Administrative Assistant Salary – Government of Canada (2026)
How much do federal administrative assistants make? Classification mapping, salary by level, and career path.
How Administrative Assistant Roles Are Classified
The Government of Canada doesn't advertise positions as “Administrative Assistant” — instead, each role is assigned a classification code that determines its pay scale. Here's how administrative assistant roles map to federal classifications:
What Federal Administrative Assistants Do
Administrative assistants in the federal government handle a wide range of support functions: managing correspondence, scheduling meetings, processing forms, maintaining records, coordinating travel, and supporting team operations. Junior admin roles are classified as CR (Clerical and Regulatory), while more substantive positions are classified as AS (Administrative Services). The distinction matters for career progression — CR positions have a lower salary ceiling, so many admin assistants aim to reclassify from CR to AS for long-term career growth.
Administrative Assistant Salary Breakdown
A CR-04 administrative assistant earns approximately $55,955–$60,504. An AS-01 earns $62,168–$69,423. While starting salaries are modest, the federal benefits package (pension, health/dental, job security) adds significant value — particularly compared to equivalent admin roles in the private sector where benefits are often limited. The career path from CR to AS to PM opens up salary potential to $80,000+ at AS-04/PM-04.
How to Get Hired
Administrative assistant positions are among the most accessible in the federal government. CR positions typically require a high school diploma, while AS positions prefer post-secondary education. Entry is through GC Jobs competitions — large departments like CRA, ESDC, and DND frequently hire for admin support roles. Student bridging through FSWEP is another common entry path. No specific certifications are required, but proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with document management are expected.