Hiring an executive assistant can be a transformative step for any business leader. Having the right support in place doesn’t just lighten your workload; it allows you to focus on high-value activities like strategy, client relationships, and growth. However, before making this important investment, most business owners ask themselves a critical question: what is the average executive assistant salary today?
Understanding the costs involved is essential, especially since salaries vary depending on region, experience, and whether you hire in-house or virtually. For instance, in the United States, the average annual salary for an executive assistant is around $68,000, while in the United Kingdom it’s approximately £35,000, and in Canada it averages CAD 60,000. On the other hand, hiring remotely in Latin America can range from $11 to $39 per hour, making it a more cost-effective solution without compromising skills.
In this guide, we’ll explore the typical salary ranges, the factors that influence executive assistant compensation, and why choosing a virtual executive assistant through There is Talent can provide exceptional value. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how to make the smartest decision for your business and budget.
What is an Executive Assistant?
An executive assistant (EA) provides high-level administrative support to executives, business owners, or teams. Their work goes beyond basic scheduling; they manage communications, coordinate projects, and often act as the right hand to top decision makers.
Roles and Responsibilities
Executive assistants handle tasks such as:
- Managing calendars and appointments
- Preparing reports and presentations
- Coordinating meetings and travel arrangements
- Acting as the first point of contact for clients and partners
- Streamlining workflow and administrative processes
A skilled EA allows executives to focus on strategic priorities, ultimately driving business growth.
Difference Between In-House and Virtual Executive Assistants
Traditionally, executive assistants were hired in-house, working full time from an office. Today, virtual executive assistants (VAs) are increasingly popular. Virtual EAs perform the same tasks remotely, offering flexibility and cost savings.
Benefits of virtual EAs include:
- Lower overall costs (no office space or equipment needed)
- Access to a global talent pool
- Scalability according to workload
- Seamless integration with digital tools and communication platforms
Hiring through a trusted provider like There is Talent ensures you get a highly trained, professional virtual assistant who fits your business needs.
Average Executive Assistant Salary Today
The cost of hiring an executive assistant varies widely depending on location, experience, and whether you hire someone in-house or virtually. Salaries in major cities and developed markets are typically much higher due to overhead and benefits, while virtual executive assistants can deliver the same level of professional support at a more competitive rate. Experience also plays a key role; seasoned executive assistants with specialized skills often command higher pay than those at the entry level.
By Region / Country
Here’s a general overview of average executive assistant salaries:
- United States: $50,000 – $90,000 per year
- Canada: CAD 45,000 – CAD 85,000 per year
- United Kingdom: £28,000 – £50,000 per year
- Australia: AUD 55,000 – AUD 95,000 per year
- Latin America (remote hiring): $11 – $39 per hour
By Experience Level
Experience plays a significant role in salary expectations:
- Entry-Level EA: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
- Mid-Level EA (3–5 years experience): $60,000 – $80,000 per year
- Senior EA / Executive EA (5+ years experience): $80,000 – $100,000+ per year
Tip: Businesses can often save up to 50% by hiring virtual executive assistants through platforms like There is Talent, without compromising quality or professionalism.
Factors That Affect Executive Assistant Salaries
Several factors influence how much an executive assistant costs, including location, experience, industry, and the type of arrangement you choose, whether in-house or virtual. Each of these elements can significantly impact salary ranges and overall expenses.
Experience and Skill Set
Highly experienced EAs with specialized skills, like project management, bookkeeping, or digital marketing, command higher salaries.
Industry and Company Size
Salaries can vary by industry. For example:
- Finance and tech companies often pay more due to the complexity and confidentiality of tasks.
- Startups may offer lower base salaries but include flexible arrangements or equity.
In House Executive Assistant:
- Provides stability and direct collaboration.
- Higher overall costs (salary, office space, equipment, benefits).
- Often limited to local talent.
Virtual Executive Assistant:
- Delivers the same level of professional support remotely.
- More cost-efficient with no overhead expenses.
- Flexible and scalable according to workload.
- Access to highly skilled professionals through There is Talent, trained to integrate smoothly into your business.
How a Virtual Executive Assistant Can Save You Money
Hiring a virtual executive assistant through There is Talent is a smart financial decision. Unlike in-house hires, which require office space, equipment, and benefits, virtual assistants deliver the same level of support without extra costs.
Cost Comparison: In-House vs. There is Talent VAs
| Type of EA | Average Salary / Cost | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|
| In-House EA | $50,000 – $90,000 / year | Office space, equipment, benefits |
| Virtual EA via There is Talent | $11 – $39 / hour | None; already equipped and trained |
Additional Benefits of Hiring Through There is Talent
- Pre-screened talent to save you recruiting time.
- Time-zone alignment for seamless collaboration.
- Bilingual support in English and Spanish.
- Training and onboarding for immediate productivity.
- Scalability to match your business growth.
With Us, you cut overhead while gaining flexibility, quality, and reliable executive support.
How to Decide the Right Executive Assistant Salary for Your Business
Determining the right salary for an executive assistant goes beyond setting a number; it’s about aligning compensation with the value they bring to your organization. The right EA can free up your time, streamline operations, and directly impact growth. To decide fairly, consider factors like workload, responsibilities, and long-term business goals.
Assessing Workload and Responsibilities
- How many hours per week will the EA work?
- What level of decision-making will they be entrusted with?
- Are they managing other team members or projects?
The more critical and complex the role, the higher the salary should be.
Aligning Budget with Business Goals
Consider your business priorities:
- Can a virtual EA help you free up executive time to focus on revenue-generating activities?
- Will investing in a highly skilled EA accelerate growth and efficiency?
An effective executive assistant often delivers a return far exceeding their cost through enhanced productivity and measurable business impact.
Invest Smartly in Your Executive Support
Understanding the executive assistant salary is the first step to making an informed hiring decision. Whether you choose an in-house or virtual assistant, what matters most is aligning their role and skills with your business goals. By hiring a virtual executive assistant through There is Talent, you gain:
- Cost savings without compromising quality
- Highly trained, pre-screened professionals
- Flexible and scalable support tailored to your needs
Invest smartly, delegate effectively, and let your executive assistant help drive your business forward. Ready to hire your next executive assistant? Get started with There is Talent today and see how a virtual executive assistant can transform your productivity and business growth.
