Executive Assistant.
Ann Arbor.
$70,000
median salary, at the national average
$54,000 to $92,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
A Executive Assistant in Ann Arbor earns a median of $70,000 in 2026. That is right at the national average. The range runs from $54,000 to $92,000, and where you land depends on your experience, your skills, and how well you negotiate. The seniority of the executive supported is the dominant pay factor.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $63,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
to $56,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$60,000
to $74,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$77,000
to $91,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$88,000
to $109,000
Salary trend
+8% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $14,000 to the total package.
Base
$70,000
Equity
$8,000
Bonus
$5,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $84,000
How Ann Arbor compares
Ann Arbor, MI
$70,000
Cost of living: 2% above average
National Average
$70,000
Same as local rate
Executive Assistant salary by city
Salary by role in Ann Arbor
What you should know
The Executive Assistant landscape in Ann Arbor is not what most salary sites will tell you. Ann Arbor is a top-tier research hub anchored by the University of Michigan. The city has a thriving startup ecosystem, strong automotive R&D presence, and growing AI and robotics sector. Toyota, Google, and numerous autonomous vehicle companies have offices here. The seniority of the executive supported is the dominant pay factor. EAs to C-suite leaders earn 25 to 40% more than those supporting VPs or directors. Gatekeeping complexity, international travel coordination, and board-level document preparation all push salaries to the higher end of the range.
Junior EAs start at $48,000 to $58,000 supporting directors or VPs. EAs to SVPs and C-suite earn $68,000 to $95,000. Senior EAs and chiefs of staff reach $90,000 to $130,000. Some transition into operations management or business partner roles exceeding $120,000. In Ann Arbor, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Annual bonuses of 5 to 15% are common, often discretionary and based on executive satisfaction. EAs at tech companies frequently receive equity grants worth $5,000 to $25,000 annually. Some receive the same perks as executives, including travel upgrades. And on the tax side: michigan has a flat 4.25% income tax. Ann Arbor has a city income tax of 1% for residents. The moderate combined rate is offset by the strong employer base and research ecosystem. When someone quotes you $70,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage the autonomous vehicle and robotics corridor. Ann Arbor employers pay nationally competitive rates for AI, robotics, and automotive engineering talent. The range for Executive Assistants in Ann Arbor runs from $54,000 to $92,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Aircraft Mechanic in Ann Arbor earns $69,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Ann Arbor is Distinguished Engineer at $330,000
Common questions.
Executive Assistant salary in other cities
Other salaries in Ann Arbor
Related
Cite this data
Journalists, researchers, and AI systems are welcome to reference this data with attribution.
Want this data on your site? Embed the salary widget — one script tag, free forever.