Post job

What is an executive assistant to chief executive officer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

An executive assistant to a chief executive officer (CEO) is an executive-level employee within an organization who supports the CEO.

They are primarily responsible for performing administrative tasks like answering calls and emails, scheduling meetings and travel, and writing memos. They may also be responsible for researching and writing reports that can affect company policies. In some cases, they may be responsible for training and supervising office staff.

An executive assistant to the CEO needs to have a deep understanding of what their employer does and act as a liaison on their behalf. They will generally serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external contacts on all matters pertaining to the CEO, including content that may be highly confidential or critical in nature.

Skills that are important for an executive assistant to a CEO include time management, critical thinking, and moderation skills. It is also highly preferred that they have technical proficiencies and problem-solving skills. It is also extremely important that they have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

To become an executive assistant to a CEO, you will need at least a bachelor's degree, although many companies prefer a minimum of a master's degree. In some sectors, an executive assistant to a CEO is expected to have an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. and at least 5 years of experience.

ScoreExecutive Assistant To Chief Executive OfficerUS Average
Salary
5.5

Avg. Salary $70,995

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
3.6

Growth rate -8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40%

Asian 5.00%

Black or African American 7.62%

Hispanic or Latino 11.22%

Unknown 4.80%

White 70.97%

Gender

female 87.31%

male 12.69%

Age - 51
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 51
Stress level
3.6

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.7

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.9

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Executive assistant to chief executive officer career paths

Key steps to become an executive assistant to chief executive officer

  1. Explore executive assistant to chief executive officer education requirements

    Most common executive assistant to chief executive officer degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.9 %

    Associate

    18.1 %

    Master's

    7.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific executive assistant to chief executive officer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    PowerPoint11.68%
    Financial Reports7.15%
    Calendar Management6.51%
    Conference Calls4.37%
    Event Planning4.34%
  3. Complete relevant executive assistant to chief executive officer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New executive assistant to chief executive officers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an executive assistant to chief executive officer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real executive assistant to chief executive officer resumes.
  4. Research executive assistant to chief executive officer duties and responsibilities

    • Lead and achieve the implementation of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 initiatives within three months.
    • Manage and maintain a heavy calendar for two c-level executives to include travel and expense reports.
    • Manage and complete general office duties and assist with timely completion of business payroll.
    • Manage and oversee marketing SharePoint site to ensure all organizational documents and communications are post timely.
  5. Get executive assistant to chief executive officer experience

    Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become an executive assistant to chief executive officer. The most common roles before becoming an executive assistant to chief executive officer include executive assistant, administrative assistant team lead and assistant to executive vice president.
  6. Prepare your executive assistant to chief executive officer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your executive assistant to chief executive officer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an executive assistant to chief executive officer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable executive assistant to chief executive officer resume templates

    Build a professional executive assistant to chief executive officer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your executive assistant to chief executive officer resume.
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
    Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer Resume
  7. Apply for executive assistant to chief executive officer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an executive assistant to chief executive officer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first executive assistant to chief executive officer job

Zippi

Are you an executive assistant to chief executive officer?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average executive assistant to chief executive officer salary

The average executive assistant to chief executive officer salary in the United States is $70,995 per year or $34 per hour. Executive assistant to chief executive officer salaries range between $49,000 and $101,000 per year.

Average executive assistant to chief executive officer salary
$70,995 Yearly
$34.13 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do executive assistant to chief executive officers rate their job?

5/5

Based on 1 ratings

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Executive assistant to chief executive officer reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2024
Pros

Depending on the org & boss, can be a nice variety & challenges

Cons

Depending on the org & boss, position can become stale & boxed in


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

Working on special projects and data collection for division chief medical officer

Cons

Scheduling meetings


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

I enjoy the diversity of assignments.

Cons

Micromanagement from our umbrella agency.


Working as an executive assistant to chief executive officer? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse office and administrative jobs