Introduction
The role of a Company Secretary in the United States is unique compared to many other countries. In places like the UK or India, the position is typically defined through a professional body and regulated training programs. In contrast, in the U.S., the Corporate Secretary is a senior executive role often held by experienced professionals in law, compliance, or governance.
The position is not just about taking meeting minutes—it is a strategic leadership role that supports the board of directors and ensures that the company complies with corporate law, regulations, and ethical governance practices.
Given the critical responsibilities and the direct influence on a company’s legal standing and reputation, salaries for this role are among the highest in corporate compliance fields. For aspiring professionals or international candidates looking to work in the U.S., understanding the company secretary salary in the US is essential for career planning.
What Does a Company Secretary Do in the US?
The term “Company Secretary” in the U.S. typically refers to the Corporate Secretary. This is not an administrative assistant role (like a personal secretary), but rather a corporate governance professional.
Key Duties of a Company Secretary:
- Board Management: Organizing board meetings, preparing agendas, and ensuring proper documentation of board decisions.
- Corporate Governance: Advising directors on compliance with governance frameworks, bylaws, and best practices.
- Regulatory Filings: Managing SEC filings, annual reports, shareholder disclosures, and other corporate documentation.
- Shareholder Relations: Ensuring smooth communication between the company and its shareholders.
- Risk & Compliance Oversight: Monitoring governance risks, ethics, and adherence to federal and state corporate law.
- Record Keeping: Maintaining corporate charters, board minutes, shareholder registers, and legal records.
In short, the U.S. Company Secretary ensures that the board functions smoothly and legally, making the role indispensable in public companies.
Average Company Secretary Salary in the US (2025 Data)
The salary landscape varies depending on data sources, company size, and role level.
Salary Insights from Multiple Sources
- Salary.com: Reports an average annual salary of $218,560, with the majority earning between $199,900 and $239,400.
- SalaryExpert: Estimates around $197,600 annually, with senior secretaries earning well above $250,000.
- Glassdoor: Provides a median salary closer to $91,100, though this includes many administrative-level titles mislabeled as “company secretaries.”
- PayScale: Lists an average of $86,130, showing a wide range from $55,000 to $157,000.
Why the Difference?
- Some platforms group administrative secretaries with corporate secretaries.
- Salaries at Fortune 500 companies can skew averages higher.
- Governance-heavy industries (finance, healthcare, tech) pay more.
General Brackets
- Entry-Level Corporate Secretary: $60,000–$85,000
- Mid-Level Professional: $100,000–$160,000
- Senior Secretary in Large Firm: $175,000–$250,000+
- Top Corporate Secretary / General Counsel: $500,000–$1M+ (with bonuses & equity)
This shows the huge salary potential once you move beyond junior positions.
Hourly vs. Annual Salary
While most salaries are quoted annually, it helps to look at hourly rates:
- Hourly Pay (Senior roles): $90–$95 per hour.
- Hourly Pay (Junior roles): $30–$50 per hour.
Annual salaries can therefore vary between $85,000–$220,000, depending on how many hours are worked and whether the role is full-time, part-time, or board advisory.
Factors Influencing Company Secretary Salary in the US
1. Experience
- Fresh graduates/early career: Often start in compliance or legal teams before stepping into governance roles, making $60k–$90k.
- Mid-career (5–10 years): Earn $110k–$150k after proving expertise in SEC filings and board management.
- Senior (10–20 years): $175k–$250k+, often holding combined roles such as Corporate Secretary + Chief Compliance Officer.
2. Industry
- Finance/Banking: Higher due to regulatory requirements.
- Healthcare & Pharma: Strong demand due to FDA, HIPAA, and SEC oversight.
- Tech Companies: Public firms in Silicon Valley offer lucrative packages.
3. Company Size
- Startups: Lower pay ($70k–$110k), but equity options may compensate.
- Mid-size firms: $120k–$160k.
- Fortune 500 firms: $200k–$500k+.
4. Location
Some of the highest-paying states:
- New York (Wall Street firms): $220k–$250k+
- California (Tech hub): $200k+
- Washington, D.C. (Policy-driven firms): $210k
- Texas: $160k–$190k
- Chicago: $170k–$200k
5. Skills & Certifications
- Corporate Governance Certifications (ICSA/CGI, NACD Directorship).
- Law degree or JD.
- Risk management and compliance expertise.
- Strong communication with boards and shareholders.
Company Secretary Salary in the US vs. Other Countries
The U.S. pays some of the highest salaries globally for this role.
| Country | Average Annual Salary (USD Equivalent) |
|---|---|
| United States | $150,000–$220,000 |
| United Kingdom | $90,000–$130,000 |
| Canada | $100,000–$130,000 |
| Australia | $110,000–$140,000 |
| India | $12,000–$25,000 |
The gap is particularly wide between the U.S. and India, where company secretaries follow a professional qualification path (ICSI), but salaries are much lower due to market size and corporate structures.
Career Path: How to Become a Company Secretary in the US
Unlike India (with ICSI) or the UK (with CGI), the U.S. does not have a single governing body that produces company secretaries. Instead, professionals enter the role from other backgrounds.
Typical Pathways:
- Law Professionals: Many corporate secretaries are attorneys or have JDs.
- Compliance Officers: Transition from compliance, risk, or audit teams.
- Corporate Governance Specialists: With MBA or governance-focused degrees.
Skills That Boost Salary:
- Understanding SEC regulations.
- Drafting and reviewing governance policies.
- Managing board/shareholder meetings.
- Advising directors on ESG, DEI, and compliance frameworks.
The more specialized the knowledge, the higher the earning potential.
Future Outlook (2025–2030)
The role of Company Secretary in the U.S. is set to grow in importance.
Key Trends Driving Salary Growth:
- Increasing Regulations: From SEC, FINRA, and federal laws.
- ESG & Sustainability Reporting: Boards now need governance experts.
- Globalization: Cross-border compliance for multinational firms.
- Hybrid Governance: Virtual board meetings require new management.
Projected Growth: Salaries expected to rise by 10–15% by 2030, especially in industries like finance, healthcare, and tech.
FAQs on Company Secretary Salary in the US
Q1. Is “Company Secretary” the same as “Corporate Secretary” in the U.S.?
Yes. The U.S. primarily uses “Corporate Secretary.” It’s a senior role, not clerical.
Q2. Do all companies in the U.S. need a Corporate Secretary?
Public companies are required to have one, and many private firms also appoint them.
Q3. What’s the highest salary for a Corporate Secretary?
In Fortune 500 firms, compensation can exceed $500,000–$1M, especially if the role is combined with General Counsel.
Q4. Can foreign-qualified Company Secretaries work in the U.S.?
Yes, but usually in governance or compliance roles, often after additional U.S. certifications.
Q5. Is this a good career?
Yes. With rising governance needs, it is one of the most secure and lucrative careers.
Conclusion
The company secretary salary in the US reflects the critical nature of governance and compliance in modern corporations. While junior professionals may start at $70,000–$90,000, mid-level experts quickly move into the $120,000–$160,000 range, and senior executives earn $200,000+ with the potential to exceed half a million dollars in compensation.
For professionals with expertise in law, corporate governance, and compliance, this career path offers high salaries, stability, and future growth opportunities. As governance continues to dominate corporate strategy, the importance—and earning potential—of the Company Secretary will only increase.