Administrative Assistant Jobs: Pay & How to Apply (2026)

August 12, 2026 3 Min Read

Administrative assistant jobs pay well above minimum wage across Canada, with pay rising fast for senior and executive-level roles. Below is the real pay by level and city, sourced 2026 figures, and how to land one.

Quick Answer: Administrative Assistant Jobs

Administrative assistant jobs pay an average of $24.84 an hour across Canada, with entry-level roles starting around $18.15–$25.75. Senior and executive assistant roles often clear $34.00 an hour, or roughly $71,000 a year. Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa post some of the highest city averages in the country.

1. Entry-Level Administrative Assistant Roles

Pay: Broadly $18.15–$25.75 an hour, averaging around $20.44, based on the employer and city.
What they do: Handle scheduling, filing, and phone or email support for a manager or small team.
You need: No degree needed for most entry roles, though strong organisation skills matter a lot.
How to apply: Search “administrative assistant” on Indeed, and check staffing firms such as Express too.

2. Executive & Senior Administrative Assistant Roles

Pay: Broadly $30.00–$34.00+ an hour, or roughly $60,000–$71,000+ a year at the senior level.
What they do: Support a senior leader directly, handling calendars, travel, and confidential material.
You need: A few years of admin experience usually comes first, so this role rarely goes to newcomers.
How to apply: Ask about internal routes up if you’re already in an entry admin role at your firm.

3. Pay by City

Pay: Toronto averages $29.15 an hour, Calgary $28.65, Ottawa $28.27, and Vancouver $26.06.
What they do: Pay tends to track each city’s overall cost of living and office job market size.
You need: No extra credential needed to move cities, though local experience can help in a tight market.
How to apply: Compare listings across a few cities on Indeed before you commit to relocating for a role.

4. How to Apply & What Employers Want

Pay: Government roles can run well above the private-sector average, sometimes into six figures.
What they do: Employers mostly want strong writing, calm phone manners, and comfort with common office software.
You need: Typing speed and a working knowledge of spreadsheets help you stand out on paper.
How to apply: Tailor your resume to each posting’s exact wording, since many firms scan for it first.

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Before You Apply for Administrative Assistant Jobs

Entry pay is fairly consistent. So a strong resume matters more than chasing the highest posted rate.
Senior roles pay a lot more. So track your years of experience closely once you clear the entry level.
City matters for pay. So compare a few markets before you assume your local rate is the norm.
Government roles can pay well. So check public-sector postings alongside private firms when you search.

FAQ: Administrative Assistant Jobs

What is the average pay for administrative assistant jobs?
The national average is $24.84 an hour, though entry-level roles typically start around $18.15–$25.75.

How much do senior administrative assistant jobs pay?
Broadly $30.00–$34.00+ an hour, or roughly $60,000–$71,000+ a year, based on the employer and role.

Which cities pay the most for administrative assistant jobs?
Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa post some of the highest city averages, each running close to $28–$29 an hour.

Do I need a degree for administrative assistant jobs?
No. Most entry roles need no degree, though strong organisation and writing skills matter a lot.

What skills do employers want most?
Clear writing, calm phone manners, and comfort with common office software all matter more than a formal degree.