What to pay an executive assistant

Figuring out fair pay for an executive assistant can be a puzzle for companies large and small. Startups often lack the financial resources to set competitive salaries, while bigger companies can struggle to keep pace with market rates across different locations. This can lead to turnover if pay doesn’t reflect the local cost of living.

And if you’re a busy C-suite exec at a growing company, you may not have time to research what a role is really worth, leading to offers that don’t quite meet the job’s demands.

To save you time, we break down U.S. salary stats for executive assistants, explain what drives their pay, and share tips to help you assess candidates so you can get a clear sense of what they’re worth.

How we researched this topic

For this article, we relied on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 report, which offers in-depth info on executive assistant salaries under categories 43-6011 through 43-6014. This gave us a solid look at salary trends, regional differences, and what executive assistants earn in different industries across the U.S.

Key takeaways 

• Executive assistants in the U.S. typically earn a median salary of $70,310, with top earners above $104,000, depending on location, industry, and experience.

• Median pay shows what most EAs make, while the mean shows the average. The latter can be pulled up by high earners, so it’s important to look at both metrics when seeking to set fair salaries.

• Location, industry, and experience impact pay – fields like media and tech tend to pay more, while education and healthcare often pay less.

• Benefits like health insurance, 401(k) matching, professional development, and flexible work can boost the overall compensation package for EAs.

• Using talent assessments in hiring helps find the right EA with the skills and personality to support your team.

National salary statistics for executive assistants 

Median salary vs. mean salary 

When looking at executive assistant salaries, you’ll often see two numbers: the median and the average (mean). Each one gives a different picture of what people are earning.

• Median salary: This is the midpoint of all salaries – half of executive assistants earn less, and half earn more. It’s helpful because it shows a typical pay rate, even if some people are making a lot more or less.

• Average (mean) salary: This is calculated by adding up all salaries and dividing by the number of people. The average can be misleading if a few high earners are pulling the number up.

Understanding the difference helps you get a realistic sense of what executive assistants actually make so you can set fair pay.

Factors influencing salaries

A few key factors shape salary ranges for executive assistants, and understanding them can help companies set pay that attracts and retains top talent. 

• Geographic location: Salaries can vary greatly by location, mostly due to the cost of living and level of demand. For instance, executive assistants in the District of Columbia make $71,420-$86,300 a year, while in Idaho, the same role brings in $37,860-$59,500.

• Industry: Industry matters when it comes to pay for executive assistants. Those working in finance or tech often earn more than their peers in education or non-profits, mainly because finance and tech are more profitable industries with higher demand.

• Experience level: Experience makes a big difference in pay for executive assistants. The more experience someone has, the more they’re likely to earn. Seasoned executive assistants bring valuable skills and insights, and companies are usually willing to pay extra for that expertise.

• Education and certifications: Education and certifications can help boost an executive assistant's salary by showing they have specialized knowledge. But degrees and certificates don’t always tell the whole story. Many employers put more weight on hands-on experience and practical skills, which often matter more than credentials alone.

• Responsibilities and skills required: Executive assistants who take on high-level tasks – like managing projects, handling confidential information, or supporting multiple executives – tend to earn more than those in basic support roles. The more specialized the skills and responsibilities, the higher the potential salary, as companies value the added expertise and accountability.

Geographic pay variations 

Source

The top-paying states for executive assistants, marked in the darkest color on the map, have an annual mean wage in the range of $71,420-$86,300. Here’s a list of those states:

• California (CA)

• District of Columbia (DC) 

• New York (NY) 

• Connecticut (CT) 

• New Jersey (NJ) 

The bottom-paying states for executive assistants, as shown in the lightest color on the map, have an annual mean wage in the range of $37,860-$59,500. Here’s a list of those states:

• Idaho (ID) 

• Wyoming (WY) 

• South Dakota (SD) 

• Indiana (IN) 

• Kentucky (KY) 

These pay differences for executive assistants aren’t necessarily about qualifications. They often reflect varying living costs across locations. For example, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Idaho is around $1,332/month, while in DC, it’s closer to $2,200/month. 

Industry-specific pay data 

This table shows which industries pay the most for executive assistant roles.

Key findings: 

• Highest-paying industries: At the top end, industries like media streaming, web search portals, and computer manufacturing offer the highest salaries for executive assistant roles, with annual mean salaries ranging from around $93,900 to over $199,000.

• Mid-range to lower-paying industries: In comparison, industries like education, traditional manufacturing, and healthcare provide lower average annual salaries, ranging from around $52,957 to $66,000.

Why the salary differences? 

Here’s a look at why salaries for executive assistants vary so much across industries.

• Industry budgets and profits: Some industries, like media streaming, tech, and computer manufacturing, have big budgets and strong profits, so they can afford to pay executive assistants more to attract top talent. On the flip side, fields like education, manufacturing, and healthcare often have tighter budgets, which means they usually can’t offer as high a salary for support roles.

• Specialized skills needed: In certain industries, especially tech and media, executive assistants often need specialized skills – like managing complex schedules, working with high-profile clients, or supporting senior leaders with strategic tasks. This extra expertise means they get paid more. In areas like education or healthcare, the work might be more routine, so the pay tends to be lower.

• Competition for talent: Fast-paced fields like media and tech are always competing to hire skilled executive assistants who can keep up with demanding roles, which drives up salaries. In other industries, like manufacturing or government, there’s usually less demand for specialized admin skills, so they don’t need to offer as high of a salary to attract good candidates.

Pay by experience and education 

Executive assistant salaries can vary significantly based on experience and qualifications. Here’s a breakdown of what executive assistants might earn at different career stages. 

• Entry-level (0-2 years): $46,334 per year or $22.28 per hour

• Mid-career (3-6 years): $64,511 per year or $31.56 per hour

• Experienced (7+ years): $76,335 per year or $36.70 per hour

Certifications or education that can lead to higher pay 

• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP): offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and is widely recognized in the industry.

• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification: Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools is crucial for executive assistants, and this certification can demonstrate advanced skills.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification: Executive assistants often manage complex projects, so this certification can be valuable for career advancement.

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP): For executive assistants who frequently organize meetings and events, this certification can be beneficial.

• Professional Administrative Certificate of Excellence (PACE): Offered by the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP), this certification covers interpersonal, task management, computer, and project management skills. 

Benefits beyond salary for executive assistants 

For executive assistants, benefits beyond salary can make all the difference in feeling valued and supported. 

Health insurance that covers medical, dental, and vision is essential, especially when it extends to dependents. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) add extra flexibility for managing healthcare costs, which can be a big plus.

Paid time off is also crucial, with most companies offering vacation, sick days, and personal days. Executive assistants in high-demand roles often appreciate structured time-off policies that allow them to recharge, as their day-to-day schedules can be fast-paced and demanding. 

Retirement plans with employer matching on 401(k) contributions are another valued benefit, helping EAs plan for their future.

Because executive assistants often wear many hats, professional development is a huge plus. Many look for opportunities to grow their skills in areas like project management, advanced software, or even leadership training. Companies that cover courses, certifications, or conferences show they’re serious about supporting career growth.

Flexibility is also a big draw. Options for remote work now and then, or flexible hours, can make a big difference. Wellness perks like gym memberships or stress management resources are also meaningful, considering how much multitasking the role involves.

Some companies even go the extra mile with travel stipends for EAs who need to accompany their executives to events or help with off-site meetings. These kinds of benefits add up, creating a work environment where executive assistants feel appreciated and motivated to do their best.

Level up your hiring process with talent assessments 

Finding the right executive assistant isn’t strictly a money problem. It’s about making sure the candidates you attract have the skills and personality to support your team effectively. 

Knowing salary benchmarks and understanding how factors like experience or industry affect pay is a good start, but adding talent assessments to your hiring process can help you dig deeper to find the right fit.

TestGorilla’s library of 400+ tests allows you to assess an executive assistant candidate’s skills in areas like organization, multitasking, and communication, so you’re not just relying on their resume. Our personality and culture-add tests also reveal candidates’ behavior, motivation, and potential to grow and challenge your company culture.

Whether you’re hiring an entry-level assistant or a senior EA supporting multiple executives, assessments like situational judgment tests, organizational skills tests, and communication exercises help you find candidates with the skills and mindset to handle the role’s demands.

This approach gives you an edge, especially if you’re a smaller business without the time and resources to sift through stacks of resumes. With TestGorilla, you can combine up to five tests or create custom assessments that reveal exactly what each candidate brings to the table – whether it’s time management, attention to detail, or decision-making skills.

These assessments can also help you spot high-potential candidates who may not have a typical background but possess the right skills for the job. Using TestGorilla brings a more data-driven approach to hiring, leading to better long-term hires and happier, more effective executive assistants.

Try it out yourself. Sign up for our free plan or book a demo to see how TestGorilla can simplify your hiring process and help you find the best executive assistant for your team.

FAQs

Do executive assistants with multilingual skills earn more?

Yes, being bilingual or multilingual can lead to a higher salary, especially in roles where communication with international clients or partners is essential.

Is overtime compensation common for executive assistants?

In many cases, yes. Executive assistants who work overtime, especially during peak seasons or high-stakes projects, may receive additional compensation or time off in lieu, particularly if they’re in non-exempt roles.

Are there additional bonuses or incentives for executive assistants?

Some companies offer performance-based bonuses or incentives for executive assistants, particularly in high-pressure industries where exceptional support directly contributes to company success. These bonuses can be based on individual performance or overall company results.