Executive Personal Assistants in 2025: Compensation, Responsibilities and Hiring Guide
In today's complex landscape of wealth management and personal services, executive personal assistants have become indispensable assets for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and corporate executives. As demand for these skilled professionals continues to rise, understanding their compensation, responsibilities, and the value they bring has never been more important.
What Does an Executive Personal Assistant Do?
An executive personal assistant (EPA) serves as the right hand to high-level executives, wealthy individuals, or family offices, managing both professional and personal affairs with the utmost discretion and efficiency. Unlike traditional administrative assistants, EPAs often operate with a 24/7 mentality, remaining available for urgent matters regardless of the hour.
These professionals serve as the vital connective tissue between their principals' various business interests, personal commitments, and household operations. They often coordinate with other household staff, wealth managers, and business associates to ensure seamless operations across all aspects of their employer's life.
What Salary Should I Ask for as an Executive Personal Assistant in 2025?
Compensation for executive personal assistants varies significantly based on experience, location, responsibilities, and the wealth level of their employer. Recent market data reveals the following compensation trends:
Salary Ranges
Entry-Level (1-3 years experience): $75,000 - $90,000
Mid-Level (4-7 years experience): $90,000 - $130,000
Senior-Level (8+ years experience): $130,000 - $180,000
Elite/UHNW Specialized: $180,000 - $250,000+
According to a recent CNBC report on family office compensation, executive personal assistants supporting principals with significant wealth are commanding increasingly competitive compensation packages:
Total Compensation Package
Median Base Salary: $100,048
Top-Tier Earnings: Up to $188,800 (excluding bonuses)
Annual Bonuses: Typically 10% - 20% of base salary
Premium Total Compensation: In large family offices (managing $2.5B+ in assets), total compensation packages can reach $240,000+, including long-term incentives
Additional Benefits Commonly Offered
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plans with employer matching
Paid time off (typically 15-25 days)
Travel allowances or reimbursements
Housing stipends (especially in high-cost areas)
Cell phone and technology allowances
Professional development funds
Relocation assistance
Premium Compensation Factors
Several factors can significantly increase an executive personal assistant's earning potential, as highlighted in the CNBC analysis of family office compensation trends:
Travel Requirements: Executive assistants to family offices are often required to travel with their principals on both personal and professional trips. According to CNBC, some positions require travel with the principal at least once a month, including during holidays. This significant commitment is reflected in compensation packages that can exceed $200,000 when including travel pay and bonuses.
24/7 Availability: EPAs who maintain constant availability for urgent matters command premium compensation, often 20-30% above standard rates.
Previous Experience with HNW Individuals: Employers are increasingly seeking candidates with prior experience serving high-net-worth individuals, which comes at a premium. This experience demonstrates an understanding of the unique demands and discretion required in these environments.
Educational Background: Many ultra-high-net-worth employers seek candidates with prestigious educational credentials, including top-tier or Ivy League degrees.
Multi-household Management: Assistants who coordinate staff and operations across multiple residences typically earn higher salaries.
International Experience: Familiarity with international travel logistics, cultural protocols, and multiple languages can boost compensation by 15-25%.
Specialized Knowledge: Expertise in areas like private aviation, yacht management, fine art, or event planning adds significant value.
High-Level Discretion: Working with ultra-high-net-worth families or public figures requires exceptional confidentiality, commanding premium pay.
Top Skills of an Executive Personal Assistant
The modern executive personal assistant's role has expanded far beyond traditional administrative duties to encompass:
Top Skills Required
Exceptional organization and prioritization abilities
Advanced calendar management expertise
Impeccable written and verbal communication
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Discretion and confidentiality
Adaptability and flexibility
Technological proficiency
Emotional intelligence and interpersonal awareness
Proactive anticipation of needs
Cultural competency for international interactions
Core Responsibilities
Administrative Management
Managing complex calendars and scheduling across multiple time zones
Coordinating high-level meetings and appointments
Handling correspondence and communications
Document preparation and management
Travel arrangements and logistics
Household Coordination
Overseeing household staff across multiple residences
Vendor management and contractor coordination
Property maintenance supervision
Security coordination
Inventory management of household assets
Personal Affairs
Family schedule management
Event planning and execution
Gift procurement and tracking
Personal shopping and wardrobe management
Managing children's activities and educational requirements
Financial Administration
Expense reporting and reconciliation
Budget management for household operations
Vendor payment processing
Basic bookkeeping
Coordination with wealth managers and financial advisors
Lifestyle Support
Travel planning (including private aviation arrangements)
Restaurant reservations and entertainment bookings
Management of personal collections (art, wine, automobiles)
Coordinating health and wellness appointments
Pet care arrangements
Is Executive Assistant a High Position? Understanding C-Level Support
Executive personal assistants supporting C-level executives, family office principals, or ultra-high-net-worth individuals occupy pivotal roles that significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of their organizations. While not typically part of the executive leadership team, these professionals:
Have extensive access to confidential information
Often serve as gatekeepers controlling access to their principals
Make consequential decisions about scheduling and priorities
Represent their principals in communications with stakeholders
Manage substantial budgets for travel, events, and household operations
Executive assistants at this level are highly respected professionals who can command substantial compensation packages reflective of their expertise, discretion, and the high-pressure nature of their positions. In family office contexts particularly, these roles often blend professional support with household management, requiring a sophisticated understanding of both worlds.
What is the Most Difficult Part of Being an Executive Assistant?
It's crucial to understand that high-level executive personal assistant positions are not conducive to remote work arrangements. According to the CNBC report, these positions demand:
Physical presence to anticipate and address needs in real-time
Frequent travel with principals on both business and personal trips
Experience in private service environments
Ability to read social situations and act with appropriate discretion
Hands-on management of household matters and personal affairs
The premium compensation these roles command reflects their demanding nature. This is not a cushy job for someone seeking work-life balance or remote flexibility, it's a career for dedicated professionals willing to make themselves available when needed, often at a moment's notice.
Senior recruiter Dawn Faktor Pincus notes in the CNBC article that for positions paying over $200,000 in total compensation, employers expect candidates who not only have impressive credentials but also understand the unique demands of supporting ultra-high-net-worth individuals in both their business and personal lives.
What Type of Person Makes a Good Executive Assistant?
Successful executive personal assistants supporting high-net-worth individuals and family offices typically share certain personal characteristics:
Temperament and Personality Traits
Unflappable under pressure: Ability to maintain composure in high-stress situations
Meticulous attention to detail: Nothing falls through the cracks
Proactive problem-solving: Anticipating issues before they arise
Adaptable and flexible: Ready to pivot with changing priorities
Confident and assertive: Able to manage gatekeeping duties effectively
Diplomatic and tactful: Skilled at navigating complex interpersonal dynamics
Naturally discrete: Understands the critical importance of confidentiality
Service-oriented mindset: Derives satisfaction from supporting others' success
High emotional intelligence: Reads situations and adjusts approach accordingly
Resourceful and creative: Finds solutions with limited guidance
Educational and Professional Background
As the CNBC article notes, many family offices seek candidates with top-tier educational credentials and specific experience working with high-net-worth individuals. While prestigious degrees can open doors, demonstrated competence and the right personality traits often matter more for long-term success.
The 24/7 Mentality: What It Really Means
One of the most distinguishing characteristics of high-level executive personal assistants is their 24/7 mentality. This doesn't necessarily mean working around the clock, but rather maintaining availability for urgent matters regardless of the hour. This approach requires:
Accessibility: Being reachable via phone or text during off-hours for emergencies
Adaptability: Adjusting quickly to last-minute changes or unexpected situations
Anticipation: Foreseeing potential issues before they arise
Crisis Management: Handling unexpected problems with calm efficiency
Boundaries: Establishing clear protocols for what constitutes an emergency
For family offices and high-net-worth employers, it's crucial to recognize that this level of availability comes at a premium and should be appropriately compensated. Many top-tier assistants now negotiate specific terms regarding after-hours availability, including:
On-call premiums
Comp time for significant after-hours work
Clear definitions of emergencies warranting off-hours contact
Technology allowances for maintaining connectivity
Hiring and Retention Strategies for Family Offices
With 60% of affluent households operating without a structured compensation plan for household staff and executive assistants according to Botoff Consulting's research, turnover remains a significant challenge. To attract and retain top executive personal assistant talent:
Structured Compensation Planning
Establish standardized pay scales based on skills and responsibilities
Create clear bonus structures tied to measurable performance metrics
Provide regular cost-of-living adjustments and performance reviews
Offer long-term incentives for retention (e.g., deferred compensation)
Professional Development
Support continuing education and skill development
Provide mentorship opportunities
Fund attendance at industry conferences and networking events
Create clear pathways for advancement
Work-Life Balance Considerations
Implement backup support systems for time off
Establish clear boundaries for after-hours contact
Provide generous paid time off policies
Consider flexible scheduling where possible
Recent industry analysis by Botoff Consulting and CNBC indicates that addressing work-life balance is becoming increasingly important in retaining top executive assistant talent.
Recognition Programs
Acknowledge exceptional performance with meaningful rewards
Implement formal recognition programs
Provide regular feedback and appreciation
Include assistants in appropriate family or company events
For Job-Seekers: Positioning Yourself for Premium Compensation
For professionals seeking to maximize their earning potential as executive personal assistants:
Experience Requirements
Private Service Background: Experience working directly with high-net-worth individuals or families is increasingly essential, as noted in the CNBC report
Household Management Experience: Understanding the complexities of managing staff and operations in private residences
Corporate Executive Support: Experience supporting C-suite executives in demanding corporate environments
Specialized Industry Knowledge: Background in fields like finance, real estate, or hospitality can be valuable
Skills Development
Master high-level calendar management software
Develop project management capabilities
Build expertise in luxury services and vendors
Cultivate network management skills
Learn basic financial management
Credentials and Education
Consider specialized certifications in household management
Pursue education in business administration
Obtain training in project management methodologies
Learn additional languages
Develop cultural competency for international work
Experience Building
Seek roles with increasing responsibility
Build expertise in specialized areas (travel management, event planning)
Develop a portfolio of accomplishments
Cultivate relationships with respected professionals in the field
Document quantifiable achievements
The Value Proposition of Elite Executive Personal Assistants
The right executive personal assistant delivers value far exceeding their compensation by:
Maximizing their principal's time and productivity
Reducing stress and cognitive load
Ensuring seamless operations across personal and professional spheres
Anticipating needs before they arise
Managing complex logistics with precision
Maintaining absolute confidentiality and trust
For family offices and high-net-worth individuals, investing in proper compensation and support structures for executive personal assistants isn't merely an expense, it's a strategic investment in efficiency, effectiveness, and peace of mind.
It's important to recognize that this role requires individuals who understand the demands of private service and are willing to maintain the physical presence and availability needed to support principals effectively. As the CNBC article emphasizes, the most successful executive personal assistants combine educational credentials with the right temperament and willingness to adapt to the principal's needs, whether that means traveling during holidays or managing personal matters with discretion.
At My Household Managed, we specialize in connecting elite executive personal assistants with family offices and high-net-worth individuals. We assist with developing structured compensation packages, detailed job descriptions, and effective onboarding processes to ensure successful long-term placements.
Whether you're a family office seeking to hire top talent, a family looking to bring on your first executive personal assistant, or a professional looking to advance your career, we can help you navigate the complex landscape of executive personal assistant services.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you build a staffing strategy that ensures excellence and longevity in your household operations.
