As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Executive Assistant III in the United States is $87,318 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, an Executive Assistant III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Executive Assistant III'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Executive Assistant III'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Assistant I | 0-2 years | $62,558 |
| Executive Assistant II | 2-4 years | $72,574 |
| Executive Assistant III | 4-7 years | $87,318 |
| Executive Assistant IV | 7+ years | $98,709 |
| Executive Assistant V | 7-10 years | $118,378 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Assistant IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 6.72% |
| Microsoft Excel | 1.61% |
| Catering | 1.09% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Logistics
|
$90,811 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$90,811 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$89,938 |
3%
|
|
Project Management
|
$89,938 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$89,938 |
3%
|
|
Onboarding
|
$89,938 |
3%
|
Executive Assistant III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $97,664. While startup companies pay approximate $82,595.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $82,595 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $87,357 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $94,314 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $97,664 |
For Executive Assistant III 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 III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $113,513 | $55.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $113,513 | $55.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $109,148 | $52.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $104,782 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $103,035 | $50.0 | 18% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Executive Assistant IIIs enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Executive Assistant III with a Associate's Degree is between $85,896 and $91,763).
Executive Assistant III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 26.3% |
| Associates | 19.2% |
| Bachelors | 46.2% |
| Masters | 6.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how an Executive Assistant III'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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026For an Executive Assistant III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Executive Assistant IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $98,709 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
Salaries for an Executive Assistant III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $77,375 in 2023 to around $74,813 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Executive Assistant III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $77,375 |
| 2024 | $75,571 |
| 2025 | $74,813 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An Executive Assistant III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Executive Assistant III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Executive Assistant III is $110,134.
The highest pay for Executive Assistant III is $106,654.
The lowest pay for Executive Assistant III is $68,668.
Provides multi-faceted administrative support and assistance to ensure effective use of an executive's time and productive interactions with staff and the public. Handles a wide range of administrative and support tasks and independently initiates and implements processes to manage projects, information, and people. Manages the executive's schedule, meeting preparations, follow-up tasks, and complex travel arrangements. Conducts research and information gathering on behalf of the executive and prepares summaries and reports. Develops positive and strategic relationships at all levels of the organization. Uses discretion, judgment, and knowledge of the organization to facilitate the executive's activities and maintain confidentiality. May be responsible for directing and deploying support staff or other resources. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to c-suite executive. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Executive Assistant III roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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