Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
Also called: Executive Assistants
Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.
Also called: Administrative Aide, Administrative Assistant, Administrative Associate, Administrative Coordinator, Administrative Liaison, Administrative Office Assistant
Median pay
$76,590
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$50,560 – $109,850
People employed
459,910
Holland code
CES
Conventional · Enterprising · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 2.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 3.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 4.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 5.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 6.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 7.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants salary in every state →
What executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants do
- 01Manage and maintain executives' schedules.
- 02Process payroll information.
- 03Make travel arrangements for executives.
- 04Prepare invoices, reports, memos, letters, financial statements, and other documents, using word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software.
- 05Coordinate and direct office services, such as records, departmental finances, budget preparation, personnel issues, and housekeeping, to aid executives.
- 06Answer phone calls and direct calls to appropriate parties or take messages.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Administrative
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
- Administrative Services Managers90% · +49%
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers90% · −9%
- Human Resources Specialists82% · −1%
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants79% · −18%
- Project Management Specialists78% · +34%
Change into executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping91% · $50,610
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners86% · $61,160
- Correspondence Clerks85% · $46,800
- Office Clerks, General85% · $45,010
- Receptionists and Information Clerks85% · $38,010
Majors that lead here
- Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General
- Executive Assistant/Executive Secretary
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.