Compensation insights are tricky. Can you trust data provided by recruiters or employers about the latest salary trends? Is it awkward talking to your peers about money? Some companies actually prohibit salary transparency and you risk your job discussing such matters!
Knowledge is power and understanding the salary landscape is crucial to being paid appropriately, but getting that knowledge can be hard. At least it was hard until EA Salary Survey came along.
EA Salary Survey aims to provide the most comprehensive and accurate data on salaries for administrative professionals in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. No employers. No recruiters. No spin. Just data collected directly from assistants on salaries, benefits, job satisfaction and more.
The reports are available to download free of charge from EA Salary Survey and contain state by state insights on average salaries as well as information on benefits, job satisfaction, job titles, the impact of education and more.
Our recent US Administrative Professionals Salary Survey has revealed that Executive Personal Assistants are among the highest earners in the profession. Earning an average of $143,665 per year, EPAs are out earning Senior Executive Assistants and Chiefs of Staff.
You might be thinking that most high earning EPAs are based in California and working in industries such as entertainment. Interestingly, the survey found it was much broader than this, with many EPAs working within the fields of agriculture, biotechnology, construction, and technology.
You’ll need to be skilled, resourceful and discreet and be able to switch between the running of both personal and professional spheres of a high net worth individual seamlessly.
EPAs to UHNWIs (Ultra High Net Worth Individuals) are highly valued because they handle a multitude of responsibilities that extend far beyond the typical administrative duties. The EPA is the trusted right-hand person, managing intricate details that directly impact the UHNWI's lifestyle and business operations.
One of the primary responsibilities of an EPA in this arena is managing household staff. You’ll need a keen eye for detail but also strong leadership and organizational abilities. You’ll be able to coordinate schedules and oversee tasks, making sure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
UHNWIs often have diverse portfolios, including extensive real estate holdings. You will liaise with suppliers, negotiate deals, and oversee significant purchases. This requires solid business acumen and the ability to make informed decisions.
Travel logistics, especially involving luxury travel and private aviation, are another critical aspect of the job. You will need to coordinate with private aviation services, manage flight schedules, and make sure all travel arrangements run smoothly.
Contrary to popular belief, working for a UHNWI is not merely about spending money. Effective budget management is a vital part of the role.
Having a reliable network of suppliers, service providers and peers is essential. Over time, you will need to build and maintain these relationships, so you always have trusted contacts to call upon when needed.
We’ve all heard the saying, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Well for an EPA, it’s both. Connections can make a significant difference in this role. Attend industry events, engage with other professionals in similar roles, and continuously expand your contacts.
Your principal is unlikely to have the time or inclination to give you detailed instructions for every task. Instead, you’ll be expected to anticipate needs, have backup plans, and be ready to handle any situation that arises.
There are few roles as diverse as the Executive Personal Assistant. You could be hiring a real estate photographer one minute, giving the nanny and the housekeeper instructions the next, then arranging the transfer of a fine art collection or walking the dog because the dog walker was unable to work that day.
It’s clear why great Executive Personal Assistants are so valued by their principals. EPAs are the ultimate generalists with no task too big or too small.
Download the 2024 US Administrative Professionals Salary Report to gain valuable insights into compensation based on location, job title and level of experience.
Know your worth (financially speaking). Download the report free of charge here.
Alicia Fairclough is the Founder of EA How To, the world’s most valuable community of Executive Assistants. Following a successful career as the Executive Assistant to the CEO of a number of tech companies, Alicia decided to turn her passion project into a new career and make it her full time mission to improve the working lives of EAs globally.
Through her webinars, short courses, resources and ever-growing community, Alicia has helped countless EAs, PAs and VAs grow, learn and be the best they can be.
A vocal advocate for this profession, Alicia has become an influential voice that executives and their assistants pay attention to.
In her spare time, Alicia always has a podcast playing. She also likes to travel, explore new places, make her way through cocktail menus, bake, and create the perfect playlist for every occasion.
Find out more at eahowto.com
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