What does an executive assistant do?
What is an executive assistant? An executive assistant (EA) is a highly skilled professional who supports senior executives in managing their daily responsibilities. They act as a strategic partner, handling…
If you’re thinking about hiring a personal assistant (PA) to help streamline your work schedule and relieve you of daily tasks, you may be wondering how much it costs to hire a personal assistant in the UK?
The guide below helps to break down the average costs associated with hiring a PA and what influences salary.
To learn more about what a personal assistant is, read our guide.
Average Cost to Hire a Personal Assistant in the UK
| Type of Personal Assistant | Average Hourly Rate | Average Annual Salary |
| Entry Level PA (0-2 years) | £14-£20 | £28,000-£40,000 |
| Experienced PA (3-5 years) | £20-£30 | £40,000-£60,000 |
| Executive Assistant or High- Level PA | £25-£35+ | £50,000-£75,000 |
| Virtual Assistant (Freelance/Remote) | £20-£35+ | Varies based on contract |
Note: Salaries in London and other major cities may be higher due to living and travel costs.
If you’re looking to hire a personal assistant, we can connect you with outstanding candidates.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
1. Location
When it comes to hiring in major cities in the UK, this often equates to higher salary costs due to the increased costs of living and greater competition for top talent.
2. Experience Level
It’s not unusual that the more experience someone has, the higher their salary expectations. If you’re hiring a personal assistant with many years of experience for a demanding role, you should expect to pay a top salary.
A PA with more experience will likely hit the ground running without the need for much training. If you’re expecting more support outside of the 9-5, PA’s on a higher salaries will be more willing to work a surplus of hours.
3. Duties and Scope
If you’re looking to hire a PA responsible for tasks outside a PA’s usual scope, such as booking travel or running personal errands, you should expect to pay a higher salary. Ensure you include the expectations of your future PA in the job description, or learn about the different types of PAs to understand what to look for so your needs are met.
4. Full-Time, Part-Time, or Freelance
The cost of hiring a PA will also depend on the contract type. A full-time or part-time PA will expect benefits such as an annual leave allowance, pension payments, or parental support. These are all important investments if you’re looking to retain long-term staff. If you don’t need a full-time PA, freelance or virtual assistants are a lower-cost alternative.
What Should You Include in a Job Profile?
When looking to hire a PA, it’s essential to ensure the job description fully outlines everything you’re looking for in a personal assistant. Read our complete guide on how to write a job description for a personal assistant
Job title
Before choosing a job title, you need to understand whether you’re looking for a personal assistant, executive assistant, or private PA.
Location
Your job description should cover the location of the role, whether that is in the office, hybrid or remote. If there is an expectation to travel, it’s vital to disclose this at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.
Salary range
It’s beneficial to include a salary in the job description for both parties. This will ensure applications are more closely matched to your expectations, and there’s no time wasted if it’s not disclosed until later. If you’re unsure of the salary, a recruiter should be able to advise you or you can refer to our latest Salary and Benefits Review for industry-specific averages.
Working hours
Working hours should be included in the job description as this will highlight whether to role is to be full-time, part-time, or flexible. Additionally, if candidates have additional commitments, such as children to care for, it’s important to disclose the hours of the day they’re expected to be online or in the office.
Duties
You should include the day-to-day duties required and everything they are expected to be involved in. It’s important that this is tailored to your specific needs, rather than a generic outline.
Required experience
Depending on the responsibilities and pace of the job, it’s normal to expect prior experience. The number of years of experience is dependent on how much training you’re prepared to offer. For example, if you’re looking for a highly proficient PA who will be ready to go from day one, ensure you list 10+ years of experience under requirements. Make sure to list out specific areas you need them to be experienced in e.g. travel, administration or diary management.
Benefits
It’s important to include the benefits that come with the role. This could include bonuses, pension and training opportunities. Sometimes top talent will compromise on salary if there are additional bonuses that they value more.
Looking to Hire a PA?
Tiger Recruitment offers tailored solutions to help you hire a personal assistant for business or your private household.
FAQs
How much does a personal assistant cost in the UK?
The cost of a personal assistant can range depending on experience and the role itself. Salaries typically range from £28,000 to £75,000+ annually.
How much is a PA paid per hour UK?
The hourly rate depends entirely on the experience level of the PA and the scope of the role. Hourly rates can vary from £14 to over £40 per hour.
Is it worth it to hire a personal assistant?
If you’re overwhelmed by admin tasks or communications, a personal assistant can be a very valuable asset to enable you to save time, increase productivity and improve the balance of work. Find out why hiring a PA is a smart investment by reading our guide.
If you are looking for support with your household or family office, we also specialise in private personal assistant recruitment.
How much do you charge as a personal assistant?
If you’re a PA wondering how much to charge, it depends completely on your experience and service type. Many freelancers often set their own rates, and these are typically between £15 to £35 per hour.
