Cracking the Compensation Code: Insights on Salaries for Executive Personal Assistants

Understanding compensation can be challenging. Can you rely on salary insights provided by recruiters or employers? Is discussing pay with colleagues awkward—or even prohibited? For many professionals, getting a clear view of salary expectations is difficult, especially when transparency is discouraged.

Yet, knowing the salary landscape is essential to ensure you’re paid fairly. That’s where the EA Salary Survey steps in.

A Clearer View of Salaries for Admin Professionals

The EA Salary Survey delivers a thorough, accurate look at salaries for administrative professionals across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. No employer-driven data, no recruiter agendas—just information directly from assistants themselves on salaries, benefits, job satisfaction, and more.

Available as free downloadable reports, these surveys provide state-by-state insights on average earnings, benefits, job satisfaction, education impact, and career titles. According to the latest U.S. survey, Executive Personal Assistants (EPAs) rank among the highest earners in the administrative profession, with an average salary of $143,665 annually, surpassing Senior Executive Assistants and Chiefs of Staff.

While California-based EPAs in industries like entertainment are well-compensated, the survey shows that high-earning EPAs work in a range of fields, including agriculture, biotechnology, construction, and technology. So, what does it take to reach a six-figure EPA salary?

Skills and Traits of High-Earning EPAs

To excel as an EPA to a high-net-worth individual (HNWI), you’ll need a combination of strong skills, resourcefulness, and adaptability in managing both personal and business needs for your principal.

Valued and Invaluable

EPAs working with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) are integral to their principals’ lives. They handle a wide range of responsibilities that extend beyond traditional administrative tasks, making them a trusted right-hand partner who impacts their principal’s personal life and business operations alike.

Top-Notch Management Abilities

Managing household staff is often a core responsibility. EPAs must be organized and attentive to detail, with strong leadership and scheduling abilities to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Savvy Business Judgment

UHNWIs often own diverse assets, including real estate, and EPAs are expected to coordinate with suppliers, negotiate deals, and oversee large purchases. This requires sound business judgment and confident decision-making skills.

Mastering Private Travel Logistics

Coordinating luxury and private travel is another key aspect of an EPA’s role. From managing private jet schedules to arranging luxury travel accommodations, EPAs ensure that travel runs seamlessly.

Budget Oversight

A common misconception is that working for a UHNWI is all about spending, but effective budget management is essential. EPAs must monitor expenses and manage budgets responsibly.

Developing and Maintaining Reliable Networks

Building a dependable network of suppliers, service providers, and industry peers is crucial. Over time, EPAs cultivate relationships they can count on, ensuring trusted contacts are readily available when needed.

Expand Your Professional Connections

In this role, both knowledge and connections matter. Attending industry events and networking with other professionals in similar roles can be invaluable for building your contact list.

Taking Initiative and Staying Prepared

Successful EPAs anticipate needs and create backup plans, ready to manage any task without waiting for direction. The principal’s demanding schedule requires an EPA to foresee needs and take action independently.

The Dynamic Role of an EPA

No two days are alike for an EPA. One moment you might be scheduling a real estate photographer, then coordinating instructions with the housekeeper, arranging fine art transfers, or even stepping in for the dog walker. The diversity and range of tasks highlight why skilled EPAs are highly valued: they’re the ultimate generalists, managing whatever task comes their way with grace and efficiency.

With skills in place and a network of connections, EPAs are well-prepared to deliver remarkable value to their principals, earning their spot as key players in the administrative profession.