Administrative Assistant
Keep offices organized: calendars, communication, documents and logistics.
- $47,540
- Weeks to months
Business & Office career
Executive Assistant
Also called: Executive Administrative Assistant · Executive Secretary · Chief of Staff Assistant · Senior Administrative Assistant
What executive assistants do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an executive assistant do?
Executive assistants support executives by managing calendars, travel, meetings, communications and projects, often acting as a trusted gatekeeper and organizer for leadership teams. The median pay is $76,590 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2–5 years of administrative experience, and employment is projected to grow 0.0% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$76,590$36.82/hour · May 2025
- Job growth0.0%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year43,300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train2–5 years of administrative experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs489,300Employment, 2025
What executive assistants do
Executive assistants are the right hand of senior leaders. They manage complex calendars, plan travel, prepare meeting materials and board packets, screen calls and email, take notes, track action items and coordinate projects across departments. Many handle confidential information daily and represent the executive to employees, clients and board members.
Most executive assistants have several years of administrative experience; some have associate or bachelor’s degrees. Strong software skills, judgment and discretion matter most. Certifications such as the IAAP’s Certified Administrative Professional help, and experienced assistants can move into office management, operations or chief of staff roles.
Typical duties
- Manage executive calendars and schedule meetings
- Plan domestic and international travel
- Screen calls, email and visitors
- Prepare reports, presentations and board materials
- Take meeting notes and follow up on action items
- Coordinate projects and events
- Handle confidential information with discretion
Work environment and schedule
Executive assistants work in offices, often near the executives they support, and increasingly in hybrid arrangements. The work is computer-based and fast-paced.
Schedule: Most work full-time business hours, with occasional early mornings, evenings or travel when executives need support.
A day in the life
- Review the executive’s calendar and inbox and flag priority items.
- Reschedule two meetings after a board call is moved.
- Prepare slides and briefing notes for an investor meeting.
- Book flights and hotels for a three-city trip next week.
See a full day in the life of an executive assistant →
Executive Assistant salary
Half of executive assistants earned more than $76,590 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $50,560 for the lowest 10% to $109,850 for the top 10%.
Full executive assistant pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an executive assistant
- Start in an administrative role
- Master office software
- Support a manager
- Earn credentials
- Advance
A high school diploma plus several years of administrative experience is typical. Many executive assistants have associate or bachelor’s degrees, and certifications such as the CAP strengthen applications.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an executive assistant →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Calendar management
- Travel planning
- Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
- Presentation preparation
- Meeting minutes
People skills
- Discretion
- Anticipation and judgment
- Communication
- Organization
All executive assistant skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong pay for administrative work
- Exposure to leadership and strategy
- Path to operations or chief of staff roles
- Varied, fast-paced days
Cons
- Unpredictable demands
- Pressure to be always available
- Managing many priorities
- Requires discretion under pressure
Certifications and licenses
- Certified Administrative Professional (CAP): IAAP credential for administrative professionals.
- Microsoft Office Specialist: Certification in Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Outlook.
- Project management training: Courses such as CAPM help with coordination.
- Notary public commission: Useful for some executive offices.
Career path
- Administrative Assistant: Support teams and managers.
- Executive Assistant: Support a senior leader.
- Senior Executive Assistant: Support C-suite leaders and lead admin teams.
- Chief of Staff or Operations Manager: Manage priorities and operations.
Learn the job before day one
Our Executive Assistant training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as run a c-suite executive’s calendar and plan an international business trip, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Executive Assistant vs. Administrative Assistant · Executive Assistant vs. Office Manager · Executive Assistant vs. Receptionist · Executive Assistant vs. Event Planner
Executive Assistant FAQ
Do executive assistants need a degree?
Not always, but experience and strong skills are essential.
What’s the difference from an administrative assistant?
Executive assistants support senior leaders and handle more complex, confidential work.
Can executive assistants work remotely?
Many roles are hybrid or remote.
How much does an executive assistant make?
The median annual wage for executive assistants was $76,590 ($36.82 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $50,560 and the highest 10% earned more than $109,850.
How long does it take to become an executive assistant?
Most people need about 2–5 years of administrative experience of training. A high school diploma plus several years of administrative experience is typical. Many executive assistants have associate or bachelor’s degrees, and certifications such as the CAP strengthen applications.
Do you need a degree to be an executive assistant?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
More executive assistant questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-6011 (Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.