

Lowest class minimum to highest class maximum. Hourly rates are converted at 2,080 hours a year, and other rates at the plan's pay periods; the plans publish the exact rates. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).

Sources: 29 official state pay plans, linked in each row.

1. Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.4.3
2. Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.4.3
3. Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.4.2
4. Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.4.2
5. Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions.4.1
6. Set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material.4.0
7. Operate electronic mail systems and coordinate the flow of information, internally or with other organizations.4.0
8. Schedule and confirm appointments for clients, customers, or supervisors.3.9
9. Maintain scheduling and event calendars.3.8
10. Compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence, or reports, such as presentations or expense, statistical, or monthly reports.3.8

The 10 most important of 20 core tasks for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2019.