Personal assistants (PAs) play an integral role in the modern workplace, whether supporting busy executives, running personal errands, or managing remote administrative tasks. If you’re considering hiring a PA or becoming one, understanding the earning potential is crucial. This comprehensive guide explores how much personal assistants make in the UK in 2025, breaking down salaries across roles, industries, and locations. We also delve into factors influencing pay and offer insights for both service seekers and service providers.
Salary Breakdown for Personal Assistants in 2025
1. Junior Personal Assistants
- Annual Salary Range (In-house): £20,000–£30,000
- Hourly Rate (Freelance/Remote): £12–£18/hour
- Typical Tasks: Administrative duties, basic scheduling, and managing communications.
- Key Tips for Employers: Hire juniors for straightforward tasks to save costs.
- Key Tips for PAs: Upskill in technology and time management to increase your value.
2. Experienced Personal Assistants
- Annual Salary Range (In-house): £35,000–£50,000
- Hourly Rate (Freelance/Remote): £20–£30/hour
- Typical Tasks: Complex scheduling, project coordination, and client management.
- Key Tips for Employers: Look for candidates with experience in your industry.
- Key Tips for PAs: Leverage niche expertise to negotiate higher rates.
3. Executive Personal Assistants
- Annual Salary Range (In-house): £55,000–£80,000
- Hourly Rate (Freelance/Remote): £30–£50/hour
- Typical Tasks: Strategic support, stakeholder coordination, and executive operations.
- Key Tips for Employers: Invest in an EA for high-level, impactful support.
- Key Tips for PAs: Build trust and showcase discretion to work with top executives.
4. Virtual Personal Assistants
- Hourly Rate: £10–£30/hour
- Typical Tasks: Email management, calendar scheduling, data entry, and customer support (remote).
- Key Tips for Employers: Perfect for task-specific or temporary needs.
- Key Tips for PAs: Highlight remote work efficiency and mastery of tools like Trello or Slack.
5. Specialized Personal Assistants
- Annual Salary Range (In-house): £40,000–£70,000
- Hourly Rate (Freelance/Remote): £25–£50/hour
- Typical Tasks: Industry-specific tasks (e.g., legal, medical, or creative).
- Key Tips for Employers: Seek certifications or proven experience in niche areas.
- Key Tips for PAs: Pursue specialized training to stand out and command higher rates.
ALSO READ: What Are the Different Types of Personal Assistant Services Offered in the UK?
Factors Influencing PA Salaries in the UK
- Experience Level:
- Employers: Hire based on the complexity of tasks and required skills.
- PAs: Gain experience and certifications to climb the salary ladder.
- Location:
- Employers: Expect higher salaries in London and South East England.
- PAs: Consider remote roles or freelance opportunities if you’re outside high-demand areas.
- Type of Employment:
- Employers: Full-time PAs come with benefits, while freelance PAs offer flexibility.
- PAs: Freelancers and remote workers can set higher hourly rates but won’t receive benefits.
- Industry:
- Employers: Corporate and finance sectors often pay higher wages.
- PAs: Target high-paying industries like technology, healthcare, or legal services.
READ MORE: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Assistant in the UK? | 2025 Guide
Prospects for Personal Assistants in 2025
- For Employers:
- More businesses are leveraging remote and part-time PAs to reduce costs.
- Demand for specialized PAs is growing in high-skill industries.
- For PAs:
- Upskilling in tools like Salesforce, CRM software, or multilingual communication can boost earnings.
- Remote work opportunities continue to expand, offering flexibility and access to global clients.
Hiring a Personal Assistant in the UK
Employers can streamline the hiring process through Hayanow, a trusted platform that connects you with skilled PAs across the UK. Whether you need a virtual assistant for ad-hoc tasks or an experienced EA for strategic support, Hayanow offers curated options tailored to your needs.
RECOMMENDED: How Does Hayanow Work? A Free Platform for Service Seekers and Professionals in the UK
Maximizing Earnings as a Personal Assistant
- Build Your Skills:
- Master tools like Microsoft Office, Asana, or Slack.
- Acquire certifications in project management or niche industries.
- Network Effectively:
- Leverage platforms like Hayanow to find reputable clients.
- Maintain professional relationships to secure repeat business.
- Set Clear Expectations:
- Freelancers: Clearly outline your services, rates, and working hours.
- In-house PAs: Negotiate pay based on your contributions and performance.
- Stay Updated:
- Follow trends in PA technology and business needs to stay competitive.
CHECK THIS: How to Become a Freelance Personal Assistant in the UK in 2025
FAQs About Personal Assistant Salaries in the UK
How much does a junior personal assistant make in the UK?
Junior PAs typically earn between £20,000 and £30,000 annually or £12 to £18 per hour for freelance or remote roles.
Are virtual personal assistants paid less than in-house assistants?
Yes, virtual PAs often have lower overall costs due to hourly rates (£10–£30/hour) and no benefits.
Do personal assistants in London earn more?
Yes, salaries in London and the South East can be 20–30% higher due to demand and living costs.
What is the highest salary for a personal assistant in the UK?
Executive PAs in competitive markets can earn up to £80,000 annually or £50/hour for freelance work.
What skills increase a PA’s earning potential?
Specialized skills, such as project management, multilingual abilities, or proficiency in tools like Salesforce, can significantly boost earning potential.
Making Sense of PA Salaries in 2025
For employers, understanding salary benchmarks helps set realistic budgets and attract top talent. For personal assistants, knowing the market can guide career growth and salary negotiations. Whether you’re seeking flexible virtual support or aiming to become a high-earning executive assistant, this guide offers valuable insights for navigating the UK’s evolving PA landscape.