Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

People in this career handle advanced administrative tasks to keep offices running smoothly. Day-to-day activities include communicating with supervisors, peers, and external contacts, as well as gathering information, preparing statistical reports, and drafting correspondence. They schedule meetings, arrange conference calls, greet visitors, and may train or supervise junior clerical staff.

Success in this role requires strong conventional interests and a dependable, cooperative work style. Key skills include active listening, reading comprehension, speaking, and service orientation. These assistants must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of prioritizing tasks under pressure. They rely on a solid foundation of administrative and management knowledge, English language proficiency, customer service skills, and computer literacy to manage daily office operations and process information effectively.

To enter this field, candidates typically need at least a high school diploma. However, many workers prepare through vocational training, an associate degree, or related work experience. Students interested in this career path often major in Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.

Professional credentials can help demonstrate expertise to employers. Available certifications include the Administrative Assistant (PA) and Administrative Assisting credentials from NOCTI, as well as the Certified Administrative Professional designation from the International Association of Administrative Professionals. For those involved in formal meeting procedures, the American Institute of Parliamentarians offers certifications such as Certified Parliamentarian, Certified Professional Parliamentarian, and Certified Teacher of Parliamentary Procedure.

In 2025, the median annual pay for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants was $76,590. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and industry; the lowest 10% of workers earn less than $50,560, while the highest 10% earn more than $109,850.

There are 459,910 people employed in this occupation. From 2025 to 2035, employment is projected to show little or no change, with a 0% growth rate. Despite this flat growth, the field still offers steady opportunities, with an estimated 43,300 job openings expected each year.