Given Valerie's extensive experience as an Administrative Assistant, I've considered the average salary range for administrative professionals in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for secretaries and administrative assistants was around $41,000 in May 2020. However, considering her 42 years of experience and the fact that she works in a government institution, I've estimated her hourly rate to be lower, around $50 per hour, which is a reasonable rate for her level of expertise and experience.