Executive Assistant salaries vary widely based on factors such as location, experience, industry, and job seniority. The earning potential in this role is significant, complemented by a host of attractive benefits. This blog explores salary ranges, benefits, and key trends to help you understand the compensation landscape for Executive Assistants (EAs).

Average Salary Range for Executive Assistants

As specialists in recruiting support staff in the investment and professional services sectors, at ISE Partners we recently conducted a salary survey of over 600 professionals in our core sectors. The results regarding salaries for executive assistants in London are as follows.

Investment Sector EA Salaries

Professional Services EA Salaries

Highest Salaries for Executive Assistants

Senior Executive Assistants are among the highest earners in the administrative profession, with salaries typically ranging between £75,000 and £100,000. In some cases, compensation can exceed £100,000, particularly in roles that demand exceptional skill and a 24/7 commitment.

These top-tier positions often involve working closely with CEOs, Board Members, or other senior executives in high-pressure environments. The role may require extensive travel coordination, managing critical projects, and acting as a gatekeeper and confidant to key decision-makers.

Factors Affecting Executive Assistant Salaries

Several key factors influence an Executive Assistant's salary, including the industry they work in, their geographic location, the size and reputation of their company, and any specialised skills they bring to the role. Below, we delve into each of these elements to better understand how they impact earning potential.

Industry

The industry within which an executive assistant works directly impacts their compensation.

Industries such as Private Equity, Hedge Funds, and Asset Management offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of the work and the need for exceptional skills in confidentiality, multitasking, and executive support.

Location

Executive Assistants in London, the UK's financial hub, often earn upwards of £60,000, whereas roles in cities such as Birmingham or Manchester typically pay £30,000–£40,000, reflecting cost-of-living differences and industry concentration.

Company Size and Reputation

Larger corporations often implement consistent salary bands to ensure equity and uniformity across their executive assistant teams. While initial salaries at these companies may sometimes appear lower, the overall compensation package, including long-term perks like pension contributions and access to global networks, often provides significant value.

In contrast, smaller firms, particularly those in competitive sectors, may offer higher initial salaries as a strategy to attract top-tier talent. These organisations often provide a more personalised approach to compensation and may grant greater flexibility or autonomy in the role.

Additional Skills

Fluency in sought-after languages such as French, German, Italian, or languages spoken in emerging markets can significantly enhance an Executive Assistant's earning potential, especially in global organisations. Many companies operate on an international scale, requiring EAs who can facilitate seamless communication across borders.

In addition to language fluency, expertise in niche areas such as Investor Relations (IR) can also boost earning potential. IR-specific roles demand a deep understanding of financial markets, corporate messaging, and stakeholder engagement, making them highly specialised.

Benefits and Perks for Executive Assistants

Beyond base salaries, employers offer comprehensive benefits packages to attract and retain talent. This will include performance-related bonuses and profit-sharing plans; these are particularly common in industries such as finance.

Typical Benefits

Other common benefits include:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Pension contributions exceeding 5%
• Life Insurance
• Gym memberships
• Free meals

Non-Monetary Perks

Professional development opportunities for Executive Assistants are becoming a cornerstone of compensation packages, reflecting both the demanding nature of the role and the growing recognition of its strategic importance within organisations.

Wellness allowances are also becoming a standard offering, reflecting employers' recognition of the physical and mental demands of the job. These allowances can include gym memberships, fitness classes, or meditation programs. In addition, many organisations are introducing employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide mental health support, counselling services, and resources to help EAs maintain work-life balance.

Salary Comparisons: Executive Assistants vs Administrative Assistants

While both roles involve administrative duties, an Executive Assistant operates at a strategic level, focusing on executive-level priorities. As such, compensation is reflective of the different levels of expertise.

Role and Salary Differences

As Executive Assistants focus on aligning their work with the organisation's strategic objectives, they establish themselves as indispensable partners to senior leadership, which is reflected in their higher salaries.

In contrast, Administrative Assistants are primarily responsible for handling routine tasks and often support larger teams of professionals earlier in their career, leading to comparatively lower compensation with average salaries in financial firms in London being around £40,000-£50,000.

Conclusion

Executive Assistant salaries are influenced by factors like industry, location, and skills. Senior EAs can earn impressive salaries, complemented by robust benefits.

If you’re seeking advice on compensation packages for your support staff, contact ISE Partners today for a confidential discussion.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a new EA role, explore our live opportunities here.

Looking for a Trusted Recruitment Partner?

At ISE Partners, we specialise in connecting top-tier Executive Assistants with exceptional businesses.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you find the perfect fit for your team!