What is the highest paid executive assistant job?

Executive assistants provide high-level administrative support to executives and managers in various industries. It is a role that requires exceptional organization, communication, and problem-solving skills. The highest paid executive assistants can earn six-figure salaries working for high-profile executives, large corporations, or wealthy individuals.

Executive Assistant Job Overview

An executive assistant performs a wide range of duties to help manage an executive’s professional and personal life. Common responsibilities include:

• Managing schedules, calendars, and travel arrangements
• Preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence
• Communicating on the executive’s behalf
• Organizing meetings and events
• Researching and compiling data
• Handling office management tasks
• Providing high-level administrative support

Executive assistants interact regularly with C-suite executives, board members, investors, clients, and other high-profile individuals. They must maintain complete confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.

The role requires exceptional organizational skills, time management, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks seamlessly. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential. Executive assistants must exhibit discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment at all times.

Highest Paying Executive Assistant Jobs

There are certain executive assistant roles that offer significantly higher salaries compared to the average. Factors that influence higher pay include the executive’s level of prominence, the size and wealth of the organization, and geographic location.

Some of the highest paying executive assistant jobs include:

• Assistants to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies – At major public corporations, CEO assistants can earn $80,000 to $100,000 or more per year.
• Assistants at top investment banks and hedge funds – Assistants supporting executives at Wall Street firms and other financial institutions can make $90,000 to $120,000 annually.
• Assistants to ultra high net worth individuals – Billionaires and other ultra wealthy individuals may pay their assistants $100,000 to $200,000 or more per year.
• Assistants in major entertainment and sports industries – Assistants to A-list celebrities, athletes, directors, and producers can earn six-figure salaries.
• Assistants at elite universities – Assistants to presidents, provosts, and deans at Ivy League and other top schools can make over $100,000 per year.
• Executive assistants in major metro areas – The highest salaries are concentrated in major cities like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago, where six-figure compensation is more common.
• Assistants with specialized expertise – Assistants with specialized knowledge in areas like medicine, law, technology, or finance can command higher pay.

While the average executive assistant salary is around $60,000 per year, those supporting prominent executives can make $80,000 to $150,000 or more. The highest paid make salaries comparable to some mid-level professional positions.

Factors That Increase Executive Assistant Pay

There are several key factors that can result in higher compensation for executive assistants:

• Executive level and prominence – Assistants to CEOs, founders, partners, presidents, and other leaders at distinguished organizations and companies earn the highest salaries.
• Organization size and status – Assistants at Fortune 500 companies, elite professional service firms, top tech companies, and wealthy family offices are paid more.
• Location – Executive assistants in major metro areas like NYC, San Francisco, L.A., and Chicago tend to be the highest compensated.
• Specialization – Niche expertise in areas like medicine, law, or finance commands higher salaries at certain organizations.
• Years of experience – Executive assistants with 5-10+ years of experience supporting senior executives tend to earn more.
• Reputation and relationships – Well-connected assistants who build strong networks and reputations can increase their earning potential.
• Difficulty filling role – Some executive assistant jobs remain unfilled for lack of qualified candidates, which can drive up pay.

While compensation varies widely, those supporting prominent executives at distinguished companies in major metro areas are likely to be the highest paid.

Executive Assistant Salary Statistics

Here are some key statistics on executive assistant salaries from reputable sources:

The data shows that while average executive assistant salaries are around $60,000 to $70,000, the top 10% highest paid make over $85,000 per year, with some earning $100,000 to $150,000 or more.

Education, Skills & Experience for Top Salaries

To qualify for the highest paying executive assistant jobs, candidates generally need:

• Bachelor’s degree – A four-year college degree, ideally in a related field like business administration.
• 5+ years experience – Extensive experience as an executive, administrative, or personal assistant.
• Specialized expertise – Background in a specific field like technology, finance, law, or medicine.
• Tech proficiency – Excellence with software like MS Office, databases, CRM systems, email tools.
• Time management abilities – Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Communication excellence – Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Discretion – Proven discretion when handling confidential information.
• Leadership qualities – Maturity, professionalism, judgment, problem-solving.

A degree, specialized expertise, and 5+ years in a fast-paced executive support role can help candidates qualify for highest paying positions. Continuing education and certifications also add value.

How to Earn the Highest Executive Assistant Salary

Here are some tips to reach the highest salary levels as an executive assistant:

• Build qualifications like a degree, niche expertise, and 5+ years experience supporting executives.
• Target roles at large, high-status companies in major metro areas.
• Seek positions supporting CEOs, founders, partners, and other senior leaders.
• Cultivate exceptional organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Obtain certifications to demonstrate continuous learning.
• Develop specializations like legal, medical, or tech admin skills.
• Build strong professional networks and seek referrals from them.
• Consider temporary and interim assignments to gain experience.
• Maintain discretion and build a reputation for trustworthiness.
• Exhibit maturity, professionalism, and sound judgment.

With the right qualifications, skills, and experience, top performers can earn executive assistant salaries up to and exceeding $100,000 per year.

Executive Assistant Job Outlook

The job outlook for executive assistants is strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants is projected to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Competition for top jobs will remain strong, but qualified candidates should have excellent prospects.

Demand for executive assistants will be driven by:

• Business growth and the expansion of management teams.
• The need to support senior executives and relieve them of administrative work.
• The rapidly evolving role of executive assistants as strategic partners.
• Advancements allowing assistants to take on higher level responsibilities.
• Ongoing importance of confidentiality, trust, and discretionary skills.

The most skilled executive assistants – particularly those with niche expertise – should have abundant job opportunities in the decade ahead.

Conclusion

To summarize, executive assistants in the highest paying roles can earn over $100,000 per year. The top salaries go to assistants supporting prominent executives and organizations in major metro areas. Candidates should have a degree, 5+ years experience, specialized skills, and proven executive support abilities. With strong qualifications and performance, top executive assistants can earn compensation rivaling mid-level professionals in some fields.