Executive Assistant Jobs in Australia (2025): Salaries, Skills, and Hiring Tips

What Is an Executive Assistant?

An Executive Assistant (EA) is a vital support professional who keeps senior executives—like CEOs or CFOs—organized and effective. Picture yourself managing complex calendars, booking international travel, coordinating high-stakes meetings, drafting professional correspondence, or acting as the go-between for key stakeholders. Unlike traditional administrative roles, modern EAs often take on strategic tasks, such as project management or communication planning, making them indispensable partners in business, according to Investopedia.

EA vs. PA vs. Office Manager

Not all assistant roles are the same. A Personal Assistant (PA) typically handles personal tasks, like scheduling family events or running errands. An Office Manager oversees the entire workplace, managing staff and facilities. EAs, however, focus on professional support for executives, requiring business acumen and often strategic insight. The demand for EAs who can manage projects or support C-level leaders is growing, with Reddit users noting they're seen as "key strategic partners" rather than just admins, as shared on r/AusPublicService. Want to showcase your EA skills? Use our Resume Builder to craft a standout resume, or explore similar roles in our guide to administrative assistant jobs.

Types of Employers Hiring Executive Assistants

Executive Assistants are in demand across Australia's diverse industries. Whether you're in Melbourne or Perth, here's who's hiring in 2025:

• Government Departments: The Australian Public Service (APS) and state agencies, like those on IWorkForNSW, need EAs for senior officials. Learn more in our guide to APS jobs.
• Large Corporations: Banking (e.g., Westpac), tech, mining, and retail giants, with roles listed on SEEK. Retail EAs might also explore opportunities at Woolworths or Coles.
• Legal and Consulting Firms: Firms like PwC and Deloitte hire EAs for leadership support, as seen on LinkedIn.
• Startups: Often seeking virtual or hybrid EAs to support founders, offering flexible roles ideal for remote work enthusiasts.
• Nonprofits and Universities: These organizations need EAs for administrative and stakeholder tasks, frequently advertised on Indeed.

Curious about other sectors? Check out our career blog for insights into industries like mining or retail.

Executive Assistant Salaries in Australia (2025)

Salaries for Executive Assistants in 2025 vary by experience, location, and employer. Here's what you can expect, based on recent data:

These figures align with industry insights: the average EA salary is around $79,120, according to PayScale, while SEEK reports $85,000–$105,000, with Sydney roles averaging $105,014, per SEEK and Glassdoor. Urban hubs like Sydney and Melbourne offer higher pay due to living costs, and government or corporate roles may include perks like superannuation, as noted by Hays. For salary comparisons, explore high-paying careers in our guide to jobs over $100K.

Top Skills Employers Seek in Executive Assistants

To shine as an EA in 2025, you need a mix of technical and soft skills. Here's what employers want, per The EA Campus:

• Technical Skills: Mastery of MS Office, Google Workspace, and tools like Outlook, Zoom, Trello, or Asana. Familiarity with CRMs or project management software is a plus.
• Communication: Clear written and verbal skills for emails, reports, and stakeholder interactions, as emphasized by Hays.
• Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and juggling deadlines for busy executives.
• Discretion: Handling sensitive info with confidentiality, a must for trust, per Glassdoor reviews.
• Problem-Solving: Anticipating issues and acting proactively, a top trait in interviews.
• Adaptability: Learning new tech, like AI tools, to stay competitive.

Want to highlight these skills? Build a tailored resume with our Resume Builder or explore related roles like data entry jobs for similar skillsets.

Qualifications and Training for Executive Assistants

No degree is required to become an EA, but qualifications can boost your edge. Consider a Certificate IV or Diploma in Business Administration, valued by employers, per SEEK. Specialized courses from the EA Institute or Australian Institute of Management (AIM) enhance credentials. Experience often trumps formal education, with many EAs starting in junior roles, as shared on Reddit. For more on building credentials, visit our career blog.

Where to Find Executive Assistant Jobs

Ready to start your EA job hunt? Here are the best platforms for 2025:

• Job Boards: SEEK, Indeed, Jora, and LinkedIn, with thousands of listings, like those on SEEK.
• Government Portals: APS Jobs, IWorkForNSW, and local council sites, per IWorkForNSW. See our guide to IWorkForNSW jobs.
• Temp Agencies: Hudson, Hays, Robert Half, and Randstad for contract roles, as listed by Hays.
• Company Websites: Check career pages of corporations or government agencies, often linked on LinkedIn.

Explore more job search tips in our career blog or browse local listings via Gumtree jobs.

Tips for Getting Hired as an Executive Assistant

Stand out in the competitive EA market with these strategies, recommended by Hays:

1. Tailor Your Resume: Highlight soft skills (e.g., communication) and tech proficiency (e.g., MS Office). Use our Resume Builder to impress.
2. Showcase Experience: Emphasize past support for executives or teams, per Indeed.
3. Prepare for Interviews: Demonstrate discretion and initiative with examples of handling pressure, as advised on Glassdoor.
4. Secure References: Strong endorsements from executives add credibility.
5. Network: Connect on LinkedIn and explore temp roles to build contacts, per Randstad.

Need resume tips? Check our career blog for job application advice.

Advice for Overseas Applicants

Want to work as an EA in Australia from abroad? Here's how to break in, based on Reddit insights:

• Target Remote Roles: Seek virtual EA jobs with startups, as visa sponsorship is rare, like those in our remote jobs guide.
• Highlight Global Experience: Showcase international business support and strong English skills.
• Research Visas: The TSS 482 visa may work if sponsored, but it's uncommon for EAs.
• Network Strategically: Use LinkedIn to connect with Australian firms open to remote support.

For more on remote work, explore virtual assistant jobs.

Career Growth Opportunities for Executive Assistants

An EA role can lead to exciting paths, per Altitude EA:

• Senior EA: Support CEOs or boards with higher pay and responsibility.
• Office Manager: Oversee operations, leveraging organizational skills.
• Chief of Staff: Take on strategic roles in startups, as noted by Hays.
• Business Analyst/HR: Transition to analytical or people-focused roles.

Interested in related fields? Explore HR jobs or operations manager roles for growth paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a degree to become an executive assistant? No, experience and skills like organization and communication are often more important, though certifications can help.
• What skills are essential for an EA in 2025? Key skills include MS Office, time management, communication, discretion, and adaptability to tools like Trello or Zoom.
• Where can I find EA jobs in Australia? Check SEEK, LinkedIn, IWorkForNSW, APS Jobs, or temp agencies like Hays and Randstad.
• Can overseas applicants get EA jobs in Australia? Yes, but focus on remote roles or secure a TSS 482 visa, as sponsorship is rare.