The executive assistants earning $100K+ from their home offices aren't competing with 500 applicants on Indeed. They're getting hired through a hidden job market most candidates don't know exists.
Here's what nobody tells you about remote executive assistant jobs: the best opportunities rarely hit public job boards. Premium agencies like Boldly are highly selective. BELAY puts candidates through a structured vetting process. These agencies serve executives who need trusted support—and they're looking for something specific that most job seekers completely miss.
At Remote Job Assistant, we track hiring patterns across 50+ remote-first companies—and executive assistant roles have one of the biggest gaps between what candidates expect and what actually gets them hired. In our Q4 2024 tracking, public job boards were a minority of sources; most EA postings originated on employer or agency career pages. The implication? If you're only checking Indeed, you're missing most of the market.
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We monitor executive assistant and executive business partner postings across 50 remote-friendly employers and major EA agencies, de-duplicate reposts, and categorize each by source: company careers page, premium agency careers page, or public job board syndication. This gives us a directional view of where EA roles actually get posted—though hiring outcomes may differ.
HBR has written about the "hidden job market" broadly—the idea that many roles get filled through internal candidates, referrals, or prior finalists before they ever make it to public job boards. Our tracking suggests EA roles skew even more toward direct sources, likely because the role requires trust and discretion that companies prefer to vet through targeted channels.
This guide breaks down everything: who's hiring, what they pay, and exactly how to position yourself for the roles that don't show up in your Indeed alerts.
What Remote Executive Assistants Actually Earn
Let's kill the fantasy numbers and talk reality. Remote executive assistant salaries vary dramatically based on who you work for and how you get hired.
According to Glassdoor's remote executive assistant salary data, here's what remote executive assistants typically earn across experience levels:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level EA | $45,000 - $55,000 | 0-2 years, general admin background |
| Mid-Level EA | $55,000 - $75,000 | 3-5 years, some executive exposure |
| Senior EA | $75,000 - $100,000 | 5-10 years, C-suite support experience |
| Executive EA (C-Suite) | $100,000 - $140,000 | 10+ years, Fortune 500 or equivalent |
Ranges are approximate and vary by company size, industry, and location. Senior/executive ranges often reflect premium agency placements or direct Fortune 500 hires.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for secretaries and administrative assistants was $47,460 in May 2024. Remote EA roles—especially executive-level support through premium agencies—often land above the broader admin median.
Some remote EA positions include performance bonuses, health insurance, 401(k) matching, and professional development stipends. Boldly is known for offering W2 employment with benefits—relatively rare in the virtual assistant space. Most other agencies, including BELAY, typically operate on contractor models. Always confirm employment classification and benefits before accepting.
The highest-paying remote executive assistant jobs share three characteristics: they support C-level executives, they're sourced through premium agencies or direct company hire, and they require 5+ years of corporate experience.
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The Hidden Job Market: Premium EA Agencies
Here's where remote executive assistant hiring gets interesting. The best-paying, most stable positions rarely appear on job boards. They flow through a network of premium staffing agencies that match experienced EAs with executives who need high-level support.
Why do these agencies exist? Because hiring an executive assistant is personal. Executives need someone who can manage confidential information, anticipate needs, and represent them professionally. They don't want to sort through 500 Indeed applications—they want a vetted professional who's ready to perform from day one.
Boldly — Highly selective, with a rigorous vetting process focused on candidates with Fortune 500 or equivalent backgrounds. Boldly hires W2 employees (not contractors) and provides benefits. Their EAs typically have 10-15 years of experience. Rates vary by role and experience; see their current job listings for posted ranges. Best fit for candidates who've supported C-suite executives at major corporations.
BELAY — U.S.-based virtual assistant company with nearly 1,800 team members. BELAY provides dedicated VAs and relationship managers for a personalized experience. Their model is typically contractor-based (1099). Rates vary by role and experience; check their careers page for current openings and compensation details.
Time Etc — Focuses on matching executives with experienced assistants who have an average of 12 years in EA/admin roles. No minimum commitments, which appeals to executives testing remote support. Offers flexibility for both clients and assistants.
Prialto — Managed virtual assistant service with dedicated VAs, backup support, and engagement managers. Their assistants are full-time staff with training. Offers fractional services starting at 55 hours/month or full-time dedicated assistants.
Understanding the difference between contractor and employee positions matters more than most candidates realize.
| Factor | W2 Employee | 1099 Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Often includes health insurance, 401(k), PTO | Typically none provided |
| Tax Handling | Employer withholds taxes | You pay quarterly estimated taxes |
| Job Security | Generally more stable | Can be ended with shorter notice |
| Hourly Rate | Lower gross, but net often similar | Higher gross, but you cover all taxes |
| Legal Protection | Employment laws apply | Fewer protections |
Boldly is known for W2 employment. BELAY and most other platforms typically use 1099 contractor arrangements. Always confirm classification before accepting any role.
These agencies screen heavily to protect client relationships. One poor match can cost them a long-term engagement. They prioritize EAs who can operate with minimal supervision, handle confidential information with discretion, and represent executives professionally. The bar is high—but so is the stability and compensation for those who clear it.
15 Companies That Regularly Hire Remote Executive Assistants
Beyond premium agencies, many companies hire remote executive assistants directly. Here are 15 that regularly post remote EA positions, organized by industry.
Company information last reviewed: December 2024. Verify current openings on each company's careers page.
Tech Companies
1. GitLab — Fully remote since founding. GitLab hires executive business partners and administrative coordinators across time zones. They publish their entire employee handbook publicly, so you can see exactly how they operate before applying. Strong preference for async communication skills. → Where to check: gitlab.com/jobs — search "executive assistant" or "executive business partner"
2. Canonical — The company behind Ubuntu regularly posts remote executive assistant positions. They're one of the pioneering remote-first tech companies with employees in 75+ countries. Executive support roles focus on engineering and product leadership. → Where to check: canonical.com/careers — search "executive assistant"
3. Zapier — Async-first culture with strong remote infrastructure. Executive assistant roles support leadership team members. Known for excellent documentation practices—a skill they value in EA candidates. → Where to check: zapier.com/jobs — search "executive" or "assistant"
4. HubSpot — Marketing software company offering administrative positions supporting sales and customer success teams. Strong preference for candidates familiar with CRM platforms. → Where to check: hubspot.com/careers — search "executive assistant" or "administrative"
5. Notion — Regularly posts remote support and administrative roles. The company's product is a productivity tool, so they expect EAs to be power users of modern workplace software. → Where to check: notion.so/careers — search "executive" or "operations"
Healthcare & Insurance
6. UnitedHealth Group — One of the largest employers of remote administrative assistants. Roles include medical secretary positions, claims processing coordination, and executive support. Benefits package is comprehensive. → Where to check: careers.unitedhealthgroup.com — search "executive assistant" or "administrative assistant remote"
7. CVS Health — Remote customer service and administrative coordinator roles supporting pharmacy and healthcare operations. Good entry point for candidates interested in healthcare administration. → Where to check: jobs.cvshealth.com — search "executive assistant" or "admin" + filter for remote
8. Humana — Administrative and support services division consistently posts remote positions. Many roles involve coordinating care services and managing provider relationships. → Where to check: careers.humana.com — search "executive assistant" or "administrative" + remote filter
Premium Staffing Agencies (For EA Candidates)
9. Boldly — Apply directly if you have 7+ years of executive support experience, preferably at Fortune 500 companies. The interview process is rigorous but the positions are stable and well-compensated. W2 employment with benefits. → Where to check: boldly.com/jobs — look for "Executive Assistant" openings
10. BELAY — Check for current openings and state availability (restrictions have applied in some states). They look for experienced EAs with 5+ years of experience. Typically uses a contractor model. → Where to check: belaysolutions.com/jobs — search "Virtual Assistant" or "Executive Assistant"
11. Zirtual — Dedicated virtual assistants acting as part of your team. Good fit for startup founders and consultants needing daily EA support. Apply through their website for contractor positions. → Where to check: zirtual.com/careers — look for VA application
12. Time Etc — Lower barrier to entry than Boldly/BELAY, but still requires demonstrated experience. Good option for candidates building their remote EA track record. → Where to check: timeetc.com/us/vas — VA application page
Startup & VC
13. Athena — Recruits world-class executive assistants with focus on delegation and AI tool leverage. Serves high-growth founders and executives. Strong emphasis on proactive support rather than reactive task completion. → Where to check: athenago.com/careers — EA application process
14. Mercury — The startup banking company posts administrative and operations coordinator roles. They're transparent about compensation ranges in job postings, which is refreshing. → Where to check: mercury.com/jobs — search "executive" or "operations"
15. Remote.com — A company that helps other businesses hire globally posts its own remote EA positions. Meta, but effective—they practice what they preach about remote work. → Where to check: remote.com/careers — search "executive assistant" or "executive business partner"
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Skills That Actually Get You Hired
Job descriptions list 15 requirements when companies really need 5. Here's what actually matters for remote administrative roles—and what's just filler.
The Non-Negotiables
Written Communication — Everything in remote work happens through text. You'll draft emails, create documents, and represent executives through written communication. If you can write a clear, professional email that anticipates follow-up questions, you're ahead of 80% of candidates.
Calendar Management — Scheduling across time zones, avoiding conflicts, protecting executive time, and knowing when to say no on someone else's behalf. This is learnable but takes practice. Premium agencies test this skill specifically.
Technology Comfort — You don't need to be technical, but you should learn new software quickly. Most roles use Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, Slack or Teams, Zoom, and some combination of project management tools like Asana, Monday, or Notion.
Confidentiality Judgment — This is the silent requirement that separates good EAs from great ones. You'll have access to compensation data, personnel issues, strategic plans, and personal information. Knowing what to share, what to withhold, and who needs to know what is a skill that can't be taught—only demonstrated.
The Differentiators
These skills push you from "qualified" to "obvious choice":
- Inbox management systems that actually work (not just organizing, but prioritizing and drafting responses)
- Travel coordination experience (complex international itineraries, not just booking flights)
- Meeting preparation including research, briefing documents, and agenda management
- Expense reporting and basic bookkeeping familiarity
- Project coordination for executive-level initiatives
Most premium EA positions require 5-7 years of experience. But here's the nuance: they want corporate EA experience, not general administrative work. Supporting a CEO is different from office management. If you're transitioning from a related role, emphasize any C-suite exposure, confidential project work, or high-stakes deadline management.
Many executive assistants build toward these roles through customer service experience or project management backgrounds. The path isn't always linear.
Where to Find Remote EA Jobs Beyond Indeed
Indeed and LinkedIn are fine for volume, but they're not where the best remote EA jobs live. Here's where to actually look:
Premium Agency Career Pages
Go directly to the source:
- Boldly: boldly.com/jobs
- BELAY: belaysolutions.com/jobs
- Time Etc: timeetc.com/us/vas
- Prialto: prialto.com/careers
These positions aren't aggregated on job boards. You have to visit each site directly.
Company Career Pages (Remote-First Companies)
Build a list of remote-first companies and check their career pages monthly:
- GitLab, Zapier, Automattic, Buffer, Doist
- Remote.com, Oyster, Deel (they hire their own remote EAs)
LinkedIn Strategy
Don't just apply to posted jobs. Set up alerts for "executive assistant remote" but also:
- Follow executives at companies you'd want to support
- Engage thoughtfully with their content
- Connect with EA community members who share opportunities
Specialized Job Boards
- Working Nomads — workingnomads.com/remote-executive-assistant-jobs
- Remote.co — remote.co/remote-jobs/virtual-assistant
- We Work Remotely — weworkremotely.com (filter for admin/support)
- FlexJobs — flexjobs.com (paid, but vetted listings)
If a "recruiter" wants to interview you on WhatsApp, Telegram, or text message—it's a scam. Legitimate companies use email, phone, or video calls. Scammers target executive assistant job seekers specifically because the role involves financial access. They'll ask for your bank info for "direct deposit setup" or have you buy equipment you'll "be reimbursed for." Block and report immediately.
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Paste a job description and get instant insights: what they really want, red flags to watch, and how to stand out.
How to Stand Out From 500 Applicants
When premium agencies receive thousands of applications monthly and accept less than 1%, you need a strategy beyond "apply and hope."
Your Resume Needs Corporate Proof
Generic administrative experience won't cut it. Your resume should answer:
- Who did you support? (Title and company size matter)
- What decisions did you enable? (Not just tasks you completed)
- What was the scope? (Budget managed, calendar complexity, team size)
Instead of: "Managed executive calendar and travel arrangements"
Write: "Coordinated C-suite calendar across 4 time zones, managing 50+ weekly meetings and $200K annual travel budget for a 500-person tech company"
The Interview Approach for Premium Agencies
Premium agencies interview differently than companies. They're assessing:
- Professional presence — Can you represent an executive in written and verbal communication?
- Problem-solving — What do you do when you can't reach your executive and a decision needs to be made?
- Discretion — How do you handle confidential information requests from people who shouldn't have access?
- Proactivity — Can you anticipate needs or do you only respond to explicit requests?
Prepare specific stories demonstrating each. Vague answers signal vague performance.
Build Your Remote Track Record
If you're transitioning from in-office EA work, start building remote credibility:
- Take on a part-time remote EA role through Time Etc or similar platforms
- Complete relevant certifications (more on this below)
- Document your home office setup and remote work processes
For candidates exploring flexible remote jobs for parents, executive assistant roles offer one of the best combinations of professional growth and schedule flexibility once you're established.
Certifications: Helpful or Necessary?
Executive assistant certifications aren't required for most positions, but they can differentiate you—especially if you're light on corporate EA experience.
Most Recognized:
- CAP (Certified Administrative Professional) — IAAP certification covering business communication, project management, and organizational skills
- PACE (Professional Administrative Certificate of Excellence) — ASAP certification focusing on strategic admin work
- Microsoft Office Specialist — Proves proficiency in specific tools
The Reality Check: Certifications matter most when:
- You're pivoting from a different career
- You have less than 5 years of EA experience
- You're applying to government or healthcare organizations with strict requirements
For premium agencies? They care more about your track record than your certificates. A Boldly application reviewer will weigh "7 years supporting VP-level executives at Fortune 500 companies" far higher than "CAP certified with 3 years of general admin experience."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you work remotely as an executive assistant?
Yes—remote executive assistant is now one of the fastest-growing administrative career paths. Companies like GitLab, Canonical, and Zapier have fully remote EA positions, and premium staffing agencies like Boldly and BELAY specialize exclusively in remote executive support. The shift accelerated during 2020-2021 and has become permanent for many organizations.
How much does a remote executive assistant earn?
Remote executive assistants earn $45,000-$140,000 annually depending on experience, who they support, and how they're hired. Entry-level positions start around $45,000-$55,000. Mid-level EAs earn $55,000-$75,000. Senior EAs supporting C-suite executives can earn $100,000-$140,000, especially through premium agencies or direct company hire.
Is executive assistant a dead-end job?
Not at all. Executive assistant roles increasingly lead to chief of staff positions, operations management, and project leadership roles. Many EAs leverage their executive exposure and organizational knowledge into six-figure careers. The key is strategic positioning—supporting higher-level executives and taking on project ownership rather than purely administrative tasks.
What equipment do I need to work as a remote executive assistant?
Most companies provide a computer and headset. You'll need reliable high-speed internet (50+ Mbps recommended), a quiet workspace for calls, and a professional video background. Premium agencies may have specific requirements for backup internet or dedicated phone lines. A second monitor is helpful for calendar and email management.
How long does it take to get hired as a remote executive assistant?
Timeline varies by path. Job board applications typically take 3-6 weeks from application to offer. Premium agencies like Boldly and BELAY can take 4-8 weeks due to their vetting process, including skills assessments, multiple interviews, and reference checks. Direct company hire at tech firms often takes 4-6 weeks with 3-5 interview rounds.
Do I need previous executive assistant experience to get hired?
For premium agencies and senior roles, yes—most require 5-7 years of corporate EA experience. Entry-level remote EA positions exist but are competitive. Alternative paths include starting with general virtual assistant work through platforms like Time Etc, transitioning from related roles like office management or customer success, or targeting smaller companies willing to train.
What to Do Next: Your 5-Step Action Plan
1. Bookmark 3-5 company career pages — Pick from the 15 companies above based on your experience level and industry interest. Check these weekly; new EA roles often stay posted for only 5-10 days.
2. Set up job alerts strategically — Create alerts on LinkedIn and Indeed for "executive assistant remote" AND "executive business partner remote." The second term catches roles at tech companies that use different titles.
3. Apply to at least one premium agency — Even if you're not sure you qualify, Boldly and BELAY applications are free. You'll learn where you stand and what gaps to close.
4. Prepare your EA-specific assets — Update your resume to emphasize calendar complexity, executive-level support, and confidential project work. Draft 2-3 stories demonstrating judgment and discretion for interviews.
5. Build your remote credibility — If you're transitioning from in-office work, consider a part-time VA role through Time Etc to establish a remote track record while you target higher-level positions.
About This Guide
Remote Job Assistant monitors executive assistant and administrative hiring patterns across 50+ remote-friendly employers and major EA staffing agencies. We review postings quarterly, categorize by source and role type, and update our guides to reflect current market conditions. Our goal is to help job seekers understand where opportunities actually exist—not just where job boards say they do. This guide was last reviewed in December 2024. For questions about our methodology or to suggest companies we should track, contact us through the site.
Start Your Remote EA Search
Remote executive assistant jobs offer a compelling combination: professional-level work, competitive compensation, and genuine flexibility. The path in isn't always obvious—but it's more accessible than the rejection rates at premium agencies suggest.
If you're coming from corporate EA experience, focus on the premium agencies and remote-first tech companies. Your track record is your ticket. If you're building toward EA work from a related role, start with platforms that offer entry points while you accumulate remote experience.
Browse remote administrative positions to explore related opportunities, or check out flexible schedule options if work-life balance is your priority. For parents navigating the return to work, our guide to remote jobs for moms covers EA roles alongside other flexible career paths.
The executives earning six figures from home offices all started somewhere. Most started by understanding that the best opportunities don't show up in job alerts—they show up when you know where to look.
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