Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
O*NET 43-6011.00 · SOC 43-6011
Executive Secretary is a solid career choice. Median pay is $77k a year with 0% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 43,300 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Manage the executive's calendar and schedule high-level meetings
- →Prepare briefing materials and reports for board presentations
- →Screen and prioritize incoming calls and correspondence for executives
- →Coordinate travel arrangements including flights, hotels, and itineraries
- →Draft confidential memos and letters on behalf of executives
Education & How to Get In
Most Executive Secretary positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
Structured — offices, data centers, or remote
Independent — focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Executive Secretary involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Executive Secretary?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Executive Secretary Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants is projected to grow 0% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·53% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
- ·42% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Executive Secretary make?
The median Executive Secretary earns $77k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Executive Secretary jobs?
Our model puts Executive Secretary at 57 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 53% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 42% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace.
Is Executive Secretary a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 0% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 43,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Executive Secretary?
Most Executive Secretary roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become an Executive Secretary?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Executive Secretary career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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