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How long does it take you to remote in?
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Where my McKinsey EA's at??
Mentor
How’s everyone holding up?
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It is 100% possible to make six figures as an EA, but you have to be strategic about it. It usually comes down to three main levers: Location, Experience, and Industry.
I’m currently an EA based in Austin making six figures, so I can confirm the money is there. However, the 'trap' a lot of people fall into is staying at one company too long. Once you’re in, raises are typically incremental (the standard 2-5%). To see those massive 20-30% jumps, you often have to move companies every 3 to 5 years. You get your biggest pay bump when you negotiate a new offer, not by waiting for a merit increase.
If you’re aiming for the $100k+ range, look into tech or finance sectors and aim for C-Suite support (CEO/CFO level) or even Senior Leadership support as those roles carry the most weight and responsibility.
It is possible….but your time will NOT be your own…for that kind of salary you will be on call 24/7 365.
Not true
If you have an MBA and work for a pretty large corporation, yes. A six figure salary is more than possible. But I will second what E A1 said. Your time will not be your own. So decide if that high salary is worth the sacrifice.
No MBA needed to make 6 figures. Again, depends on your location, who you're supporting, the industry, and your experience. Most of the EA's where I work either have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree and make 6 figures. They also aren't working weekends unless it's critical or urgent.
Yes, most certainly. I turned down a six figure because it was on-call 24/7. That was a little too much access for my liking.
Depends on your geography
Why would someone with an MBA work as an EA ?
Mentor
I have one and I love what I do. I only got the degree because I enjoy learning.
Pay increases with strategic responsibility. As a C-Suite EA, you function as a direct extension of leadership—a role that often requires availability outside standard hours and a high level of trust. Industry and location will also affect your specific salary range, along with your skill and technical levels. EA's in Venture Capital, Finance, Banking, Energy and Technology are among the top earners.
Agree with everyone on here, it is possible to make 6 figures, but generally more commonplace in the US. In the UK salaries are much lower. The roles I have seen advertised at 6 figures are demanding 24/7 access to your time, and a job description that encompasses just about anything and everything they can think of!
Very possible! I live in Dallas, make $125K w/ 20% bonus and equity. My execs respect my personal time (with occasional exceptions for emergencies). But, I think someone else said it, you have to be willing to move companies. I've moved 2 times since 2022 and have doubled my income. Risky? Yes. Worth it? 100%! High risk, high reward!
Definitely. I wouldn't say it's the norm, but it's absolutely in the realm of possibility if you wind up in the right situation.
Mentor
A lot of it depends on experience and location. Are you in an HCOL? I'm in Chicago and my base is 95K. But after the annual bonus and a little bit of overtime due to working at an off site once or twice a year, I'm over 120k. Other than that, I don't really work beyond my working hours unless it's my choice, and then it's only maybe a couple hours a month.
I'm an Executive Assistant in NYC. My base salary is $145,000 and $50,000 bonus. I work some OT with 8:30a to 5pm work hours. It's possible. I work for an Asset Management company.
I was around $105k last year but that was with overtime and bonus. Not a base.
I was earning 6 figures in my last role, but I was also eligible for OT which helped me get there. My base pay was $85k. What I've learned is that location definitely plays a role in earnings, but also the level of who you support. Six figures comes with supporting C-Suite executives where you are a true business partner. It my job I am considered a member of the senior management Team and am an active participant in the monthly meetings. Ask the questions when interviewing for EA jobs, such as, "decribe your ideal assistant" and see what their expectations are. It's a great indicator if you feel you'll be a good fit for each other.
In California and New York you need to make 6 figures to live.