If you've tried to nail down a simple answer to "How much do Executive Assistants make?", you've likely encountered frustration. And by frustration, I mean outright rage. It is, as I´m sure you´ve already found, virtually impossible to find anywhere that can you give you a definitive answer.
It´s incredibly annoying, but actually, symptomatic of some of the larger problems within the administrative community as a whole. Because there is so little definition in regards to job titles and specialities, the title of EA can cover everything from a fresh out of school first job, to a senior position needing 20+ years of experience. Don´t shoot me, I don´t agree with it, but facts are facts. Until we have managed to find a way to standardize job titles so they encompass skill level, seniority and sector, then searching for a simple answer to the question “What are Executive Assistant salaries in New York?” is virtually impossible. The reality is, EA compensation is more of a spectrum than a single number, influenced by a whole host of factors. This lack of standardization can be a major challenge for EAs, especially when advocating for fair pay.
However, there are some ways that you can try and whittle down what is average, what you can aim for and what is wildly unrealistic! We'll cover what to expect in 2024, regional differences, the impact of industry and experience, plus equip you with negotiation strategies to secure the salary you deserve.
Factors Influencing Executive Assistant Salaries
Location, Location, Location: Cost of living in big cities vs. smaller towns makes a huge difference. An EA salary in New York is not going to be reflective of an EA salary in Slough (for those of you that don´t know Slough, it´s an area in the outskirts of London. Look it up, it´s charming. Actually don´t, it´s definitely awful) However, websites like Glassdoor and Indeed allow you to filter salary data by region. So have a look at the bottom and top scale of salary for the area that you live in (or are moving to) to give you a more realistic idea of what to aim for.
Industry Matters: EAs in tech or finance generally command higher salaries than those in non-profits or education. There are reasons for this. Fintech is generally a high stress, high workload, hyper-competitive market and it´s not for everyone. Do some research specific to your field, or the field that you´re looking to go into to find out more about realistic salary expectations. Working as EA to Elon Musk may pay well, but at what actual cost?
Your Executive's Level: Are you supporting a C-suite executive or a mid-level manager? Title and seniority significantly impact EA compensation. To put it bluntly, the more your executive makes, the more you can expect to make, especially if you are indispensable to them. If you´re Executive is earning in the low six figures, you can´t expect to be earning in the highs. Keep it in mind.
Experience and Skills: Proven track record and specialized skills (e.g., advanced software, event planning, etc.) increase your earning potential. We´ve said it before and we´ll say it again- Never Stop Learning. The more skills you can prove you have, the better your bottom line will be. It´s not enough to just say you can use a specific software, you have to be able to prove it. So invest your time (and money) into highly valued skillsets, it will pay you back tenfold. And it´s not just about the expensive courses. Microsoft, Google, Canva etc all offer free or very inexpensive courses with certification upon completion. Take them, pass them, use them. We have a huge list of online courses available here for you to make a start at. You can thank us later.
Navigating Salary Ranges
It's helpful to understand your salary in terms of a range – your target compensation, a realistic minimum, and a "walk away" number. Here's how to research:
Salary Surveys: Sites like Payscale or specialized EA associations often conduct salary surveys that offer helpful benchmarks. Again, you may need to take these with a pinch of salt as there´s no way to verify the results, but it can certainly be a helpful starting point.
Job Postings: Review EA job postings similar to your experience in your area on Indeed and similar platforms (remembering to stay within your sector). Pay close attention to listed responsibilities for comparison. If the job posting sounds similar to what you do, within your sector and geographical area, but the salary compensation for it is vastly different to what you get, you have some ammunition for a raise. Maybe don´t mention it if you´re being wildly overpaid. Just smile and keep schtum.
Network, Network, Network: Discreetly ask fellow EAs (especially those in similar situations) about their compensation. This, though potentially a slightly uncomfortable conversation (especially if you´re English) can be by far the most insightful. Now, a word of warning, some of you may have rules forbidding you from discussing salaries within your organisation. This may or may not be legal (region dependant) but think seriously about whether you want the hassle. It may well be easier to speak to someone in a similar organisation about their compensation packages and keep it outside your inner sanctum.
Negotiation Strategies
Know Your Worth: Don't just focus on a desired number. List your quantifiable accomplishments and the unique value you bring to the role.
Timing is Key: Best to discuss salary during the offer stage or at a performance review where you've excelled. It goes without saying that the best time to discuss an increase in overall compensation will be when you´re in their good graces. Pick your moment carefully, go armed with the right data, and you´ll have a much better chance of achieving your goal.
Beyond Base Salary: Negotiate for perks like flexible hours, professional development funding, or extra vacation time. Think about what makes the job valuable to you as a whole and try to negotiate for the most rounded package possible. Weigh up what means more to you and stay firm on these as non negotiables. If a 20% salary increase suddenly means you have to work from the office every day, and your holiday time is cut in half, it may well not be worth it to you. Figure out what matters most. And on that note, be honest about the cost of the “extras”. If you´re offered a new job with a pay cut, but it´s fully remote, do the maths and figure out how much commuting actually costs you. Add in the travel, the lunches, the coffees and all the additional costs that come with working outside the home. You may well find that actually, that pay cut is in real terms, a pay rise.
So, there you have it. You may have more questions than answers now, but hopefully we´ve at least pointed you in the right direction. Understanding the complexities of EA salaries is the first step towards getting paid what you truly deserve. By doing your research and approaching negotiations strategically, you increase your chances of securing a compensation package that reflects your skills, experience, and the vital role you play. Go in informed, armed and ready to fight your corner and you´ll be sipping those Martinis at the beach with your new salary faster than you can book that meeting. Good luck, and let us know what has worked for you!
Resources
These are two of the most popular and highly rated books in existence covering the true art of negotiation. Whilst they aren´t specifically only geared at salary negotiations, the lessons in them can be applied to discussions about salaries, responsibilities, hours and anything else you experience in the workplace. And out of it! (Please note, these are affiliate links and whilst it doesn´t change the price you pay, we may receive some compensation if you buy through these links. We call it our Martini fund)
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher
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