The highest paying executive assistant roles are often found in industries or organizations that demand specialized skills, extensive experience, or support high-level executives.
While salaries can vary based on factors such as location and company size, here are a few examples of executive assistant roles that tend to offer higher compensation…
Highest-paying executive assistant roles
C-suite Executive Assistant
Executive assistants supporting top-level executives, such as CEOs, CFOs, or CTOs, often earn higher salaries due to the level of responsibility and confidentiality involved.
These roles typically require significant experience, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to handle complex tasks.
To work your way up to a C-suite Executive Assistant you first need to get your foot in the door in this industry. Start this process by getting an Executive Assistant Certification and then getting your first EA job, no matter what level it is in the organization.
Then, focus on professional development and working your way into more senior roles.
We have analyzed through our own data what C-suite Executive Assistants assistant can earn in several states, and roles offering a salary over $100,000 are not uncommon for large well-known brands such as Disney and Ralph Lauren. Our data was sourced from Indeed.com job listings for Executive Assistants
Executive Assistants in Financial Services
Executive assistants working in financial services, such as investment banks, private equity firms, or hedge funds, can also command higher salaries.
The finance industry often offers competitive compensation packages due to the demanding nature of the work and the need for accuracy, confidentiality, and financial acumen.
In addition to an Executive Assistant Certification, people wanting to enter the financial services field should also have an understanding of financial terms and financial documents. Take a look at Corporate Finance Institute if you’re wanting to upskill in this area. Their Corporate Finance Fundamentals course would give you a good understanding of many financial concepts you may come across in your career in this industry as an Executive Assistant.
Executive Assistants in Technology Companies
Executive assistants in the technology sector, particularly in fast-growing startups or large tech companies, may have the opportunity to earn higher salaries.
Roles in technology companies involve supporting executives in a fast-paced, innovative environment and may require familiarity with technology tools and platforms.
Video hosting company Vimeo is currently hiring an Executive Assistant in New York and offering $67,500 up to $103,500 a year. They specify that they are looking for the following traits:
- 4+ years’ experience providing administrative support to multiple executives
- 2+ years’ experience coordinating travel logistics on behalf of multiple executives
- 2+ years’ of calendar management and expense report management for multiple executives
Executive Assistants in Legal Firms
Executive assistants supporting senior partners or executives in law firms earn higher salaries due to the specialized knowledge and high-stakes nature of the legal industry.
These roles involve managing complex calendars, coordinating with clients, and handling sensitive legal documents.
Executive Assistants in Consulting
Executive assistants in consulting firms, especially those serving prestigious clients or specialized industries, may have the potential for higher salaries.
When you’re an Executive Assistant at a consulting firm, you job will involve extensive travel coordination, client relationship management, and supporting senior consultants in demanding environments.
Executive Assistants in Healthcare
Executive assistants in healthcare organizations, particularly those supporting high-ranking hospital administrators or healthcare executives, can earn competitive salaries.
Healthcare roles require knowledge of healthcare operations, compliance, and the ability to manage sensitive patient information.
One current company hiring an Executive Assistant is Tomorrow Health, which is a healthcare company that also fits under the technology category mentioned above. Thanks to this mix of two high-paying industries, they are offering up to $150,000 for this role.
For this role, they are specifically wanting someone who meets the following criteria:
- Prior experience as an Executive Assistant in a high-performing start-up or growth-stage company, preferably supporting the Chief Executive Officer or C-Suite
- 6+ years of progressive executive and personal administrative support experience, with 5+ years as an executive assistant
- You have managed complex and dynamic calendars supporting C-Suite executives with calendar management, travel arrangements, scheduling of meetings and events
- You have written and edited internal communications, including corporate and executive level communications
This is in addition to all the essential Executive Assistant skills such as:
- Advanced G-Suite skills (Cal, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Email)
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy skills
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks in order to successfully meet deadlines
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- You possess the ability to work independently to analyze and solve problems
- Proficient at optimizing systems/tools for tracking expenses, scheduling travel, monitoring time, etc.
If you are lacking in any of these areas, and want to get a job such as this one, then consider taking a look at Executive Assistant courses that cover many of these topics.
Summary
It’s important to note that while these roles offer higher salaries, compensation can still vary widely based on location, company size, and individual qualifications.
Additionally, the level of responsibility can also influence salaries, the demand for specialized skills, and the overall market conditions.
Conducting industry-specific research and consulting salary surveys or industry reports can provide more precise information on the highest-paying executive assistant roles in a given field.