How much does a executive assistant make?
Answer: A typical executive assistant in the United States makes $76,590 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 460,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Executive assistant pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a executive assistant do?
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).
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling.
Did you know?
Surprisingly, in 2025, about 4 in 10 US executive assistant jobs routinely allowed telework—so some assistants could work from home.
What about Japan?
Nearly the same jobThe US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Sources and data
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