How Much Does An Executive Assistant Cost In 2026

The cost of an executive assistant (EA) in 2026 is determined by a variety of factors, such as experience, skillset, AI expertise, and the country from which they operate. In this crisp blog, we break down everything from average executive assistant pricing across the world to the cost of an executive assistant at top executive assistant companies in 2026. 

The cost of US-based executive assistants typically ranges from $24.48 to more than $50 per hour, depending on experience, industry, and talent. The cost of offshore executive assistants is as low as $5 to $10 per hour, especially in countries like India and the Philippines. 

The cost of an executive assistant is determined by three parameters. They are:

i) Location (US vs offshore)

ii) Skillset (basic vs advanced [AI] )

iii) Engagement model (full-time/part-time/hourly)

1. Location

Executive assistants are classified into two types based on their operating location: 

i) US-based executive assistants: EAs working from within the USA. Either they work remotely or at the office of the company they’re associated with. US-based executive assistants are expensive to hire.

ii) Offshore executive assistants: EAs working outside the USA from low-cost-of-living countries like India or the Philippines. They work remotely for US businesses and other global companies. They are also called virtual executive assistants. They cost less than US-based EAs. 

How much do US-based executive assistants cost per hour? 

• Typical range: $24.80 to $50 per hour
• Key factors influencing rate: Experience level, industry, location within the U.S., specific responsibilities, and whether the role is temporary, full-time, or contract.
• Higher-end rates are common in major metro areas (e.g., New York, San Francisco) for senior or specialised assistants.
• Benefits and taxes are often additional employer costs not included in the hourly wage.

How much do offshore executive assistants cost per hour? 

• Typical range: $5 to $25 per hour
• Primary reason for affordability: Lower cost of living in popular offshore regions such as India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
• Cost variation depends on:
  • Skill set and experience of the assistant
  • Complexity of tasks (e.g., basic admin vs. strategic support)
  • Hiring model (direct hire vs. through a VA agency/company)
• Premium offshore assistants at the higher end of the range often come from established offshore companies that provide trained, English-proficient, and culturally aligned support.
• Companies with higher revenue/spending power often opt for mid-to-high range offshore assistants to ensure quality and reliability.

2. Skillset (Basic vs Advanced)

Executive assistant roles have evolved into two distinct tracks: the Basic EA, who manages your day-to-day chaos, and the Specialised VA, who acts as a force multiplier for your business. The cost difference depends on the value tier you're investing in. Let's break down what you can expect.

The Basic Executive Assistant: Your Administrative Anchor

Think of this professional as your foundational support. With about a year of experience, they excel at handling the daily operational routine. They are reactive, reliable, and crucial for maintaining basic order.

• Typical tasks: Inbox management, call scheduling, reminders, basic travel planning, and document preparation.
• Cost of US-based basic executive assistants: You can expect to budget around $20 per hour for this foundational support.
• Cost of offshore/virtual executive assistants: For the same core skill set, offshore talent in regions like the Philippines or India starts at a remarkably accessible $5 per hour. This is the most cost-effective entry point to delegating the daily executive load.

The Specialized Virtual Assistant: Your Strategic Partner

This is where the real transformation happens. I've seen VAs in this category become indispensable. With 3-5 years of solid experience, they bring proactive strategy, tech fluency, and automation expertise to the table. They don't just schedule your meetings; they analyze your calendar to optimize your focus time and integrate your communication platforms.

The Investment:

• Core Capabilities: Strategic planning, decision support, and expert use of AI tools and automation platforms (like Zapier or Microsoft Power Automate) to streamline entire workflows. They often handle complex project management, data analysis, CRM oversight, and content creation support.
• Cost of US-based experienced executive assistants: For this level of strategic partnership and tech-savvy, rates typically start at $30 per hour and can climb significantly based on niche expertise.
• Cost of specialized virtual executive assistants: Here's the compelling value: you can access this elite skill set from top offshore managed executive assistant companies like Wishup, starting at around $9.99 per hour. Wishup EAs are trained on 200+ AI and no-code tools.

3. Engagement Type

Three types of engagement models determine the cost of an executive assistant. They are:

i) Full-time executive assistants

ii) Part-time executive assistants

iii) Hourly executive assistants

What is the cost of full-time executive assistants?

The average yearly cost of a full-time US-based executive assistant is $67,038 per year. However, a remote executive assistant from a managed virtual assistant company like Wishup can cost just around $12000 per year for the same skill level, plus better AI tools expertise. They work eight hours per day for five days in a week.

What is the cost of full-time executive assistants?

The average yearly cost of a part-time US-based executive assistant is $33,519 per year. However, the cost of a remote executive assistant from a managed virtual assistant company like Wishup starts from around $6000 per year for the same skill level, plus expertise on 200+ AI tools and automation workflow skills.

What is the cost of an hourly executive assistant?

Hourly rate of executive assistants ranges from basic $5 per hour (offshore or freelance EAs) to around $30 per hour (US-based EAs). They work based on demand, like 2-3 hours per day. However, hourly executive assistants are not recommended as they don't blend well with the system and your operations due to their limited time of work and collaboration.

1. Wishup

Wishup is a US-based managed virtual assistant company delivering top 0.1% of executive assistants across over 50 industries. You can be matched with a pre‑vetted, fully trained executive assistant in 60 minutes. With a blended talent pool of 1500+ US‑based and offshore assistants, Wishup promises dedicated, time‑zone‑aligned support for global leaders, backed by a free dedicated account manager and customer support manager.

Investment:

• Hourly Rate: $9.99/hour
• Managed Plans:
  • Kickstart Plan: 80 hours/month | Starting at $999/month
  • Growth Engine Plan: 160 hours/month | Starting at $1,799/month

Wishup is Ideal for Executives and Leadership Teams Who:

• Require flexible, high-calibre executive support that scales with strategic initiatives
• Demand assistants who are not only administratively proficient but also fluent in modern AI and no‑code tools to drive efficiency.
• Value transparency, speed, and security with immediate deployment and guaranteed performance.
• Need monthly billing models and not long-term commitments upfront.

2. Boldly

Boldly provides premium, personalised executive assistant support for individuals and leadership teams. They specialise in matching clients with highly-skilled, US-based assistants whose working styles align with the executive's personality, ensuring a strong partnership. A key differentiator is their proprietary Schedule Assist application, which automates and simplifies complex scheduling tasks. Their assistants are also proficient in a wide range of popular AI-powered productivity tools.

Pricing & Plans:
Boldly offers dedicated, full-time monthly plans with a focus on compatibility and a risk-free introduction:

• 40-Hour Plan: $2,520/month
• 50-Hour Plan: $3,150/month
• 60-Hour Plan: $3,780/month
• 80-Hour Plan: $5,040/month

This model is suited for established companies and executives who prioritise a partnership with a US-based executive assistant and are comfortable with a premium pricing tier.

3. Get Magic

Magic operates as a full-service, subscription-based provider that handles the entire lifecycle of your executive assistant, from sourcing and training to ongoing management. Their assistants integrate quickly into your workflow to manage core functions like calendar and inbox management, client communications, project tracking, and team coordination. Key benefits include the flexibility to scale support up or down as needed, a fast start time of approximately two days, and access to 24/7 fallback support.

Pricing & Structure:
Magic uses a straightforward weekly billing model:

• Part-Time Executive Assistant (20 hours/week): $270 per week
• Full-Time Executive Assistant (40 hours/week): $540 per week

This service is geared towards entrepreneurs and teams who value a managed, all-inclusive solution with predictable weekly costs and the flexibility to adjust support levels rapidly.

4. Bruntwork

Bruntwork provides dedicated executive virtual assistants operating from Phillipines. They specialise in relieving leadership teams and solo executives of administrative burdens. Their assistants are experienced in core executive support functions, including email triage, calendar management, and complex travel coordination. A key value proposition is the inclusion of dedicated management and strict quality assurance protocols for each assistant, ensuring consistent and reliable support. By leveraging offshore talent, Bruntwork offers significant cost savings.

Pricing Structure:
Bruntwork employs a variable hourly pricing model based on task complexity:

• Standard Rate: Starting from $4/hour
• Specialised Executive Tasks: Up to $17/hour
  Costs increase for assistants assigned to more specialised or complex functions.

This service is suited for cost-conscious businesses and executives who prioritise a managed, offshore model with robust oversight and are comfortable with variable pricing tied to task scope.

Budgeting for executive support in 2026 is complex, with US-based assistants costing $24-$50/hour and offshore options starting at $5/hour. For leaders seeking the optimal mix of advanced skills and value, managed executive assistant providers deliver specialised, AI-fluent assistants for a fraction of the traditional cost.

If you'd like to hire an executive assistant in just 60 minutes, schedule a free consultation now with Wishup.

Neelesh Rangwani · Co-founder at Wishup

With 10+ years in the virtual assistant space, Neelesh has helped 1000+ founders build efficient remote teams by matching them with top 0.1% virtual assistant talent. He writes about VA pricing, hiring frameworks, remote productivity, and scaling ops.

More posts by Neelesh → · Connect on LinkedIn

1. How much does a good EA cost?
A good executive assistant costs between $9.99 and $50+ per hour, with the price defining their role as either a basic administrator or a strategic partner.

For a Strategic, AI-Fluent Partner: Expect $30-$50+/hour for US-based talent or ~$9.99-$25/hour via a premium managed service (like Wishup). This tier handles advanced tasks like workflow automation and strategic planning.

For Core Administrative Support: A basic EA costs ~$20/hour in the US or $5+/hour offshore, focused on scheduling, email, and travel.

2. What's a Reasonable Monthly Budget for a High-quality executive assistant?
A reasonable monthly budget for a high-quality, full-time EA is $1,600 to $2,500 for a managed offshore assistant, or $4,800 to $8,000+ for a US-based one.

Full-Time (160 hrs/month): Premium offshore services offer fixed plans from ~$1,799/month. US-based support typically starts at ~$4,800/month.

Part-Time (80 hrs/month): Managed offshore plans start around $999/month, while US-based support begins at ~$2,400/month. This investment buys you a tech-savvy partner who streamlines operations, not just task completion.

3. How much does an executive assistant cost in 2026?
Executive assistant costs in 2026 range from $5 to over $50 per hour. The final price depends on three primary factors: the assistant's location, their skill level and tech expertise, and the type of engagement model you choose.

4. What is the average cost of a US-based executive assistant?
US-based executive assistants typically charge between $24.80 and $50+ per hour. Rates are higher in major metro areas and for senior roles, and this cost usually does not include additional employer expenses like benefits and taxes.

5. How much do offshore or virtual executive assistants cost?
Offshore or virtual executive assistants offer rates from $5 to $25 per hour. This affordability stems from the lower cost of living in regions like India and the Philippines, with premium agencies charging more for trained, culturally-aligned, and reliable talent.

6. What is the cost difference between a basic and a specialized executive assistant?
A basic EA handling routine admin costs about $20/hour in the US or $5+/hour offshore. A specialized, strategic partner with AI and automation skills starts at $30+/hour (US) or around $9.99/hour through premium managed services, representing a significant value tier shift.

7. What are the pros and cons of hiring a US-based versus an offshore executive assistant?
US-based EAs offer in-person availability and deep local context but at a premium cost of $24.80-$50/hr. Offshore EAs provide exceptional cost efficiency ($5-$25/hr) and scalability for remote collaboration, with quality varying based on the hiring channel and provider's vetting standards.

8. What factors most influence executive assistant pricing?
Pricing is determined by three key parameters: Location (the single largest cost driver), Skillset (basic admin vs. advanced strategic and tech skills), and Engagement Type (full-time, part-time, or hourly, which affects overall value and commitment).

9. What defines a "specialized" or "advanced" executive assistant?
A specialized EA acts as a strategic partner with 3-5+ years of experience and proficiency in AI tools, automation, and no-code platforms. They move beyond task management to optimize workflows, manage projects, and provide data-driven support, justifying a higher investment.

10. Why are some executive assistants more expensive than others?
Higher costs reflect greater expertise, strategic value, and often a US-based location. An assistant's price correlates with their ability to act as a force multiplier for your business through tech fluency and proactive problem-solving, not just task execution.

11. What technical skills should I expect from a modern executive assistant?
Modern executive assistants should be proficient in communication platforms (Slack, Zoom), project management tools (Asana, Trello), and key business software. Advanced assistants are increasingly expected to be fluent in AI tools (like ChatGPT) and automation platforms (like Zapier) to drive efficiency.

12. What is the cost of a full-time executive assistant per year?
A full-time US-based EA costs an average of $67,038 per year in salary alone. In contrast, a full-time, managed remote executive assistant from a premium offshore provider can cost approximately $12,000 per year, offering the same core skill set plus dedicated AI and tool training.

13. What is the cost of a part-time executive assistant?
A part-time US-based EA averages about $33,519 per year. For part-time remote support, managed monthly plans from specialized providers start around $6,000 per year, providing consistent, high-quality assistance without the overhead of a full-time employee.

14. Is hiring an hourly executive assistant recommended?
Hourly rates range from $5 to $30 per hour, but this model is not generally recommended for core executive support. Hourly assistants often work limited hours (e.g., 2-3 per day), which hinders their ability to integrate deeply into your operations and build strategic context.

15. What are the main engagement models for hiring an executive assistant?
The three primary models are Full-time (40 hrs/week), Part-time (consistent weekly hours), and Hourly/On-demand. For long-term, integrated support that aligns with your business operations, full-time or part-time monthly engagements through a managed service are most effective.

16. What are the hidden costs of hiring an executive assistant?
Beyond the hourly rate or salary, hidden costs for direct hires include benefits, payroll taxes, training time, and management overhead. Using a managed service bundles these costs into a transparent monthly fee, providing predictable budgeting and reducing administrative burden.