Salary Range $32,000 - $48,000
Experience 1-3 years office experience
Work Environment Office setting

What Does a Secretary Do?

A secretary manages office communications, schedules, and administrative tasks, serving as a key point of contact for internal staff and external visitors while keeping office operations organized.

Secretary Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of a secretary include:

  • Answer and route phone calls, take messages, and greet visitors
  • Manage executive or departmental calendars and schedule meetings
  • Type, format, and proofread correspondence, reports, and documents
  • Maintain organized filing and record-keeping systems
  • Prepare meeting agendas, take minutes, and distribute follow-up materials
  • Handle incoming and outgoing mail, email, and fax communications
  • Coordinate office supplies, equipment maintenance, and vendor services
  • Make travel arrangements and process expense reports
  • Assist with basic bookkeeping tasks such as invoicing and petty cash
  • Serve as a liaison between departments and external contacts

Required Skills and Qualifications

To succeed as a secretary, you will need the following skills and qualifications:

  • Fast and accurate typing skills
  • Proficiency with office software and equipment
  • Strong organizational and filing abilities
  • Professional communication (written and verbal)
  • Calendar management and scheduling
  • Discretion with sensitive and confidential information
  • Multitasking and prioritization skills
  • Pleasant and professional demeanor

Education and Training

A high school diploma or equivalent with strong computer skills. An associate's degree in office administration or secretarial science is preferred by many employers. Professional certifications are available through IAAP.

Salary and Job Outlook

Average Salary: $32,000 - $48,000 per year

While the title has evolved in many organizations to "administrative assistant" or "office coordinator," the core functions of this role remain essential. Secretaries with technology skills and administrative expertise can advance to executive secretary, office manager, or administrative coordinator.