When it comes to executive assistant salary in the U.S., there’s a wide spread depending on experience, location, industry, and responsibilities. As Executive Assistant Resume Writers, we help candidates benchmark their worth and negotiate compensation. In this article, you’ll find up‑to‑date salary figures, what drives differences, and how to push your pay higher.

Average Salary & Typical Ranges

  • According to PayScale, the average base pay for an executive assistant in the U.S. is $66,480 (2025 data)
  • Indeed reports an average of about $68,395 per year, with low ranges around $41,877 and high ranges near $111,706
  • ZipRecruiter lists the average more conservatively at around $64,456 annually, with many roles falling between $50,000 and $75,000
  • Glassdoor’s data tends to reflect higher-end roles: an average of $85,223 total yearly pay is cited for many executive assistant positions (which may include bonuses or perks)
  • For senior executive assistants, Glassdoor shows average compensation around $100,094 per year

These numbers illustrate that the base executive assistant salary often sits in the mid‑$60,000’s, but experienced or high-level roles (especially with bonuses or in expensive locations) can push well beyond that.

What Influences U.S. Executive Assistant Salaries?

Several key factors explain why two EAs might have very different salaries:

  • Geographic region: Cities with high cost of living (New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C.) tend to pay substantially more
  • Experience and seniority: More years, especially in high-stakes support roles, can command a premium
  • Scope and complexity of the role: If an EA supports multiple executives, supervises others, manages projects, or contributes to strategic decisions, compensation usually increases
  • Industry and company size: Finance, tech, biotech, or large corporations tend to offer higher pay
  • Bonuses, perks, benefits: Many roles include bonus, stock options, travel, or extra benefits that increase total compensation above base salary

At Executive Assistant Resume Writers, we often see that candidates undervalue their total package, including bonus structure, time off, and perks when negotiating.

Salary Bands & Examples in the U.S.

Here’s a rough guide for U.S.-based executive assistant roles:

Tier / Role Type Base Salary Estimate (USD) Notes / What’s Typical
Entry-level EA $45,000 – $60,000 Supporting one executive, fewer responsibilities
Mid-level EA $60,000 – $80,000 More autonomy, maybe multiple duties, project support
Experienced / Senior EA $80,000 – $100,000+ High trust roles, overseeing multiple execs or initiatives
Top / High-profile EA $100,000+ (plus bonuses) In major metros or with substantial extra duties

Again, in high-cost metro areas or major companies, total compensation (with bonus, perks) may far exceed base pay.

How to Increase Your Executive Assistant Salary

If you want to push your executive assistant salary upward, here are strategies we at Executive Assistant Resume Writers often recommend:

  • Document your impact: Show measurable results (time saved, cost reductions, project outcomes).
  • Expand responsibilities: Volunteer for cross-functional work, lead initiatives, take ownership.
  • Specialize in high‑value skills: Project management, budgeting, data analysis, strong tech fluency.
  • Negotiate smartly: Use reliable market data (like the numbers above) in your conversations.
  • Consider location or employer change: Moving to a higher‑paying market or company can sometimes yield bigger jumps.
  • Add in bonuses / perks into your negotiation: If base pay can’t shift much, negotiate for flexible benefits, extra vacation, or performance bonus.

Final Thoughts

In the U.S., the executive assistant salary generally centers in the $60,000–$70,000 range for many mid-level roles, but it can stretch much higher depending on experience, scope, and location. With strategy and the right positioning, it’s possible to reach six figures in many markets.

Whenever you’re ready to benchmark your own role or prepare for negotiations, Executive Assistant Resume Writers is here to help, you don’t have to go into that conversation alone.