Secretaries

Overall, employment for secretaries and administrative assistants is expected to increase by 1 percent from 2023 through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This is more slowly than the average for all careers. Technology has lessened the need for secretaries in many fields. Also contributing to the decline is the fact that many managers now perform some of the tasks once handled by secretaries, as well as the increasing use of advanced AI to perform basic secretarial tasks. "Despite limited employment growth, about 367,500 openings for secretaries and administrative assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade," according to the DOL. These openings will occur as secretaries retire or leave the field for other reasons.

Employment for legal secretaries will decrease by 5 percent through 2033. On the other hand, opportunities will increase for medical secretaries with employment projected to grow by 5 percent from 2023 through 2033. "Baby boomers will require more medical services as they age," the DOL explains. "Medical secretaries will be needed to handle administrative tasks related to billing and insurance processing of Medicare and other claims."

Those with skills (especially computer skills) and experience will have the best chances for employment. Specialized secretaries should attain certification in their field to stay competitive.