Executive Assistant Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$70,000
national median salary
$54,000 to $92,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$99,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$73,000
Anchorage, AK
Lowest Paying
$52,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Executive Assistant salary in the United States is $70,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $54,000 at the 25th percentile to $92,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $99,000, while Anchorage offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. The seniority of the executive supported is the dominant pay factor.
Executive Assistant salary by city
Skills that increase Executive Assistant pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Executive Assistants based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $9,800 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$9,800 per year
≈ +$9,100 per year
≈ +$8,400 per year
≈ +$7,700 per year
≈ +$7,700 per year
≈ +$7,000 per year
≈ +$7,000 per year
≈ +$6,300 per year
What you should know
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.
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.