Executive assistants handle the work that keeps everything moving, from managing inboxes and calendars to coordinating with key contacts. Before you hire one, it helps to know what they actually cost and what drives those numbers.
- What you pay an EA depends on their experience, the complexity of the role, and where they’re based.
- US-based executive assistants typically earn $67,000 to $75,000 per year, or around $30 to $40 per hour. Offshore EAs, particularly from the Philippines, often run $8 to $15 per hour depending on experience.
- Researching current salary benchmarks before you set a budget helps you make a competitive offer and avoid overpaying or undershooting.
What Is the Average Executive Assistant Salary?
In the US, executive assistants currently earn between $67,000 and $75,000 per year on average, depending on experience and location. That works out to roughly $30 to $40 per hour for most mid-level roles.
For more budget-conscious hiring, part-time or offshore arrangements are worth considering. Part-time executive assistants are often freelancers, so you don’t have to cover benefits, equipment, or office costs. Offshore EAs from countries like the Philippines or India can cost significantly less while still bringing strong skills to the role.
When working with VAs, the key in proper delegation. This easy-to-use guide will help you choose what to delegate to your VAs.
Learn More3 Factors That Influence Executive Assistant Cost
Experience and Skill Level
More experienced EAs charge more. An assistant with six to nine years of experience typically earns more than someone just starting out, and EAs with ten or more years can command a premium, especially in demanding roles.
Executive assistants with specialized skills like bookkeeping, sales support, or marketing coordination also tend to cost more. It’s worth mapping the actual requirements of your role before you set a salary range so you’re paying for what you need.
Location and Cost of Living
Location is one of the biggest cost variables. A US-based EA earning $30 to $40 per hour is working within a high cost-of-living market. Virtual executive assistants based in the Philippines typically earn $8 to $15 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the role. That’s a real difference in cost without necessarily a difference in quality.
Industry and Company Size
Some industries pay EAs more because the work is more complex or the pace is faster. Financial services, tech, and legal tend to sit on the higher end. Larger companies also tend to pay more than smaller ones, partly because they can and partly because the role often carries more responsibility.
EA recruitment agencies can help smooth out the hiring process and reduce turnover, which has its own cost savings over time.
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How to Set the Right Budget for an Executive Assistant
Before you hire an executive assistant, you need a number in mind. Here’s how to get there.
Benchmark Against Current Rates
Look at what EAs in your industry and location are actually earning. Use salary tools, job boards, and any data your network can provide. If you’re considering offshore hiring, look at rates specific to that region rather than applying US benchmarks.
Define the Role Clearly
The more specific you are about what your EA will actually do, the easier it is to budget accurately. A role that involves light scheduling and inbox management doesn’t need the same pay as one that requires project coordination, stakeholder communication, or technical tools. Be honest about which one you’re hiring for.
Decide Where You’re Hiring From
Are you looking for a US-based hire or a virtual executive assistant? Are you sourcing on your own through referrals, or working with a VA company that handles vetting for you? Each path has different cost structures. Going through an agency typically costs more upfront but saves time on screening and reduces the risk of a bad hire.
Negotiate Clearly
Once you know your range, be upfront about it. Candidates appreciate clarity, and it tends to lead to faster and cleaner agreements. VA companies like Magic offer flexible packages, so you’re not locked into a structure that doesn’t fit your actual needs.
Hire the Right Executive Assistant with Magic
Getting the cost right matters, but it’s only part of the equation. You also need someone who can actually do the job well and hit the ground running.
Magic matches you with pre-vetted executive assistants from the top tier of available talent, trained on the tools you use and ready to support you from day one. Schedule a call to talk through what you need.
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