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Executive Assistant Salary in California

How much does an Executive Assistant make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Executive Assistant in California is $97,891 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.

However, an Executive Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $120,578
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $87,611 to $109,766
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $78,251
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Executive Assistant Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Executive Assistant Salaries

An Executive Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Executive Assistant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Executive Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $70,899
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $79,290
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $95,417
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $110,379
  • Expert (over 8 years): $129,300
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Executive Assistant I less than 1 year $70,899
Executive Assistant II 1-2 years $79,290
Executive Assistant 2-4 years $95,417
Executive Assistant IV 5-8 years $110,379
Executive Assistant V over 8 years $129,300

How Do Executive Assistant Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Executive Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $98,264.
  • California: $97,891.
  • Massachusetts: $96,586.

Top Paying Cities for Executive Assistant

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $98,060
  • West Hollywood: $97,989
  • Dodgertown: $98,059

Executive Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Executive Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Executive Assistant positions in Telecom or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Executive Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Executive Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services $127,258 $61.0 30%
Pharmaceuticals $127,258 $61.0 30%
Biotechnology $122,364 $59.0 25%
Insurance $117,469 $56.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $115,511 $56.0 18%

Executive Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Executive Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$87,611
Average $97,891/year
$109,766
$7,301
Average $8,158/month
$9,147
$1,685
Average $1,883/week
$2,111
$42
Average $47/hour
$53
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $109,766 $9,147 $2,111 $53
Average $97,891 $8,158 $1,883 $47
25th Percentile $87,611 $7,301 $1,685 $42

Find Your Next Executive Assistant Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Executive Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Sequoia Living | San Francisco, CA

    Executive Assistant

    Sequoia Living | San Francisco, CA

    We're seeking a proactive, tech-savvy, and highly organized Executive Assistant to support our President/CEO, Board of Directors and leadership team.You'll... more

    15 Days Ago

  • NOVA Academy | Santa Ana, CA

    Executive Assistant

    NOVA Academy | Santa Ana, CA

    POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT REPORTS TO: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CLASSIFICATION :NON-EXEMPT/NON-CERTIFICATED SUMMARY OF WORK PERFORMED: Un... more

    17 Days Ago

  • Ivy Fertility-Reproductive Partners Medical Group | Beverly Hills, CA

    EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

    Ivy Fertility-Reproductive Partners Medical Group | Beverly Hills, CA

    Who We Are:With a reputation for world-class physicians, facilities and laboratories, Reproductive Partners Medical Group (RPMG) / Fertility Center of Oran... more

    17 Days Ago

  • The Colburn School | Los Angeles, CA

    Executive Assistant

    The Colburn School | Los Angeles, CA

    Reporting directly to the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the Executive Assistant provides executive support and organization to the Marketing ... more

    17 Days Ago

  • UCLA | Los Angeles, CA

    Executive Assistant

    UCLA | Los Angeles, CA

    The Executive Assistant to Dr.Owen Witte provides independent operational, managerial, and analytical support to Dr.Owen Witte.The executive assistant prov... more

    17 Days Ago

  • California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA

    Executive Assistant

    California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA

    Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundam... more

    17 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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