How Much Does a Personal Assistant Make?

Personal assistants play an important role in supporting busy professionals by managing their schedules, handling correspondence, organizing events, and performing a wide array of administrative tasks.

We’ve written this guide to explore exactly how much personal assistants earn and examine the factors that influence their compensation.

(Note: Once you’ve read this article, you might like our other personal assistant statistics that can be found here).

The Basics of Personal Assistant Compensation

The salary of a personal assistant can vary considerably based on several factors including experience, location, industry, and additional skills or certifications.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants was $62,060 as of May 2022.

However, the salaries for personal assistants specifically can differ depending on the context of their employment.

Influencing Factors on Personal Assistant Salaries

Experience Level

• Entry-Level Personal Assistants: Those just starting in the field of personal assistance typically earn between $30,000 and $40,000 annually. Entry-level roles often involve more routine tasks and offer opportunities for skill development.
• Mid-Level Personal Assistants: With a few years of experience, personal assistants can see their annual salaries increase to between $40,000 and $60,000. These roles usually come with more responsibilities and autonomy.
• Senior-Level Personal Assistants: Highly experienced PAs, particularly those working for high-profile clients or executives, can earn between $70,000 and $90,000 per year, reflecting their advanced skill set and the high level of trust placed in them.

Geographical Location

• High-Cost Cities: In metropolitan areas such as New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, the demand for experienced personal assistants is high, and salaries reflect the cost of living and competitive job market. PAs in these cities can earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually.
• Lower-Cost Areas: In regions with a lower cost of living, such as parts of the Midwest and South, personal assistants might earn between $30,000 and $40,000 per year. These salaries align more closely with the local economic conditions.

Industry

• Corporate and Entertainment Sectors: Personal assistants in corporate environments or the entertainment industry often earn higher salaries due to the high stakes and fast-paced nature of these fields. Salaries in these sectors can range from $50,000 to $70,000 annually.
• Nonprofit and Educational Institutions: These industries might offer lower salaries, generally between $30,000 and $50,000, due to more limited budgets.

Additional Skills and Certifications

PAs with proficiency in advanced software, project management tools, or who have obtained certifications like the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) credential, can demand higher salaries. These additional qualifications can boost annual earnings by 10-20%, potentially leading to salaries in the $45,000 to $80,000 range.

Salary Data from Key Sources

1. PayScale: According to PayScale, the average annual salary for personal assistants is approximately $48,000, with the potential to earn between $32,000 and $68,000. This range can be influenced by factors such as bonuses and profit-sharing.
2. Indeed: Indeed reports an average salary of around $45,000 per year for personal assistants, with top earners making up to $70,000. Their data highlights the significant role that location and industry play in determining salaries.
3. Glassdoor: Glassdoor’s data suggests an average base pay of $47,000 for personal assistants, with total compensation, including bonuses, potentially exceeding $50,000 annually.

Pathways for Career Advancement and Salary Increases

1. Promotion to Managerial Roles: Personal assistants who move into supervisory or managerial positions can see substantial salary increases. Roles such as executive assistants or office managers can command salaries between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on the scope of responsibilities and the size of the team managed.
2. Transition to Other Professions: Many personal assistants leverage their skills and experience to transition into related fields like project management, human resources, or executive management. These fields often offer higher starting salaries, beginning at $60,000 or more per year.

Summary

Personal assistant salaries are influenced by a range of factors including experience, location, industry, and additional skills.

While entry-level positions may start around $30,000 annually, experienced professionals working for high-profile clients in major cities can earn up to $90,000 or more.

The growing demand for skilled administrative support ensures that capable personal assistants will continue to find ample opportunities and competitive compensation.