Executive Assistant: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does an Executive Assistant do?

An Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative support to company executives, managing daily operations and streamlining executive tasks. They handle scheduling, communications, and other critical functions to ensure executives can focus on strategic decisions without unnecessary distractions.

Executive Assistants also manage confidential information, coordinate complex travel arrangements, and prepare financial statements. They often act as the first point of contact for the executive, handling correspondence and meetings with stakeholders, and sometimes taking on project management or governance tasks to support executive teams. Their role is vital in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of executive leadership.

Executive Assistants also contribute to organizational planning and development by implementing administrative systems and processes.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Executive Assistants in the Administrative field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Handle confidential documents ensuring they remain secure and process a high volume of data and reports for the executive's review.
• Manage travel arrangements, including flights, accommodations, and itinerary planning for both domestic and international travel.
• Prepare financial statements, reports, and analysis to assist executives in decision-making processes.
• Conduct research and prepare briefing materials for meetings and presentations.
• Provide general administrative support such as maintaining records, processing expenses, and managing office supplies.

How to Become an Executive Assistant

Launching a career as an Executive Assistant requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, or related field preferred.
• Proven experience as an executive assistant or other relevant administrative support experience.
• In-depth understanding of entire MS Office suite and administrative software.
• High level of organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Experience in managing multiple priorities, administrative coordination, and logistics.

Requirements & Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, and external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability.
• Emotional maturity and the ability to maintain a professional attitude and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently on projects, from conception to completion, and must be able to work under pressure to handle a wide variety of activities.

Executive Assistant Salary Guide

Wondering what Executive Assistants earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for an Executive Assistant in the U.S. is approximately $64,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Executive Assistants may receive a wide range of benefits.

Executive Assistant Salary Career Steps