Executive Assistant: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Executive Assistants earn a national median of $74,260/yr with -1.6% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Administrative, English Language, Customer and Personal Service.

Median Salary

$74,260

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

-1.6%

Declining

Employed Nationally

472,770

2024 data

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Executive Assistant

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Executive Assistant candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Reading Comprehension 2 Active Listening 3 Speaking 4 Writing 5 Service Orientation 6 Coordination 7 Critical Thinking 8 Social Perceptiveness 9 Time Management 10 Active Learning

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Executive Assistant performance, based on verified occupational data.

Administrative English Language Customer and Personal Service Computers and Electronics Administration and Management

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Executive Assistant roles.

Google Workspace software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word Zoom Adobe Acrobat Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow -1.6% for Executive Assistant roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's declining compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
472,770
Projected Growth
-1.6%
Typical Education
High school diploma or equivalent

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Executive Assistant do?
Executive Assistants apply expertise in Administrative, English Language, Customer and Personal Service to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Writing.
How much does a Executive Assistant make?
The national median salary for a Executive Assistant is $74,260 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Executive Assistant a good career in 2026?
Employment for Executive Assistant roles is projected to grow -1.6% over the 2024–2034 decade — declining compared to all occupations. There are currently 472,770 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Executive Assistant?
The typical entry-level education for a Executive Assistant is High school diploma or equivalent. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Executive Assistants need?
The most important skills for Executive Assistant roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Writing, Service Orientation, Coordination, Critical Thinking, Social Perceptiveness, Time Management, Active Learning. Key tools and technologies include: Google Workspace software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.