Top factors influencing PA salary levels
With over 10 years of experience, Cora is adept at handling a variety of PA positions across family offices and UHNW households around the world. We only work with the very best candidates in the market, highly productive and capable of juggling shifting priorities, with exceptional skills in organisation, discretion, and communication.
We have regular requests for PA services and are often asked by clients how much it costs to employ a Personal Assistant for their family office or private household – perhaps if they’ve never employed one before or are setting up a brand-new family office.
The role of a Personal Assistant (PA) has evolved significantly, with professionals taking on more strategic responsibilities across industries. As a result, PA salary levels can vary widely depending on several key factors. Whether you’re considering employing a new PA for your household, or looking at a career as a PA, or to negotiate a better package, understanding these factors can help you assess your decisions, or earning potential.
In this latest blog, we walk you through the factors influencing PA salary and the elements that contribute to their earning potential.
What is a Personal Assistant and what are their duties?
A Personal Assistant is someone who provides administrative, organisational, and support services to an individual. The job role can vary depending on the employer’s needs, but the main objective is to help make the Principal’s personal and professional life more organised and efficient.
Typical duties of a Private PA include managing schedules and appointments, emails, phone calls, letters of correspondence, travel arrangements, administrative support, task, and project management, running errands, research and information gathering and financial management.
Hours – what can you expect?
A Personal Assistant (PA) working hours can vary significantly depending on your employer’s needs, lifestyle, and expectations.
A typical schedule might be:
- Weekdays: Typically, a Personal Assistant would work 08:00 to 18:00 but expect to extend these hours when necessary
- Weekends: For a Private Personal Assistant, they might have time off but could also be called in to handle personal or family-related tasks, attend events, or assist with other activities
Important considerations:
- Work-life balance: Due to the demanding nature of the role, maintaining a balance between your professional and personal life can be challenging. However, many employers recognise this and may provide additional compensation or benefits, such as travel opportunities or time off
- Contract and expectations: It’s crucial to set clear expectations with your employer regarding working hours, compensation for overtime, and on-call requirements. Having a formal agreement can help clarify these aspects
What are the top factors influencing PA Salary levels?
The salary of a Personal Assistant (PA) can vary widely based on several factors. These factors influence how much a PA can earn.
Experience & seniority
The most significant factors, i.e., a PA with strong experience working within the financial industry, or within entertainment for a high-profile celebrity or UHNW family can command a higher salary.
Type of employer
- Private Employers: A PA working for a private individual (such as a Celebrity, High-Net-Worth individual, or Business Owner) may earn more, especially if the employer requires more personalised or extensive support
- Corporate Employers: A PA working for a corporation, particularly at the executive or senior level (Executive Assistants), often earns a higher salary due to the more formalised work structure and higher responsibility. This can be true for
- Government or Non-profit: While these roles may offer more stability, salaries in the public or non-profit sectors can be lower compared to private sector positions
Location
Geographic location is a crucial factor. Salaries for PAs in larger cities, or high-cost areas like NY, London, or Los Angeles, tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled assistants.
International placements, particularly for high-net-worth individuals or businesses with global operations.
Industry
Industry plays a key role in determining salary. Private PAs working in industries like finance, law, tech, or entertainment, may earn higher salaries due to the specialised nature of the work.
Level of responsibility
A PA who takes on more responsibility – such as managing a team, overseeing multiple projects, or having a strategic role in decision-making – will typically earn more.
Executive or high-level Personal Assistants have more demanding roles, which can result in higher pay due to the level of discretion and trust required.
Job scope & duties
The broader the range of duties of the Personal Assistant, the higher the PA salary. A PA who performs additional tasks like handling budgets, managing events, coordinating travel, or dealing with confidential information may earn more.
Also, PAs who provide multifaceted support, including personal life management (like running errands, managing household staff, etc.), could also earn higher salaries than those with more focused roles.
Qualifications & certifications
Having formal qualifications in business administration, event planning, or other relevant fields can positively impact salary. Additionally, specific certifications like those in project management or executive assistance (e.g., CAP – Certified Administrative Professional) can make a PA stand out and justify a higher wage. Foreign language skills are also a plus.
Work environment
Some PA’s work in high-pressure environments that demand 24/7 availability, leading to higher salaries. For instance, PAs who work for top executives or in highly demanding industries often receive higher pay to compensate for the stress and irregular hours.
If a PA is expected to travel regularly, handle multiple time zones, or provide support in complex situations (e.g., travelling with executives or celebrities), this can also justify a higher salary.
Full-time vs. Part-time
A full-time PA will generally earn more than someone working Part-Time or on a Temporary contract. Full-time roles often come with additional benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement benefits.
Freelance or contract PAs may earn more on an hourly basis but may not receive the same benefits or job security.
Benefits & bonuses
Some PAs are compensated beyond their base salary with benefits like health insurance, bonuses, profit sharing, or performance-based incentives. These can significantly raise the overall value of a compensation package.
Employers of UHNW or HNW individuals may also offer perks such as housing, travel allowances, or transportation stipends.
Employment arrangement (e.g., live-in)
Live-in Personal Assistants (who live with their employer and provide full-time assistance, including on-call support) may receive additional compensation for the inconvenience or extra hours worked, as well as room and board.
Freelancers or Private PAs working through an agency might earn more per hour but may not have the same level of job security or benefits as those in full-time positions.
Private Personal Assistant salaries by location
UK: Up to £80,000.
United States: Ranging from $80,000 – $250,000, depending on experience and the employer’s requirements.
UAE: Up to 75,000 AED per month.
Canada: $60,000.
Private Personal Assistant salaries by experience
Entry-level (no prior experience)
£30,000 per year
Junior Private PA
Around £35,000 per year
Mid-level Private PA
Approx. £40,000 per year
Senior Private PA
Up to £80,000
Conclusion
The salary of a Personal Assistant (PA) is influenced by a wide range of factors, from experience and qualifications to location and industry. As we’ve explored, salaries can vary significantly depending on the level of responsibility, the type of employer, and even the specific duties involved. For those considering a career in this field, understanding the key factors that influence PA salary levels is crucial for assessing earning potential and negotiating compensation packages.
Private PAs with significant experience, particularly those working for high-net-worth individuals or in industries such as finance, entertainment, and law, can command higher salaries.
Additionally, geographical location plays a major role, with major cities like London, New York, and Dubai offering some of the highest pay scales due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Furthermore, the scope of the job and the level of responsibility are directly linked to PA salary levels.
In conclusion, the role of a Private PA is highly rewarding, but it requires a strong skill set, discretion, and the ability to manage a diverse range of tasks. By considering the various factors that influence PA salary, individuals can better understand their potential earnings and set themselves up for success in this dynamic and rewarding field.
Our latest Personal Assistant positions are available here, or you can sign up to our latest job alerts. Alternatively, if you’d like to discuss hiring a new Personal Assistant, please do get in touch with one of the team.
