According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for secretaries are expected to grow more slowly than the average occupation through to 2013. The projected employment opportunities do vary, however, in accordance with the area of specialty. Areas such as health care, social assistance, administrative services, support services, private educational services, technical services, professional services, and scientific services are expected to provide the greatest employment opportunities. In order to gain a job as a secretary, it is important to be very knowledgeable in software applications and to have credentials such as a business office administrator degree.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual earnings for secretaries in May of 2004 was $34,970. Those employed in the management of enterprises and companies earned the largest income, with a median annual income of $38,950. The lowest paid secretaries worked for the state government and earned a median annual income of $30,750.
