The honest answer is that Executive Assistant cost depends on the model you choose, and the sticker price is only part of the story. Here is what each option actually costs, and the hidden costs that catch people off guard.
Local full-time Executive Assistant
A skilled local, full-time EA in North America generally runs from a high five-figure to low six-figure salary, plus payroll taxes, benefits, software, equipment, and management time. It is the most expensive option, and you carry the full cost of a bad hire.
Freelance marketplace
Hourly freelancers can look cheap up front, often billed by the hour with no floor. The tradeoff is your time: you become the recruiter, trainer, and manager, quality varies, and continuity is fragile when a freelancer moves on. It works for occasional tasks, not for a dependable right hand.
Managed offshore staffing
A managed staffing agency places a dedicated, trained remote EA for a flat monthly fee, typically a fraction of a full-time local salary. Screening, testing, training, and ongoing support are included, so you are not paying to run a hiring process or absorb turnover.
What actually drives the cost
A few factors move the number more than anything else:
- Scope and seniority: a Chief of Staff costs more than a task-focused assistant.
- Full-time versus fractional hours.
- Whether screening, training, and management are included or on you.
- Turnover: replacing a hire is one of the largest hidden costs.
The hidden costs to watch for
The line-item price rarely reflects the true cost. Factor in the hours you spend recruiting and managing, the ramp time before someone is productive, and the risk of starting over if it does not work out. A model that includes screening, training, and a replacement guarantee removes most of that hidden cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cheaper Executive Assistant worth it?
Not if the low price comes from skipping screening and training. The cost of a bad hire, in wasted time and lost momentum, dwarfs the monthly savings. Pay for vetted, trained talent with support behind it.
Does KeyPlayers publish pricing?
Pricing is scoped to your business on a call, because scope and seniority vary. What we can tell you up front: it is a fraction of one full-time local hire and includes screening, training, an AI workspace, and a lifetime replacement guarantee.
What is included in a managed Executive Assistant fee?
A good managed placement includes the dedicated assistant, screening and training, an AI workspace built on your business, a client success team, and a replacement guarantee, all in the monthly fee.
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