Executive Assistant salary Europe data reveals dramatic geographic, industrial, and experience-based variations that every EA candidate must understand when evaluating career opportunities. Understanding Executive Assistant salary Europe benchmarks is essential for negotiating competitive compensation across 21 European countries.
Whether you’re considering your first EA role in Budapest or negotiating a senior position in London, this comprehensive Executive Assistant salary Europe guide provides the salary intelligence needed to make informed decisions.
This resource synthesizes data from Glassdoor, PayScale, Indeed, LinkedIn, Robert Half, Hays, Michael Page, SalaryExpert, and national statistics offices across 21 European countries, covering entry-level (0-2 years), mid-level (2-5 years), and senior-level (5+ years) Executive Assistant positions as of September 2025.
Executive Assistant salary Europe ranges from €15,000 annually in Greece to CHF 147,000 (€147,000) in Switzerland. This Executive Assistant salary Europe guide provides comprehensive data with substantial variation driven by geography, industry sector, and experience level. Based on comprehensive data from Glassdoor, PayScale, Indeed, Robert Half, Michael Page, and national statistics offices across 21 European countries, the average EA compensation sits at €35,000-€50,000 for mid-level positions, with senior roles reaching €55,000-€80,000+ in major markets. Finance and tech sectors command 20-35% premiums over general market rates, while mandatory 13th and 14th month salary payments in Southern and Central European countries effectively increase annual compensation by 8-17% compared to UK and Nordic markets.
Three primary factors determine Executive Assistant salary Europe benchmarks across all European markets:
Understanding mandatory versus discretionary bonus payments fundamentally changes salary comparisons:
Countries with mandatory 13th/14th month payments: Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece legally require additional salary payments beyond the annual base, effectively increasing total compensation by 8-17%. According to EuroPedia’s 2025 employment law analysis, Spain divides annual salary into 14 installments (not 12), meaning a €40,000 annual position pays €2,857 monthly rather than €3,333.
Countries where bonuses are discretionary: UK and Nordic countries lack statutory extra month requirements, meaning quoted annual salaries represent total guaranteed compensation. Robert Half’s 2025 data indicates that 66% of European employers now offer up to 20% salary premiums for in-office work, fundamentally changing the remote versus office compensation equation.
| Country |
13th Month | 14th Month | Effective Salary Increase | Payment Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | ✓ Mandatory | ✓ Mandatory | ~14% | July & December |
| Italy | ✓ Mandatory (Tredicesima) | Optional (Quattordicesima) | 8-17% | December & June/July |
| Portugal | ✓ Mandatory | ✓ Mandatory | ~14% | July & December |
| Greece | ✓ Mandatory | Partial | ~17% | Christmas, Easter, Summer |
| Austria | Very Common | Very Common | ~14% | Varies by agreement |
| Belgium | Common | ✓ Mandatory (holiday pay) | 8-14% | Varies |
| Germany | Common (55% receive) | No | ~8% average | November / December |
| Netherlands | No | 8% holiday allowance | ~8% | May/June |
| UK | No | No | Discretionary only | N/A |
| Nordic Countries | No | No | 3-4% bonuses common | Varies |
When analyzing Executive Assistant salary Europe data, London demonstrates the highest EA salaries in the UK with substantial premiums for finance and tech sectors.
All UK figures represent gross annual salaries in GBP. Most London EA roles operate on hybrid schedules (3-4 days office, 1-2 days remote), with fully remote positions rare and typically paying at the lower end of ranges.
Dublin EA salaries benefit significantly from US tech company European headquarters concentration. According to Glassdoor’s September 2025 analysis of 179 salaries, average compensation sits at €45,445 (€36,000 25th percentile to €57,000 75th percentile), with an alternative dataset of 324 submissions showing €47,750.
Average additional cash compensation across Dublin EA roles: €2,144 (range €1-€11,770) based on Glassdoor’s September 2025 analysis.
Switzerland commands the highest Executive Assistant salary Europe rates and the highest EA salaries globally. According to multiple sources including Glassdoor (August-September 2025) and Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide, Geneva salaries run 8-13% higher than Zurich, with Zurich averaging CHF 97,000-CHF 102,000 while Geneva reaches CHF 105,500-CHF 109,812.
Zurich compensation ranges:
Geneva compensation ranges:
Industry premiums in Switzerland: Pharmaceuticals and chemicals command 16% premiums at CHF 97,500 annually versus CHF 83,994 baseline according to Jobs.ch 2025 data. Banking and finance offer 10-15% premiums.
Bonus structures: Average bonus CHF 2,605 annually based on SalaryExpert’s analysis, with financial sector bonuses ranging CHF 6,000-CHF 10,000 (7.5-12.5% of base salary). The customary 13th month salary (approximately 8.3% of annual gross) is typically included in quoted Swiss figures.
Executive Assistant salary Europe data for Germany shows significant variation by city. According to Glassdoor’s August 2025 analysis of 105 Frankfurt salaries and 131 Munich salaries, Frankfurt and Munich average €63,000-€63,500, while Berlin sits at €54,800 based on 193 salary submissions.
Frankfurt ranges:
Munich ranges:
Berlin ranges:
Bonus structures (Weihnachtsgeld): 55% of German workers receive Christmas bonuses, with 85.8% of collective bargaining employees receiving them according to 2023 employment data. Average Weihnachtsgeld: €2,747-€2,809 gross, typically representing 25-100% of monthly salary. High-paying sectors (energy, finance) offer €5,000-€5,650.
Finance and banking in Frankfurt command 15-25% premiums, with Frankfurt Executive Assistants in banking reaching €72,250-€80,750+ at upper ranges.
Vienna EA salaries align with broader DACH region patterns but run 15-20% lower than German major cities. According to Glassdoor’s September 2025 analysis of 33 salaries, average compensation sits at €51,250 (€42,225 25th percentile to €60,375 75th percentile). PayScale shows €39,381 average, while StepStone Austria reports €50,600.
Austria commonly features both 13th and 14th salary payments, more prevalent than in Germany and typically regulated by collective agreements according to EuroPedia’s employment law analysis.
Paris EA salaries cluster in the mid-range of Western European capitals. Based on Glassdoor’s July-September 2025 analysis of 149-300 salaries, average total pay reaches €48,500 (€45,000 base + €3,500 additional pay) with most likely range €42,000-€61,000. Indeed shows €45,340 while PayScale indicates €45,580 (April 2025 data).
Finance sector positions command premiums, with EAs in investment banking and financial advisory reaching the upper end of ranges.
Amsterdam demonstrates higher EA compensation than Paris. According to Glassdoor’s July 2025 analysis of 138 salaries, average total pay reaches €56,500 (€54,000 base + €2,500 additional) with a range €46,000-€64,000. Indeed shows €48,192 annually (€4,016/month).
Dutch benefits context: Employers typically contribute 8% to pensions (employees 4%). Health insurance costs €95-120/month for employees after maximum €4,472 employer payment to tax authority. Vacation: 20 days statutory, typically 25-30 total according to Boundless HR’s Netherlands employment guide.
Brussels EA salaries show moderate levels with significant premiums for EU institution positions. Based on Glassdoor’s analysis of 56 salaries, average compensation reaches €45,768 annually (€3,814/month base + €2,004 additional compensation) with range €35,220-€58,152. PayScale shows €43,652 average with mid-career (5-9 years) at €47,225.
EU Institutions premium: Contract Agents Function Group I-IV earn €30,000-€48,000/year. Officials (AST/AD grades) start at €36,000-€60,000+ with substantial additional benefits including 80-85% healthcare reimbursement, expatriation allowances (can boost salary up to 100%), pension rights, and annual travel compensation according to EU Careers official compensation documentation.
Michael Page Belgium’s 2025 Salary Guide notes fixed monthly gross salaries may vary +/- 15% based on location, company size, and sector, based on 2,500+ placements and 25,000+ candidate interviews through Q3 2024. Belgium mandates both 13th and 14th month salary payments through collective labor agreements.
Stockholm EA compensation reflects Sweden’s strong tech ecosystem. Based on Glassdoor’s June 2025 analysis of 42-53 salary submissions, average compensation sits at SEK 482,676-SEK 533,496 annually (SEK 40,223-44,458/month). PayScale shows SEK 391,531 average while SalaryExpert indicates SEK 629,350. Jobnet Swedish reports SEK 582,000 annually (SEK 48,500/month) for Stockholm, approximately 5-7% higher than national average.
Tech sector companies (Spotify, Klarna, and other unicorns) typically pay 10-15% premiums over general market rates. Average bonus: SEK 15,356 annually (approximately 3-4% of salary) according to SalaryExpert’s analysis.
Copenhagen shows the highest Nordic EA salaries on an absolute basis. Based on Glassdoor’s July 2025 analysis of 15-29 submissions, average compensation sits at DKK 536,652-DKK 567,996 annually (DKK 44,721-47,333/month). SalaryExpert shows DKK 666,344 (Copenhagen premium 7% higher than Denmark average). PayScale indicates DKK 384,740 average (2025).
Copenhagen typically pays 7-23% higher than national average according to SalaryExpert’s geographic analysis. Public sector employees earn approximately 5-6% more than private sector (unique to Denmark among Nordic countries). Average bonus: DKK 16,259 annually (approximately 3-4% of salary).
Oslo demonstrates wide salary variation reflecting strong industry effects from oil, gas, and finance sectors. According to Glassdoor’s August 2025 analysis of 5-9 submissions, average compensation reaches NOK 639,637 annually with range NOK 304,869-NOK 685,405 (25th-75th percentile). Alternative Glassdoor dataset shows NOK 550,000 median. SalaryExpert indicates NOK 755,169 (Oslo 6% premium over national average).
Oslo typically pays 6-25% higher than national average, with wide variation suggesting strong industry and company effects. Oil and gas sectors likely offer 15-25% premiums over baseline. Average bonus: NOK 18,426 annually (approximately 3-4% of salary) based on SalaryExpert data.
Helsinki EA salaries present data quality challenges with conflicting figures across sources. PayScale reports €32,500 average for Helsinki-specific positions (2025).
SalaryExpert shows €65,631 (range €46,204-€79,611). Oikotie Finland median: €50,400 annually (€4,200/month) with 80% of salaries falling in €42,000-€62,700 range, based on 18 anonymous submissions (2018-2025 data). Duunitori reports €45,720 annually (€3,810/month) citing Statistics Finland.
Helsinki typically pays 15-25% higher than other Finnish cities. Average bonus: €2,000-€4,000 annually (4-6% of salary).
When comparing Executive Assistant salary Europe in Southern markets, Madrid and Barcelona demonstrate relatively equal EA compensation with Barcelona slightly higher. Based on Glassdoor Barcelona’s analysis of 118 salaries (2024-2025), average compensation sits at €36,210-€38,640. PayScale Madrid shows €34,855 average with range €27,000-€45,000. SalaryExpert Barcelona indicates €51,254 average, with senior level (8+ years) reaching €63,135.
Barcelona salaries run approximately 7% higher than Spain average according to SalaryExpert’s geographic analysis. Finance and banking sectors offer approximately 15-20% premiums.
CRITICAL BONUS STRUCTURE: Spain legally requires 13th and 14th month salary payments (pagas extraordinarias), paid in July and December according to EuroPedia’s employment law documentation. Annual salary is divided into 14 installments, not 12. This structure effectively increases total compensation by approximately 14% compared to countries without mandatory extra months.
Milan demonstrates the highest Italian EA salaries. Based on Glassdoor Milan’s analysis of 103 salaries (2025), average compensation reaches €37,313 (€29,851-€47,877 range), while Glassdoor Italy overall shows €37,833 based on 143 salaries. PagePersonnel (Michael Page Italy) Salary Survey 2024 provides the most comprehensive Italian data.
Milan ranges:
Rome: Approximately €30,000 average according to Indeed Italy (17 salaries), representing 20-25% lower compensation than Milan.
Banking and finance premium: PagePersonnel banking sector range €30,000-€60,000 depending on experience, showing 15-25% premiums over general corporate.
CRITICAL BONUS STRUCTURE: Italy mandates 13th month salary (Tredicesima) by law, paid in December. 14th month salary (Quattordicesima) is optional but common in banking, petroleum, and commerce sectors, typically paid in June/July according to The Local Italy and EuroPedia employment law analysis. This creates an 8-17% effective salary increase over annual base figures.
Lisbon shows the lowest Western European EA salaries but includes mandatory bonus structures. Based on Glassdoor’s 2025 analysis of 62 salaries, average compensation sits at €25,500 (range €25,000-€27,450, 25th-75th percentile). PayScale Portugal shows €22,066 average (2024). SalaryExpert indicates €34,286 average with senior level (8+ years) reaching €42,206.
CRITICAL BONUS STRUCTURE: Portugal mandates both 13th and 14th month salary payments by law according to EuroPedia, Euronews, and ADP employment documentation. 13th month paid during summer vacation period (typically July); 14th month paid at Christmas (December). Annual salary calculation: divide by 14, not 12. This represents approximately 14% additional compensation beyond quoted annual figures.
Athens EA salary data shows significant quality concerns with substantial inconsistencies across sources. Based on Glassdoor’s September 2025 analysis, Athens reports €15,168 annually (€1,264/month base) with total pay €4,365/year including additional compensation. PayScale Greece shows €14,483 average for 1-4 years (6 salaries) and €20,902 for 5-9 years (14 salaries). ERI/SalaryExpert reports €34,314 average, appearing significantly higher than other sources and potentially unreliable.
DATA QUALITY WARNING: Greek salary data shows limited sample sizes, significant inconsistencies, and conflation of administrative assistant roles with Executive Assistant positions. Economic challenges in Greece have suppressed salary levels, resulting in 40-60% lower compensation than comparable Western European markets.
Greece mandates 13th month salary in private sector, typically split with portions at Christmas, Easter, and summer according to ADP and Euronews employment documentation.
Executive Assistant salary Europe data for CEE shows Warsaw demonstrating the strongest EA compensation in the region. Based on SalaryExpert’s 2025 data, average gross annual compensation reaches PLN 123,441 (€27,700) with entry-level at PLN 88,433 (€19,900) and senior level (8+ years) reaching PLN 152,371 (~€34,250). PayScale shows PLN 58,000 for 1-4 years climbing to PLN 77,000 for 5-9 years. WorldSalaries median: PLN 50,080-50,340.
Based on Glassdoor’s 2025 data from 73 submissions, monthly ranges sit at PLN 4,120-9,559/month. EY Warsaw pays PLN 57,600-72,000 annually (PLN 4,800-6,000/month). Average bonus: PLN 3,012 annually (approximately 2.4% of base salary). Multinational companies typically pay 20-30% premiums over local firms.
Prague demonstrates robust EA compensation within CEE markets. According to ERI’s 2025 data, average annual compensation reaches CZK 899,594 (€35,960) for Prague-specific roles. Glassdoor shows CZK 531,480 annually (€21,300) based on monthly data. TalentUp indicates CZK 1,103,100 as high-end estimate.
Prague average salary across all sectors: CZK 62,472/month (Q1 2025) according to Czech Statistical Office, with Prague salaries 33.1% higher than Czech national average. Administrative sector average: CZK 37,400/month.
Budapest EA salaries reflect Hungary’s position as major shared services center hub. Based on SalaryExpert’s 2025 data, average annual compensation sits at HUF 8,091,876-8,562,615 (€20,900-22,100) with entry-level (1-3 years) at HUF 6,140,856 (€15,850) and senior level (8+ years) reaching HUF 10,580,765 (~€27,350). Glassdoor’s analysis of 24 salaries shows HUF 4,569,204 annually (HUF 380,767/month median).
KPMG Budapest pays HUF 5,760,000 annually (HUF 480,000/month) based on Glassdoor data from 45 submissions. English-speaking administrative roles command HUF 500,000-700,000/month. Multinationals typically pay 20-30% premiums over local companies. Average bonus: HUF 208,928 (approximately 2.4% of base salary) according to SalaryExpert.
Bucharest shows the lowest absolute EA salaries in the CEE region but 20% higher than Romanian national average. According to WorldSalaries 2025 data, average annual compensation reaches RON 66,480 (€13,300) while ERI shows RON 108,476 (€21,700). Glassdoor’s June 2025 analysis of 26 submissions indicates RON 62,196 annually (RON 5,183/month), appearing low compared to other sources.
Strong presence of shared services centers and BPOs drives demand. Multinational companies pay premiums versus local firms.
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CRITICAL DATA LIMITATION: Specific Executive Assistant salary data for Baltic countries is extremely limited, with most databases conflating administrative assistants, secretaries, and Executive Assistants. Sample sizes are very small where EA-specific data exists.
Industry premiums: Fintech and tech sectors in Tallinn likely offer 20-30% premiums (Wise example supports this). Shared services centers across all three countries offer 10-20% premiums over local companies.
Salary growth trends: Estonia salaries increased 8.05% in 2024-2025. Latvia average earnings grew 11.0% year-over-year (Q1 2024). All three markets experiencing rapid salary growth and talent shortages for qualified EAs.
Executive Assistant salary Europe premiums are highest in finance and technology sectors, with these industries commanding the highest Executive Assistant compensation across Europe, with investment banking, private equity, and major tech companies paying 20-35% above general market rates according to consolidated data from Glassdoor, PayScale, and Robert Half 2025.
Finance sector premiums:
London investment banking EAs earn £53,500-£75,000, representing 20-50% premiums over the general market (£40,000-£50,000 average). Family office positions reach £65,000-£75,000 plus excellent benefits. Goldman Sachs London averages £52,000 total pay (£47,000-£68,000 range) based on Glassdoor’s analysis of 126,780 salary submissions.
According to Glassdoor’s Executive Assistant salary data, London consistently ranks among the top European cities for EA compensation.
Frankfurt banking EAs command 15-25% premiums, reaching €72,250-€90,000 at upper ranges versus €63,145 general average. PagePersonnel Italy banking sector shows €45,000-€60,000 for 6+ years experience versus €40,000-€55,000 general corporate, demonstrating 15-25% banking premiums.
Switzerland pharmaceutical and chemical sectors command 16% premiums at CHF 97,500 annually versus CHF 83,994 baseline according to Jobs.ch 2025 data.
Technology sector premiums:
Dublin tech headquarters (Google, Meta, Facebook, Oracle, Apple) drive substantial premiums with Meta averaging €63,071 (55% above Irish national average) based on Glassdoor company-specific data. Dublin senior tech EAs reach €65,000-€80,000 versus €55,000-€60,000 general market.
London tech shows Salesforce averaging £50,000 versus £45,000-£46,000 general market according to Glassdoor’s analysis of 706,980 salaries. Stockholm tech companies (Spotify, Klarna, unicorns) typically pay 10-15% premiums over baseline.
Shared services center premiums:
Central and Eastern European capitals hosting multinational shared services centers show consistent 20-30% premiums over local company rates. Budapest English-speaking administrative roles command HUF 500,000-700,000/month versus lower ranges for local-only positions. Warsaw, Prague, and Bucharest show similar multinational premiums of 15-25%.
| Industry Sector |
Premium Over General Market | Example: London | Example: Dublin | Example: Frankfurt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Banking | 20-50% | £53,500-£75,000 vs £45,000 avg | €48,000-€58,000 | €72,250-€90,000 vs €63,145 avg |
| Tech (Major Companies) | 15-55% | £50,000 (Salesforce) vs £45,000 avg | €63,071 (Meta) vs €45,445 avg | 5-15% premium |
| Private Equity/VC | 20-40% | £55,000-£70,000 | €52,000-€70,000 | €70,000-€85,000 |
| Family Offices | 30-50% | £65,000-£75,000 | €60,000-€75,000 | €75,000-€90,000 |
| Pharmaceuticals | 10-16% | N/A | N/A | CHF 97,500 (Switzerland) |
| Management Consulting | 10-20% | £50,000-£60,000 | €50,000-€65,000 | €65,000-€75,000 |
| General Corporate | Baseline | £40,000-£50,000 | €42,000-€55,000 | €50,750-€63,145 |
| Startups (with equity) | 0-15% + equity | £38,000-£52,000 | €40,000-€58,000 | €48,000-€60,000 |
Executive Assistant salary Europe trends in 2025 demonstrate a significant shift toward rewarding in-office presence. According to Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide, 66% of managers are willing to increase starting salaries for in-office work, with 59% offering up to 20% more pay to work in office 4-5 days per week. This represents a fundamental reversal of remote work compensation trends from 2020-2023.
The PayScale Executive Assistant compensation research shows this office premium trend emerging across multiple European countries in 2025.
Remote versus office salary differentials:
Remote EA positions across Europe average €37,812 annually according to Remote Rocketship’s analysis of 23 job openings (2025), typically 10-15% lower than in-office comparable roles in the same location. The office premium trend reflects employer preferences for in-person executive support.
Hybrid work arrangements:
Hybrid models (2-3 days office, remaining remote) have become standard without significant salary adjustments in most markets. London EA roles predominantly operate 3-4 days office, 1-2 days remote, with finance and private equity typically requiring 4-5 days in-office according to multiple recruitment agencies’ 2025 market reports.
Geographic arbitrage opportunities:
Europeans working remotely for US or UK companies while living in lower-cost EU countries achieve substantial salary advantages. Fortune Europe (October 2024) documents examples of 5x salary increases for professionals earning US salaries ($125,000) while maintaining EU cost of living (Lisbon apartment €650/month versus San Francisco $3,500+/month).
Executive Assistant salary Europe bonus structures demonstrate fundamental differences between statutory requirements (13th/14th month salaries) in Southern and Central Europe versus discretionary performance bonuses in Northern and Western Europe.
Critical calculation note: When 13th/14th months are mandatory, annual salary is divided by 13 or 14 installments, NOT 12. Comparing a €40,000 annual salary in UK (paid over 12 months = €3,333/month) to €40,000 in Spain (paid over 14 months = €2,857/month) shows the Spanish position provides approximately 14% less monthly income despite identical annual figures.
Germany Christmas bonus (Weihnachtsgeld): 55% of German workers receive Christmas bonuses, with 85.8% of collective bargaining employees receiving them. Average Weihnachtsgeld: €2,747-€2,809 gross (2023 data), typically 25-100% of monthly salary according to German employment statistics.
Additional European bonus data: Switzerland averages CHF 2,605 annually (SalaryExpert), with financial sector bonuses CHF 6,000-10,000 (7.5-12.5% of base salary). London finance sector EAs receive additional £4,148/year average potential according to Glassdoor. Dublin additional cash compensation averages €2,144 (range €1-€11,770).
Performance bonus ranges by industry: Finance/banking: 10-15% performance bonuses common. Tech sector: variable, 10-20% for competitive roles. General market: 5-10% performance bonus for EA roles where offered according to PayScale and Glassdoor 2025 compensation analyses.
Executive Assistant salary Europe in 2026 ranges from €15,000 annually (Greece entry-level) to €147,000 (Switzerland senior positions). Mid-level positions (2-5 years experience) average €35,000-€50,000 in Western European markets and €13,000-€28,000 in Eastern European countries according to Glassdoor, PayScale, and Robert Half 2025 data.
The average Executive Assistant salary in Europe varies dramatically by location, ranging from €15,000 in Greece to €147,000 in Switzerland.
Mid-level positions (2-5 years experience) average €35,000-€50,000 across major Western European markets, while Eastern European countries average €13,000-€28,000 according to consolidated data from Glassdoor, PayScale, Indeed, and national statistics offices (September 2025). Senior-level EAs (5+ years) command €55,000-€80,000+ in high-salary markets like London, Dublin, and Zurich.
Switzerland pays the highest Executive Assistant salaries in Europe, with Zurich averaging CHF 97,000-CHF 147,000 and Geneva reaching CHF 105,500-CHF 140,000 according to Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide and Glassdoor data.
London follows with £45,000-£75,000 (senior roles), Dublin at €45,000-€80,000 (tech sector premiums), and Nordic capitals (Copenhagen DKK 536,000-821,000, Oslo NOK 639,000-931,000, Stockholm SEK 483,000-776,000) showing strong compensation.
Entry-level Executive Assistants (0-2 years experience) earn dramatically different salaries across Europe. Western European markets: London £36,000-£40,000, Dublin €36,000-€46,000, Amsterdam €45,000-€50,000, Paris €37,000-€40,000. Central/Eastern Europe: Warsaw PLN 88,433 (€19,900), Prague CZK 633,314 (€25,300), Budapest HUF 6,140,856 (€15,850), Bucharest RON 37,380 (€7,500) according to PayScale, SalaryExpert, and Glassdoor 2025 data.
Yes, finance sector Executive Assistants earn 20-35% premiums over general market rates across Europe. Goldman Sachs London averages £52,000 total pay versus £45,000-£46,000 general market based on Glassdoor’s analysis of 126,780 salary submissions.
PagePersonnel Italy shows banking sector EAs earning €45,000-€60,000 versus €40,000-€55,000 general corporate (15-25% premium). Frankfurt banking EAs reach €72,250-€90,000 versus €63,145 general average.
London Executive Assistants earn 3-6x more than Eastern European counterparts in absolute terms but face significantly higher living costs.
London mid-level: £40,000-£55,000 (€46,000-€63,000).
Eastern Europe mid-level: Warsaw PLN 58,000-77,000 (€13,000-€17,300), Budapest HUF 4,569,204 (€11,800), Bucharest RON 49,300 (€9,860) according to Glassdoor and SalaryExpert 2025.
However, purchasing power often favors Eastern European EAs due to lower cost of living.
Remote Executive Assistant positions average €37,812 annually across Europe according to Remote Rocketship’s analysis of 23 job openings (2025), typically 10-15% lower than in-office comparable roles. Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide reports 66% of managers willing to increase starting salaries for in-office work, with 59% offering up to 20% more pay for 4-5 days in-office presence. This represents a fundamental reversal from 2020-2023 when remote work commanded parity.
Mandatory 13th and 14th month payments in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece effectively increase annual compensation by 8-17% compared to UK and Nordic markets according to EuroPedia employment law analysis. However, monthly take-home is correspondingly lower. A €40,000 annual salary in Spain (paid over 14 months) provides €2,857/month versus €3,333/month in UK (paid over 12 months). Job seekers must clarify whether quoted salaries represent total annual gross divided by 12 or by 13/14.
Experience creates 2-3x salary multipliers from entry to senior level across all European markets.
Even in lower-wage markets:
Yes, tech companies typically pay 10-30% premiums over traditional companies. Meta Dublin averages €63,071 (55% above Irish national average) based on Glassdoor company data. Salesforce London averages £50,000 versus £45,000-£46,000 general market. Stockholm tech companies (Spotify, Klarna) pay 10-15% premiums. However, tech sector bonuses may include equity compensation not captured in base salary figures.
Salary website accuracy varies significantly by country and sample size. High-accuracy markets: UK (5,805+ Glassdoor salaries), Germany major cities (100+ salaries each), Ireland (300+ submissions). Low-accuracy markets: Baltic states (9-26 submissions), Greece (conflicting data), Nordic countries (15-53 submissions). Cross-referencing multiple sources (Glassdoor, PayScale, Indeed, Robert Half, national statistics) provides most reliable estimates. Sample sizes under 50 should be treated as directional rather than definitive.
Executive Assistant salary Europe ranges span from €12,000 (Greece entry-level) to CHF 147,425, with this comprehensive Executive Assistant salary Europe guide covering all major markets.
Geography dominates baseline compensation: Switzerland (CHF 97,000-147,000), London (£45,000-75,000), and Dublin (€45,000-80,000) establish the high end, while Southern Europe (Spain €25,000-55,000, Portugal €15,000-34,000, Greece €12,000-35,000) and Eastern Europe (Romania €7,500-19,200, Hungary €11,800-27,350) show 50-70% lower absolute wages.
Industry premiums reach 20-35%: London investment banking (£53,500-£75,000) and Dublin tech sector (Meta €63,071, 55% above national average) command substantial premiums. Frankfurt banking creates 15-25% premiums. Central and Eastern European multinationals consistently pay 20-30% over local firms.
Mandatory bonus structures create hidden 8-17% gaps: Spain, Italy, Portugal mandate 13th and 14th month payments (14% effective increase), while Germany shows 55% of workers receiving Weihnachtsgeld averaging €2,747-€2,809. UK and Nordic countries lack statutory bonuses, requiring careful total compensation analysis.
Office premiums reverse remote work trends: 66% of managers offering up to 20% salary premiums for 4-5 days in-office work according to Robert Half 2025, fundamentally changing compensation structures from 2020-2023 parity.
Experience multipliers reach 2-3x: London ranges £36,000 (entry) to £75,000+ (senior). Switzerland spans CHF 48,600 (entry) to CHF 147,425 (CEO EA). The 5+ years experience threshold consistently commands 40-80% premiums across all European markets.
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Related Career Resources:
This comprehensive salary guide synthesizes data from multiple authoritative sources across 21 European countries, including:
Salary Data Platforms:
Recruitment and Salary Survey Sources:
National Statistics and Employment Data:
Employment Law and Compensation Resources:
Cost of Living and Remote Work:
Company-Specific Salary Data:
All salary figures represent gross annual compensation unless otherwise specified. Data current as of September 2025. Exchange rates used: 1 EUR ≈ 0.85 GBP ≈ 1.0 CHF ≈ 4.45 PLN ≈ 25 CZK ≈ 387 HUF ≈ 5.0 RON ≈ 10.5 SEK ≈ 7.5 DKK ≈ 11.0 NOK (approximate 2025 rates).
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