What are the Highest Paying Administrative Jobs?

Many looked to find a job in the administrative field. Checking your local newspaper job section or visiting job sites such as Monster, shows that there are many administrative jobs available. If you have the skill and experience in this type of work and a good admin resume, it can be easy to find employment. But if looking for a high paying administrative job, there are a few things you should know.


Not all administrative salaries are equal. The major causes for the gap in pay scales depend on where the job is located and the type of industry position is in.


First when one speaks of location, many people think of the cost of living. The coastal cities, as well the northern and western states are more expensive. Yet in these areas you can find a position that will pay 10 times more than you would make in the southern regions. Where you live does dictate how much you can earn. Places like New York City and San Francisco are two of the "highest paying regions." It may cost more to live in these areas, but you will have the opportunity to make more than enough to cover bills and have money left over.


Now when talking about industries that pay high salaries - the financial industry leads the way. There are many faucets to the financial sector such as investment banking, mergers, hedge funds, acquisitions. One option for someone in the administrative field could be to work as a broker's assistant where you will not only bring in a good base salary, but you would be able to achieve commission as well. Administrative professionals working for top producers are able to bring over six figures per year.


Another good industry where administrative support professionals can enjoy high salary is the legal industry. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that for the last four years the legal field has paid the best salaries to administrative support staff and that the trend is expected to continue. There are no such profit-sharing incentives like those that are offered the financial industry, but the legal field tends to have very high pay scales. Within the legal field one will also have the opportunity to bring even more income with overtime pay.


If the job seeker is single with no kids, a job as a personal assistant is a great way to earn a good living. There are many personal assistants that are able to bring in six figures, but they work for every penny. As a personal assistant you will most likely always be on call and can be expected to drop prior commitments at the last moment for your employer. Generally this type of work has no boundaries and that's why it is best for those who do not have responsibilities like family. Many who work as a personal assistant leave for a more flexible career once they have children or get married.


Last if you are looking for high paying salaries it is best to avoid the glitzy industries such as fashion, publishing and advertising. No doubt these industries come with perks such as free tickets and sometimes a clothing allowance. And the entry-level support positions are a great stepping stone for someone who actually wants to work in these fields and are looking to get their foot in the door, so eventually they can move up to higher positions. But if you simply want to work the administrative side, these industries pay the lowest salaries.

- Gail Esparan