When thinking about becoming an Executive Assistant, naturally questions about your future earning potential will arise. You’ll not only want a ballpark figure of what you could earn when starting out, but also an idea of what level of income you could progress to.
In this guide, we’ll explore the factors that influence an Executive Assistant’s salary, then we’ll try to answer the question, “How much does an executive assistant make?”.
The raw data
No article about how much executive assistants make will be complete without some raw research and data, so here it is!
Our researchers reviewed hundreds of job listings across Indeed and Linkedin over the past 12 months to determine this figure, based on the salary ranges shared in the job descriptions.
The average salary for an Executive Assistant in the United States is $65,000 to $74,000 per year.
The big caveat here is that there are so many factors that influence an Executive Assistants salary, which we’ll explore shortly.
The Salary Spectrum
Salaries for Executive Assistants can vary significantly based on a multitude of factors.
Location, industry, years of experience, and the complexity of the role all contribute to the salary spectrum. A role in Las Vegas at a billion-dollar hotel is going to pay more than a company with 100 employees in Kentucky.
EAs in major metropolitan areas tend to command higher salaries due to the increased cost of living.
Industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer more competitive compensation packages.
Moreover, the complexity of the executive’s role can impact an EA’s salary.
EAs supporting C-suite executives or CEOs may earn more than those assisting middle-level managers.
Experience also plays a crucial role, with seasoned EAs typically earning higher salaries than their less-experienced counterparts.
Let’s take a look at these factors a little closer…
What influences your earning potential as an Executive Assistant?
Location
The geographic location of the job is a significant determinant of an Executive Assistant’s salary.
EAs working in urban centers, particularly in high-cost-of-living cities, tend to receive higher compensation packages. This is largely due to the increased expenses associated with city living, such as housing, transportation, and daily expenses.
For example, an Executive Assistant working in New York City or San Francisco can expect a higher salary compared to their counterparts in smaller towns or rural areas. It’s essential for EAs to consider the regional cost of living when evaluating job offers and negotiating salaries.
When writing this article, we studied some current job listings on Indeed.com this month and found jobs in Los Angeles offering up to $125,000 per year. You can look for yourself here.
A similar search in Kentucky found jobs up to $86,000 per year.
This is a small sample size, and you can’t always expect a 45% pay increase just by moving states alone.
Industry
The industry in which an Executive Assistant works can have a significant impact on their earning potential.
Certain sectors, such as finance and healthcare, often offer more substantial compensation packages to attract top talent.
These industries typically require EAs to handle complex tasks, work long hours, and manage high-pressure situations, warranting higher pay.
Our research has found that Executive Assistants in the Information Technology industry (think tech start-ups and household names such as Facebook and Google) earn the most, with an average pay of close to $90,000.
After the IT industry, you have the healthcare industry ($88,000), and the financial services industry ($85,500).
So if you simply want a high paying Executive Assistant job, it pays to target one of these three industries!
On the other hand, industries like non-profit organizations or government agencies may offer lower salaries in exchange for job stability and the opportunity to work for a mission-driven cause.
Prospective EAs should consider their career goals, lifestyle preferences, and the industries that align with their values when exploring job opportunities.
Experience
Experience is a key factor in determining an Executive Assistant’s salary.
As EAs gain more years of experience and demonstrate their proficiency in the role, they become more valuable to employers.
With experience comes an in-depth understanding of executive needs, enhanced organizational skills, and the ability to navigate complex tasks efficiently.
Typically, junior EAs with less experience will start at a lower salary level, while senior EAs who have accumulated years of experience and a track record of success can command higher salaries.
We’ve explored this topic in-depth in our Executive Assistant career path guide.
Many organizations also offer periodic salary increases and bonuses to reward long-term dedication and outstanding performance.
Conclusion
The compensation for Executive Assistants is multifaceted, influenced by a combination of factors including location, industry, experience, and the complexity of the role.
While salaries can vary widely, EAs often enjoy competitive compensation packages in the range of $65,000 to $74,000 that reflect the critical role they play in ensuring the smooth functioning of organizations.
