Who Pays the Executive Assistant’s Salary: Out of Pocket or as a Business Expense?
As the operational complexity of modern businesses grows, more and more entrepreneurs realize they need an executive assistant. Someone who will manage calendars, communications, tasks, travel arrangements — freeing up the founder’s time for strategic decisions.
But one question remains: Should the assistant’s salary be paid personally by the founder, or considered a legitimate business expense?
Let’s dive into the real answer — using current market trends, real salary benchmarks, and hiring insights from Smart and Talented, a leading Russian agency for executive assistant recruitment.
The Executive Assistant in 2025: A Strategic Role, Not Just Support
The role of an executive assistant has evolved far beyond traditional administrative support. Today, this person is often a project coordinator, communication hub, and the entrepreneur’s strategic filter.
Their daily tasks may include:
Streamlining communication with the team and partners
Overseeing project timelines and deliverables
Managing the executive’s schedule and priorities
Handling personal errands alongside business tasks
That’s why the question of how to budget for an executive assistant is more relevant than ever — especially when their function straddles both personal and professional realms.
Business or Personal Expense?
Here’s the key distinction:
If your assistant handles primarily business-related tasks, their compensation should be accounted for as a business operating expense.
If the assistant focuses solely on personal errands, such as family logistics or household planning, it’s reasonable to treat their salary as a personal cost.
However, in most modern cases, entrepreneurs seek a hybrid executive assistant who can manage both spheres seamlessly. That’s when the budgeting structure requires clarity and intention.
What Does an Executive Assistant Cost?
According to a salary study conducted by Smart and Talented, the compensation expectations for executive assistants in 2025 vary significantly depending on experience, skill set, and responsibilities.
Entry-level personal assistant: ₽40,000–₽70,000/month
High-end EA with international experience: ₽150,000–₽500,000/month and above
These salaries reflect a wide skill range — from calendar management to complex project coordination — and should be assessed based on the value the EA brings to your operations.
Why Executive Assistant Recruitment Requires a Professional Approach
When entrepreneurs attempt to find an EA independently, they often face:
Dozens of irrelevant CVs
Candidates lacking soft skills or business acumen
Costly hiring mistakes due to unclear job definitions
That’s why many founders turn to agencies for executive assistant recruitment, like Smart and Talented. These firms help structure your hiring brief, assess candidates against real business needs, and ensure cultural fit.
Whether you’re looking for a personal assistant, a project-focused executive assistant, or a right-hand operations manager — a tailored search is essential.
Key Takeaways for Founders and CEOs
An executive assistant is a long-term investment — not a luxury.
Their salary should be attributed to the business budget if their role supports your operations and team coordination.
If you're unsure about compensation levels or hiring strategy, professional executive assistant recruitment agencies offer a faster, lower-risk path to hiring success.
Want to explore real salary ranges and best hiring practices?