As the co-founder of Oriel Partners, I’ve spent years placing talented personal assistants in roles that match their skills and ambitions. PA roles are highly sought after in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to being varied and rewarding, PA work can be a lucrative career with many opportunities for progression.PA roles are highly sought after in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to being varied and rewarding, PA work can be a lucrative career with many opportunities for progression.
In this article, I’ll take you on a whistle-stop tour of personal assistant salaries in different parts of the UK. I’ll also share some pearls of wisdom along the way when it comes to getting a foot on – and moving on up – the PA career ladder.
Personal Assistant Average Salary UK By Region
A salary for a personal assistant can vary depending on where you work. London is by far the region with the highest salaries, with the average personal assistant earning an annual salary of £45,500. Of course, how much you get paid also depends on the sector the business operates in, its budget, your responsibilities and your experience as a PA.
How Much Does A Personal Assistant Get Paid?
PA jobs pay differently based on where you are located in the UK. Below, I've listed the average UK personal assistant salary by location:
London: £45,500
Wales: £30,500
Scotland: £30,350
East of England: £29,000
South East of England: £33,000
West Midlands: £29,000
When researching roles, you might encounter a full- or part-time personal assistant hourly rate, and these positions tend to be temporary. Like salaries, hourly rates can vary from minimum wage to much higher, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Celebrity personal assistant salary estimates come in at an average of £71,000, while the highest-paid personal assistants for private individuals can earn upwards of £72,000.
The infographic below outlines a range of London PA & administrative support roles by salary. There are a variety of salary options, from reception roles starting at £28,000 p.a. to Chief of Staff roles that can reach upwards of £165,000 p.a. and private PA roles that can reach upwards of £85,000 p.a. This spectrum of salaries is an important consideration for prospective candidates.
Image source: Oriel Partners
How To Get A Pay Rise As A Personal Assistant
To establish yourself as an excellent personal assistant, you should demonstrate you have the following skills:
- Organisation.
- Time management.
- Good written and verbal communication.
- Attention to detail.
- Knowledge of relevant software systems.
Get a full list of the PA skills employers look for here.
Along with being competent in the role, it’s just as important to embody traits like discretion, a willingness to learn new things and a proactive approach to challenges. If you’re looking for a pay rise, understanding the average salary can also help inform your negotiations.
You could also tell your employer that you’re interested in working towards a more senior role within the company. Be open to taking on more responsibilities (within reason) and keep a diary of your achievements so that you can reference them when requesting a raise.
Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with PAs who were unsure how to negotiate their starting salary. I remember one candidate who was about to accept an offer significantly below market rate simply because she didn’t want to seem ‘difficult.’ After we discussed the role’s responsibilities and industry benchmarks, she went back with a confident counteroffer - and secured a £7,000 increase. It’s always worth knowing your value and being prepared to have that conversation upfront.
I’ve written a blog specifically on how to negotiate a pay rise if you want to delve deeper into this.
Changing Faces: Virtual Assistant vs. Personal Assistant
Although many executives require in-person assistance, a growing number are employing professional PAs to work for them virtually. A virtual PA carries out many of the same tasks a traditional PA does remotely – from home or a shared office such as a coworking space.
The average salary for a full-time virtual assistant in the United Kingdom is £55,000. Bear in mind that salaries can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the role. Permanent or temporary, self-employed or employed, full or part-time – all these things make a difference.
Check out our virtual assistant job board here.
Becoming A Virtual PA
Even though the work is carried out in a remote context, a virtual PA’s role is still incredibly varied. As a virtual PA, you can expect to handle:
- Administrative tasks.
- Diary management.
- Research and reports.
- Organising virtual (or in-person) meetings.
- Arranging events and conferences.
You’ll need to embody all of the skills and traits of a traditional PA, and then some. Because you’ll be working from home, you’ll have to be particularly adept at self-motivation, time management and problem-solving. Excellent communication skills are essential when it comes to building a rapport with your employer in a virtual role.
If you think becoming a virtual PA might be for you, why not browse the key skills employers look for when hiring a VA.
PA Career Goals – Reaching The Top
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing candidates flourish. I once placed a junior PA who was eager to learn and had a fantastic attitude. Within three years, she was promoted to an EA role supporting a high-profile CEO, doubling her salary in the process. It’s proof that with the right mix of skills, determination, and the right opportunities, career progression in this field can be incredibly fast-paced.
While most PAs begin their career in an entry-level position within an organisation, there are many different ways to get your foot on the ladder. You can undertake a relevant university, college or apprenticeship course or gain experience and work your way into the role.
Most PAs begin their career in an entry-level position within an organisation. There are many different ways to get your foot on the ladder. You can undertake a relevant university, college or apprenticeship course or gain experience and work your way into the role.
Once you’ve established yourself as a PA, progression within the role can be super quick. With hard work and dedication, you might end up in a senior position managing junior staff or become a PA (or EA) for a more senior person within the organisation.
As you’ll have an insight into how the business/sector operates, you could also segway into another career, such as HR, marketing or management. Some PAs go on to start their own PA support agencies or opt for the VA route and work remotely for multiple clients.
Learn more about the difference between PA and EA roles here.
Looking For A PA role? Talk To Us
If you’re looking to kickstart your PA career or find that ‘perfect’ senior position, get in touch with the Oriel Partners team, and we’ll help you. We match dedicated PAs with boutique firms, growing companies and prestigious households in London.
Feel free to explore our current PA jobs board. When you get in touch, one of our senior consultants will talk you through the finer details of the role and introduce you to other opportunities you might be interested in and qualified for.
You may also find it helpful to browse our CV advice and templates and our sample PA interview questions and answers. Our PA podcast also covers many topics you may find motivational for your career.
