22 Apr How Much Does a Personal Assistant Cost? A Complete Breakdown

In 2025, the role of a personal assistant has expanded far beyond answering phones and scheduling appointments. These professionals now serve as indispensable right hands to busy executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. As the scope of responsibilities continues to grow, so does the interest in understanding the true personal assistant cost in 2025.

Whether you’re considering hiring a personal assistant for the first time or looking to re-evaluate your current staffing budget, understanding the factors that influence their salary is key. In this complete breakdown, we’ll explore what determines the cost of hiring a personal assistant, from salary ranges and job scope to regional variations and added benefits.

What Does a Personal Assistant Do in 2025?

Before diving into numbers, it’s important to clarify the scope of a personal assistant’s work in today’s market. In 2025, these professionals go far beyond clerical duties. They’re often managing complex travel logistics, liaising with vendors, maintaining household operations, overseeing calendars and communications, coordinating events, and sometimes managing confidential business matters.

Some personal assistants specialize in executive support, while others are dedicated to managing the personal lives of high-profile individuals. Many work in hybrid roles that blend administrative, logistical, and lifestyle support responsibilities.

This variety in responsibilities is a key reason why personal assistant salary 2025 ranges so widely—it all depends on what you need and how much experience and expertise the assistant brings to the table.

National Average Salary for Personal Assistants

In 2025, the average cost of hiring a personal assistant in the U.S. sits between $70,000 and $125,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and job complexity. Entry-level assistants may start around $60,000, while seasoned professionals supporting high-net-worth individuals or executives may earn over $150,000 per year.

It’s important to note that live-in personal assistants—those who reside in the client’s home and provide around-the-clock availability—may receive additional compensation through room and board, benefits, and other perks. This can significantly impact the total value of the package, even if the base salary appears slightly lower.

Regional Differences in Personal Assistant Cost

As with most staffing roles, the cost of a personal assistant in 2025 varies significantly by region. In major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, and San Francisco, salaries are on the higher end to match the cost of living and the elevated expectations associated with high-profile employers.

In Los Angeles, where celebrity culture and private households drive demand, personal assistant salaries often range from $85,000 to $140,000, with elite assistants making upwards of $160,000.

In New York City, the cost of hiring a personal assistant in 2025 averages $90,000 to $145,000, particularly for assistants supporting executives or high-powered professionals in finance, law, or media.

Miami has seen rising demand as more executives and business owners relocate, and salaries range between $70,000 to $115,000, with top-tier assistants commanding more.

In San Francisco, where tech executives and high-net-worth families often hire hybrid assistants, salaries can range from $100,000 to $150,000, especially when roles combine business and personal support.

Rural or suburban markets offer more budget-friendly options, typically falling between $60,000 to $90,000, though those roles may be more limited in scope or availability.

Factors That Affect a Personal Assistant’s Salary

Several key variables affect how much a personal assistant costs in 2025:

Experience and Specialization: A personal assistant with five to ten years of experience, especially one with specialized skills in travel management, event planning, or discretion-heavy executive support, will command a higher salary than a newer candidate.

Scope of Work: The broader and more complex the role, the more it will cost. Assistants managing households, staff, travel, and confidential documents require more expertise—and higher pay.

Availability: Assistants who are on-call 24/7, live-in, or travel with the employer typically receive higher compensation than those with standard hours.

Confidentiality Requirements: When working with ultra-high-net-worth clients or public figures, a premium is placed on discretion and loyalty, raising the value of the role.

Technology Fluency: In 2025, tech-savvy assistants who can handle smart home systems, project management tools, virtual meeting coordination, and security platforms are in high demand and often earn more.

Language and Cultural Skills: Multilingual personal assistants or those experienced with international households and protocol can demand premium rates.

Understanding the Full Cost: Beyond Salary

When evaluating the personal assistant cost in 2025, it’s not just about base pay. Many personal assistants receive benefits packages that may include:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Travel allowances or stipends
• Retirement contributions
• Annual bonuses
• Relocation assistance
• Housing (for live-in roles)
• Professional development or certification reimbursement

These benefits can add 20% to 35% or more to the total cost of employment. For employers working with an agency like Riveter Consulting Group, there may also be placement fees or ongoing recruitment services that are well worth the investment to ensure you hire the right candidate the first time.

Part-Time and On-Demand Personal Assistants

Not every personal assistant role is full-time. In 2025, many households and professionals opt for part-time or on-demand personal assistant services, especially for support during busy seasons or specific projects. These assistants typically charge hourly rates between $35 to $75, depending on location and level of expertise.

Virtual personal assistants are also on the rise, offering administrative support remotely for those who don’t require in-person help. These assistants may work as independent contractors and typically charge slightly less, averaging between $25 to $50 per hour.

Is a Personal Assistant Worth the Investment?

When considering the cost of a personal assistant in 2025, it’s important to weigh the ROI. A great personal assistant doesn’t just save you time—they increase your efficiency, reduce stress, and often help avoid costly mistakes or delays. For business owners, executives, or high-profile individuals, the right assistant becomes an extension of you, helping you focus on what truly matters.

More than ever, successful individuals are realizing that investing in highly capable personal support is a key to long-term personal and professional growth. Hiring a personal assistant isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategic decision.

Hiring the Right Personal Assistant in 2025

Navigating the market for personal assistants in 2025 requires insight and guidance. At Riveter Consulting Group, we specialize in placing elite personal assistants who match not just your job requirements, but your lifestyle, values, and long-term goals.

From curating candidate shortlists to ensuring background checks and confidentiality agreements are in place, we help streamline the process so you can confidently hire the best talent available.

Whether you need a live-in personal assistant, someone to travel with your family, or a hybrid executive/lifestyle assistant, we’re here to support you in every step of the hiring journey.