Executive Assistant Salary UK: What to Expect in Take-Home Pay vs Advertised Salaries

Understanding the Executive Assistant Salary Landscape

If you’re searching for an executive assistant salary UK figure, you’ll quickly find that the numbers vary depending on the source. That’s because the role spans from entry-level support to high-level C-suite assistance, and official data groups it with other secretarial positions. This guide breaks down the advertised ranges, what you can expect to take home, and how statutory minimums fit in.

Official ONS Data: The Baseline

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025 provisional data provides the most authoritative snapshot. However, the ONS does not have a separate category for executive assistants; they are included in ‘Personal assistants and other secretaries’. For that group, the median full-time salary is £34,954 per year, while the median for all employees (including part-time) is £25,233. The median hourly rate for full-time workers is £18.25.

These figures are a useful benchmark but remember they cover a mix of roles. The lowest-paid 10% earn under £5,965 (likely part-time or very junior), while the top quarter earn above £36,179. London stands out with a median of £41,039 for full-time workers in this group.

What Salary Surveys Show

Independent salary surveys often report higher figures because they focus on dedicated executive assistant roles. Glassdoor’s crowd-sourced data, based on over 9,000 submissions, gives an average of £43,603, with a typical range from £34,364 (25th percentile) to £56,125 (75th percentile). Robert Half’s 2026 UK Salary Guide for administrative and office support lists benchmarks between £38,500 and £64,500, depending on experience. Robert Walters reports an even broader range of £28,000 to £75,000, with London at the top end.

These surveys are useful for understanding what employers are currently offering, but they are not official statistics. They can also be skewed by high-paying sectors like technology and finance.

Advertised Salary vs Take-Home Pay

When you see an advertised executive assistant salary, remember that it’s the gross figure before deductions. Your actual take-home pay will be lower after income tax and National Insurance. For example, using the ONS full-time median of £34,954, a typical employee in England, Wales or Northern Ireland (2026/27 tax year, no pension or student loan) would take home approximately £2,391 per month, or £28,686 per year, according to calculations by WhatDoIEarn. That’s about 82% of the gross salary.

If you work in Scotland, income tax rates differ slightly, so your take-home may vary. Also, if you contribute to a pension or have a student loan, your net pay will be lower still. Always use a take-home pay calculator with your specific details.

How Statutory Minimums Compare

The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour (2026 rate). For a full-time executive assistant working 37.5 hours a week, that equates to an annual salary of about £24,782. Most advertised executive assistant salaries are well above this floor. Even the lowest reported full-time salaries (around £28,000) exceed the minimum wage by a comfortable margin. However, part-time or very junior roles may come closer to the statutory minimum, so it’s worth checking your contract against the current rates.

For reference, the National Minimum Wage for 18–20 year olds is £10.85 per hour, and for under-18s it’s £8.00 per hour. Apprentices also receive £8.00 per hour. These rates are relevant if you’re considering a trainee or apprenticeship route into administration.

Regional Variations

Location is one of the biggest factors in executive assistant pay. ONS data for the broader occupation group shows:

• London: £41,039 median full-time
• Scotland: £25,311
• South East: £25,083
• North West: £24,033
• North East: £24,000
• East Midlands: £20,266

London’s premium reflects higher living costs and the concentration of large companies. If you’re open to relocating, the South East and Scotland also offer opportunities, though salaries are lower. Remember these are medians for the whole group; dedicated executive assistant roles in London can easily reach £50,000–£75,000 at senior levels.

Tips for Negotiating Your Executive Assistant Salary

When discussing pay, consider the whole package. Bonuses, pension contributions, private medical insurance, and flexible working can add significant value. Use multiple sources to benchmark: check ONS data for your region, look at Glassdoor for your specific industry, and consult guides like Robert Half’s. If you’re moving from a smaller company to a larger one, expect a potential 35% uplift, as larger firms typically pay more.

Also, remember that experience and qualifications matter. If you have specialist skills (e.g., in legal or financial services), you can command a higher salary. For more detailed guidance on pay structures, see our pay guides and pay data pages.

Final Thoughts

The executive assistant salary UK market is diverse. Official ONS figures give a conservative baseline, while independent surveys show higher averages. Your actual take-home will depend on tax, location, and benefits. Always compare advertised salaries against statutory minimums and use a take-home calculator to understand your net income. For ongoing updates on pay rates, visit UK Minimum Wage and explore our topics section.