March 25, 2025
In today's fast-paced business world, getting things done efficiently is crucial. Business owners, top industry leaders, and innovators in the USA increasingly seek assistants to manage office work and boost productivity. However, a key concern remains: How much does an executive assistant cost? Understanding the cost of hiring an executive assistant—whether in-office, online, or freelance—helps businesses make informed decisions. In this guide, we'll break down the costs and explore how virtual executive assistants can offer more value.
Managing daily tasks, scheduling appointments, responding to messages, and handling data entry can consume valuable time better spent growing your business. A skilled executive assistant can help with:
Many businesses in the USA now choose virtual executive assistants because they are affordable and easy to scale. But how do their costs compare to hiring a full-time, in-house assistant? Let’s break it down.
The cost of hiring an assistant depends on factors like full-time, part-time, freelance, or virtual arrangements. Here’s a breakdown of different hiring options:
A full-time executive assistant in your office performs administrative work. This option has the most expensive price since it involves wages, benefits, and other costs.
Extra Costs: Health insurance, office space, equipment, training, and payroll taxes
Hiring a part-time assistant reduces salary expenses but other costs remain.
Average Salary: $20,000 – $40,000 per year
Virtual executive assistants do their job from home. This offers flexibility and saves money while keeping output high.
Hourly Rate: $8 – $15 per hour (based on the complexity of work)
Get more infoAdditional Costs: None (No office expenses, benefits, or equipment costs)
Freelance assistants provide services through contracts making them perfect for companies that need occasional support.
Hourly Rate: Freelance executive assistant rates $20 – $75 per hour
Project-Based Cost: Changes depending on workload
Additional Costs: No long-term commitment, but rates change based on demand
This table compares different hiring models and their related costs:
| Type of EA | Salary/ Rate | Additional cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time in house | $50,000 – $80,000 per year | Taxes, office space | Big companies with lots of admin work |
| Part time in house | $20,000 – $40,000 per year | Office expenses, training | Small to medium-sized firms with moderate workloads |
| Virtual EA | $8 – $15 per hour | None | New companies, solo entrepreneurs, and budget-conscious businesses |
| Freelance EA | $20 – $75 per hour | No long-term commitment | Companies that need admin help now and then |
The total expenses of hiring an executive assistant depends on many things such as:
To find a great executive assistant that fits what you can spend, think about these steps:
Figure Out What You Need: Think about the jobs you want help with and if you need someone full-time, part-time, or online.
Look at Different Hiring Options: Check out the costs of hiring an executive assistant in your office online, or as a freelancer.
Review Their Skills: Look for people with experience good communication, and who know their way around computers.
Pick a Good Hiring Website: Team up with a trusted company like Machiva to make hiring and getting started smooth.
Machiva has custom solutions for companies wanting to hire executive assistants without breaking the bank. Here's why Machiva is a great choice:
Budget-Friendly EA Hiring: We offer top-notch virtual assistants at low prices cutting out extra costs.
Many Hiring Choices: We have the right plan whether you want part-time full-time, or project-based help.
Easy Start: Our smart platform finds you the best virtual assistant to fit your company's needs.
Safe & Dependable: We guarantee data protection and privacy for all our customers.
