If you’re considering hiring a travelling PA, you’re likely aiming for seamless support wherever you go. A travel PA handles both personal and professional tasks, often on a global scale, and brings unparalleled flexibility and skill to the role. But how much should you pay to secure top talent?
This guide reveals the typical salary range for a travelling PA and explores the key factors influencing what a competitive offer looks like for such a unique role.
What is the Average Salary of a Travel PA?
On average, a travelling PA can expect a salary range between £60,000 and £140,000, depending on experience, client demands and location.
This salary reflects not only the skill and adaptability required but also the personal commitment to constant travel - a significant lifestyle consideration.
Those supporting ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) or relocating to an overseas destination may see higher compensation, especially for roles with 24/7 availability. This competitive range reflects the adaptability and high level of trust required for the role.
What Factors Affect a Travel PA Salary?
Several key considerations impact how much a travelling PA earns, reflecting the unique demands of this role. These factors underscore how a travel personal assistant’s salary reflects the unique blend of adaptability, commitment and skill required to support high-net-worth individuals on a global scale.
Here are some of the main factors:
1. Relocation Requirements
Positions requiring relocation - particularly to high-cost or faraway locations - usually offer higher salaries. When a role requires a candidate to relocate, salaries can be more competitive to account for moving expenses, adapting to new environments and committing to life abroad.
In addition, these roles might include relocation packages, accommodation stipends or bonuses as incentives.
2. Extent and Frequency of Travel
The frequency of travel greatly affects a PA’s compensation. PAs who travel frequently or have little advance notice of upcoming trips are generally compensated more for the high flexibility required. For instance, some positions might entail jet-setting multiple times per month or staying on standby for last-minute changes.
Such demanding schedules impact the PA's personal life, increasing the need for additional compensation to match the role's high level of commitment. The more demanding the travel schedule, the higher the compensation.
3. Type of Travel
The nature of travel - whether national or international and whether short or long haul - also affects pay. Frequent long-haul trips, particularly those requiring adaptation across multiple time zones, involve greater lifestyle adjustments and can command higher salaries. In contrast, PAs primarily travelling within one country or for short-haul trips may see a slightly lower salary bracket.
4. Seniority and Level of Experience
PAs with extensive experience supporting high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) or ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) often command higher salaries. Seasoned professionals are adept at anticipating their client’s needs, handling complex itineraries and travel arrangements, and managing relationships with discretion.
More senior PAs may also be expected to act as gatekeepers or confidants or even be required to step in at board level on occasion, increasing their value.
Those with specialised experience in certain fields (such as luxury fashion, tech, or finance) can expect salaries that reflect this expertise.
5. Role Expectations and Hours
The scope of responsibilities also impacts pay. Some travelling PA roles require round-the-clock availability, with on-call hours that include weekends or holidays. If a role involves managing both personal and professional tasks or overseeing additional staff, this expanded scope results in higher pay.
Responsibilities like coordinating multi-leg international travel, liaising with business associates or managing multiple luxury properties in different countries require a high degree of organisation and trust, justifying a higher salary.
6. Niche Skills and Specialised Knowledge
Unique skills can further increase a travel PA’s earning potential. For instance, multilingual PAs, culturally knowledgeable about specific countries, or skilled in luxury lifestyle management (such as sourcing exclusive events or handling high-end concierge services) are often more valuable.
Familiarity with financial management, personal security, luxury goods or a local market can be highly desirable for employers, adding a premium to the PA’s salary.
7. Personality Fit and Compatibility
While less measurable, a PA’s compatibility with the employer’s lifestyle, values and personal preferences can play a role in salary negotiation. PAs who fit seamlessly with a high-profile client’s family or professional circle may receive higher pay due to the increased level of trust and interpersonal compatibility. In roles where personal dynamics are crucial, this “fit factor” can often tip the scale in determining competitive compensation.
Ready to Hire a Travelling PA? Here’s How We Can Help
At Oriel Partners, we specialise in sourcing exceptional personal assistants who bring flexibility, discretion and expertise to every role. Visit our Private PA Recruitment page to learn how we can help you find your perfect travelling PA. We can help you define your ideal role profile as well as offer advice on a competitive salary. Alternatively, explore our relevant blog articles:
