Hiring a full time executive assistant used to be a luxury reserved for large corporations, yet recent workforce reports show that small and mid sized companies now account for more than half of assistant hires. Many founders and managers now depend on structured administrative support to keep operations moving. Still, one practical question remains: how much does a full time executive assistant cost in 2026 on a monthly basis?
Monthly pricing varies widely depending on location, experience level, and employment structure. Some businesses prefer traditional in house staff, while others rely on remote or agency based assistants to control costs and improve flexibility.
Understanding current monthly pricing benchmarks helps you estimate realistic budgets and avoid costly hiring mistakes.
What Defines a Full Time Executive Assistant in 2026
A full time executive assistant in 2026 typically handles far more than scheduling meetings or answering emails. Modern assistants coordinate projects, manage digital tools, and often serve as a communication hub between leadership and teams.
Companies that invest in full time executive assistant support usually expect consistent availability and a broad skill set.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Calendar coordination often involves managing multiple time zones and prioritizing urgent meetings.
- Email management reduces executive workload and improves response time.
- Travel planning includes bookings, expense tracking, and itinerary management.
- Project tracking helps leadership maintain visibility over deadlines and deliverables.
- Vendor communication ensures daily operations run smoothly without executive intervention.
The scope of responsibilities directly affects the total monthly cost of a full time executive assistant. More complex roles command higher compensation levels.
Monthly Pricing Benchmarks by Hiring Model
Different hiring models lead to very different monthly costs. Some organizations want a local employee while others prefer remote professionals or agency services.
The table below shows realistic monthly pricing benchmarks for a full time executive assistant in 2026.
|
Hiring Model |
Typical Monthly Cost |
Included Costs |
| In house employee | $4,500 to $7,500 | Salary, taxes, benefits |
| US based remote assistant | $3,800 to $6,200 | Salary and limited benefits |
| Global remote assistant | $1,800 to $3,500 | Salary and service fees |
| Agency provided assistant | $2,000 to $4,000 | Training and management |
These benchmarks reflect typical market rates across technology, consulting, and professional service industries.
The biggest difference between models lies in overhead expenses. Office space, payroll taxes, and insurance often increase the total cost of in house assistants by twenty to thirty percent.
Agency Pricing and Service Packages
Many companies compare agency services before hiring because monthly pricing often appears more predictable than direct employment.
When evaluating founder assistant pricing, many businesses review packages offered by Wing Assistant to understand realistic budgets. Their detailed comparison helps clarify what is included in monthly service tiers and structured executive support.
Agency pricing usually includes several built in advantages:
- Training and onboarding typically happen before the assistant starts working with your company.
- Replacement coverage ensures continuity if the assistant becomes unavailable.
- Management oversight improves service consistency.
- Performance monitoring keeps quality standards stable.
Businesses that want predictable monthly pricing often prefer agency arrangements, even when costs appear similar to remote hires.
Geographic Differences in Executive Assistant Costs
Location continues to influence monthly pricing more than any other factor. Salary differences between regions can double the total cost of a full time executive assistant.
Companies hiring locally often pay higher rates due to competitive job markets and cost of living pressures.
Average monthly salary ranges vary significantly:
- North America often ranges between $4,500 and $7,500 per month.
- Western Europe typically falls between $3,500 and $6,000 monthly.
- Eastern Europe averages $2,000 to $4,000 per month.
- Southeast Asia often ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 monthly.
These differences explain why remote hiring has become common even for smaller organizations.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, median annual pay for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants exceeded $70,000, which equals roughly $5,800 per month before benefits.
Higher salaries usually correspond with advanced technical skills and industry experience.
Hidden Costs Beyond Monthly Salary
Monthly pricing benchmarks often focus on salary or service fees, but additional costs affect the real price of a full time executive assistant.
Employers who hire internally usually face several hidden expenses.
The following costs often appear after hiring begins:
- Payroll taxes and employer contributions can add fifteen to twenty five percent to base salary.
- Paid leave and sick days increase total monthly compensation.
- Software licenses add recurring operational expenses.
- Equipment purchases increase upfront costs.
- Recruitment fees sometimes equal one month of salary.
Even remote assistants may require subscriptions to productivity tools and communication platforms.
Careful budgeting prevents surprises during the first year of employment.
Cost Comparison Based on Experience Level
Experience level strongly affects monthly pricing benchmarks. Entry level assistants cost less but often require more supervision.
Senior assistants often justify higher costs by reducing executive workload more effectively.
The comparison below shows realistic monthly ranges.
|
Experience Level |
Monthly Cost |
Typical Role Scope |
| Entry level | $1,800 to $3,000 | Scheduling and basic admin |
| Mid level | $3,000 to $5,000 | Coordination and reporting |
| Senior level | $5,000 to $8,000 | Strategic support |
Entry level assistants often support routine workflows while senior assistants help with planning and decision support.
Businesses expecting rapid growth often hire mid level assistants first and upgrade later.
Bottom Line
Monthly pricing benchmarks for a full time executive assistant in 2026 range from about $1,800 for global remote support to more than $7,000 for experienced in house professionals. The wide range reflects differences in hiring models, geographic location, and experience levels.
Many organizations now evaluate remote and agency options alongside traditional hiring to balance cost and reliability. A well chosen assistant often improves productivity enough to justify the investment.
Clear expectations and realistic budgeting remain the most important steps before hiring. A thoughtful approach helps ensure that the cost of a full time executive assistant aligns with the real value the role provides.