Executive Assistant Salary and Benefits

An executive assistant is responsible for relieving an administrator, executive, CEO or director of administrative-type functions in order to provide the executive with more time for executive-level responsibilities. He or she may handle a full spectrum of problems and conflicts involving the clerical and administrative functions of the office. It is the responsibility of an executive assistant to see to it that the executive’s office runs smoothly on all levels.

An executive assistant also is often given the responsibility of handling confidential and time-sensitive materials. A person holding this position routinely prepares many types of correspondence including letters, memos and reports. He or she may also direct and lead the work of other employees and he/she almost always reports directly to the executive in charge. It is generally preferred that an executive assistant has earned an associate’s degree or its equivalent with at least four years’ worth of experience in the field or area of work.

The average salary for a typical executive assistant in the U.S. is $50,400. However, many factors can affect the salary of an administrative assistant such as location and place of employment. An executive assistant generally receives fully paid dental and vision insurance for both him/herself and family. It is also common for a person holding this position to be given life insurance in an amount that is equal to three times the salary he or she receives. Other benefits one can expect to receive as an executive position are paid sick days and paid vacation days consisting of at least two weeks a year.

Non-monetary benefits include having the opportunity to meet and interact with many people. There is also often quite a bit of traveling involved in being an administrative assistant which might include attending conferences. Having the chance to travel to other states, cities and countries is a clear benefit as is the opportunity to take on very challenging work and many different types of projects.

Other benefits associated with being an executive assistant include working in a professional office environment. Executive assistants are also in a position to interact with high level executives which could lead to an inside track toward promotions or other career opportunities. Executive assistants are also often able to attend business dinners or private functions. An executive assistant often attends high profile events of all types which is a definite perk associated with this career.