A personal assistant’s salary can vary considerably depending on experience, location, sector and the seniority of the person they support. While many PA roles sit within a standard salary range, the most experienced assistants can command significantly higher packages, particularly in London, private households and senior business environments.
In this guide, we explore the highest PA salary available in the UK, the roles and sectors that offer the greatest earning potential, and how to progress towards the top of the market.
What Is the Average PA Salary in the UK?
A typical personal assistant salary in the UK ranges from approximately £30,000 to £45,000, depending on experience and location. In London, salaries are often higher, with experienced PAs commonly earning between £40,000 and £60,000.
However, averages only show the middle of the market. A PA supporting a senior executive, high-net-worth individual or family office may earn considerably more. Responsibilities such as international travel, household management, confidential business support and out-of-hours availability can all affect the overall package.
For an up-to-date view of market rates, consult the Bain and Gray salary survey.
What Is the Highest Salary a PA Can Earn?
The highest PA salary in the UK can reach £100,000 or more, although six-figure packages are reserved for a small number of highly experienced professionals in demanding roles.
At this level, the position may involve far more than diary management and administration. Senior PAs may be expected to manage complex international travel, oversee multiple properties, coordinate staff, handle sensitive information and act as a trusted adviser to their principal.
The total package can also include:
- Annual bonuses.
- Private healthcare and pension contributions.
- Accommodation or travel allowances.
- Additional holiday.
- Flexible or international working arrangements.
As a result, base salary does not always reflect the full value of a senior PA position.
Which PA Roles Pay the Most?
Job title alone is not always a reliable guide to salary. The seniority, profile and expectations of the person being supported are often more significant.
Private and Family Office PAs
Private PAs supporting high-net-worth individuals and family offices can earn between £50,000 and £90,000, with exceptional roles reaching six figures.
These positions often combine professional and personal responsibilities, including property, staff, travel and event management. Discretion, flexibility and international mobility are essential, particularly where the role involves extensive travel or availability outside conventional working hours.
Executive Assistants and Chief of Staff Roles
An experienced executive assistant supporting a board-level leader may earn between £60,000 and £90,000, particularly within private equity, investment banking, law or technology.
Chief of staff positions can attract salaries of £80,000 to £150,000 or more. Unlike a traditional executive assistant, a chief of staff often helps shape priorities, manage strategic projects and coordinate senior stakeholders. It is frequently the highest-paid progression route for an assistant moving into strategic work.
Celebrity and Entertainment PAs
Celebrity PA salary packages can vary significantly. These roles may pay from approximately £45,000 to £80,000 or more, depending on the profile of the client and the level of travel, discretion and availability required.
The premium reflects unsocial hours and an unpredictable working pattern rather than administrative responsibilities alone. These opportunities are relatively scarce and are often filled through trusted professional networks. Read our guide on how to become a celebrity PA.
How Can You Increase Your PA Salary?
The strongest ways to improve your earning potential include:
- Building experience supporting senior executives or private clients.
- Developing sector expertise in areas such as finance, law or technology.
- Gaining board-level governance and project management experience.
- Developing advanced digital and technical skills.
- Speaking an additional language.
- Remaining flexible about travel, working hours and location.
It is also important to demonstrate the value you already deliver. At interview or during a salary review, quantify the complexity of the diaries, budgets, teams and stakeholders you manage.
Before negotiating, use reliable market data to benchmark your expectations. Our guide to negotiating your next salary offers further practical advice.
How Bain and Gray Can Help
Bain and Gray places experienced personal and executive assistants with leading businesses and private clients across London. Our consultants can support you with market benchmarking, career advice, interview preparation and access to opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
Explore our current PA jobs in London, or get in touch with Bain and Gray to discuss your next career move.
