For many entrepreneurs and executives, freeing up time for strategic decision-making means delegating key tasks — both operational and personal. But one of the most common questions is: what’s the real cost of hiring an executive assistant today?
Let’s break it down: salary expectations, factors that influence rates, and why more leaders are turning to agencies for assistant recruitment, such as Smart and Talented, to streamline the hiring process.
Why an executive assistant is worth the investment
Whether you need a personal assistant to manage your daily life or an executive assistant to support your business operations, hiring the right person is no longer a luxury — it’s an efficiency strategy.
When managed properly, hiring an executive assistant allows business owners to step back from the routine and focus on what drives growth.
Current salary expectations in 2024
💼 Entry-level personal assistant: €400–€700/month equivalent (varies by region).
💼 Mid-level executive assistant (2–3 years’ experience): €800–€1,500/month.
💼 Premium candidates (5+ years, languages, international experience): €1,500–€3,000/month and above.
When starting your search for a personal or executive assistant, it’s important to recognize that compensation expectations vary depending on the complexity of the tasks and the candidate’s skill set.
Why work with assistant recruitment agencies
Sourcing an assistant independently can be time-consuming and risky. That’s why more leaders today prefer to work with specialized agencies for assistant recruitment.
For example, Smart and Talented is a notable agency helping business owners navigate the search for an executive assistant, offering candidate assessments that include soft skills, discretion, and alignment with leadership style.
What influences assistant salaries
✅ Scope of responsibilities (purely personal vs. executive-level business support)
✅ Decision-making autonomy and project management capability
✅ Language skills and international work experience
✅ Flexibility and availability
✅ Proven discretion and confidentiality standards
The cost of hiring through an agency
Typically, agencies for assistant recruitment charge between 15%–25% of the candidate’s annual compensation as a recruitment fee. While this is an upfront investment, it ensures that the candidate meets your needs, reducing the risk of a costly mis-hire — especially important when dealing with confidential business and personal matters.
Key takeaways
🔹 Salary expectations for executive assistants today range from €400 to €3,000+ per month depending on the profile and requirements.
🔹 Professional recruitment agencies help entrepreneurs streamline the search for a personal or executive assistant, saving time and reducing hiring risks.
🔹 Delegating operational and personal tasks is an essential step for leaders who want to focus on growth and strategy.
Whether you need a personal assistant, are planning the hiring of an executive assistant, or are simply curious about current market rates, knowing the benchmarks helps you make informed decisions.