How much does an executive assistant make?
a year · about $37 an hour
A typical executive assistant in the United States makes $76,590 a year, about $37 an hour, about 1.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They open the executive’s calendar, reshuffle meetings, book travel, and prepare reports or letters. They may route calls, set up a board meeting, and take notes while helping the office run smoothly.
Did you know? Surprisingly, in 2025, about 4 in 10 US executive assistant jobs routinely allowed telework—so some assistants could work from home.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $50,560 and $109,850How do you become one?
In the United States, people can start with a high school diploma and strong word-processing and spreadsheet skills; some employers prefer college courses or a degree. Many move up from other office jobs after several years, and certification is optional.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience, in-demand skills, and optional certification can affect an executive assistant’s pay. The employer and industry, the job’s responsibilities, location, and hours worked can also make a difference.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($90,850), lowest in Arkansas ($51,600).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a secretary averages $39,441. Executive assistant salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,560 | $76,590 | $109,850 | about 460,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $90,850 | about 5,000 |
| New Jersey | $89,520 | about 12,000 |
| California | $89,000 | about 60,000 |
| Massachusetts | $82,650 | about 15,000 |
| Connecticut | $82,520 | about 6,000 |
Official definition: Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff. Excludes “Secretaries” (43-6012 through 43-6014).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-6011.00
- www.bls.gov/ors/factsheet/executive-secretaries-and-executive-administrative-ass
- apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/Clusters/OccupationDetails/100073?parentId=110400&s
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY