Executive Assistant Salary in California
Executive Assistants in California earn an average of $81,432 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +17.2% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$81,432
per year
Hourly Rate
$39.15
per hour
vs National
+17.2%
$69,480 national
Salary Range
$52,988
to $118,586
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$81,432
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$57,346
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Executive Assistant's salary of $81,432 has the purchasing power of $57,346 in an average-cost area.
Executive Assistant Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $97,752 | $47.00/hr | $61,751 | $143,498 | 570 |
| San Francisco, CA | $91,604 | $44.04/hr | $59,359 | $136,623 | 614 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $78,861 | $37.91/hr | $50,056 | $110,325 | 766 |
| San Diego, CA | $77,435 | $37.23/hr | $51,908 | $112,340 | 421 |
| Sacramento, CA | $73,547 | $35.36/hr | $49,251 | $110,743 | 492 |
| Riverside, CA | $69,392 | $33.36/hr | $45,602 | $97,986 | 468 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Executive Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 3,331 Executive Assistants employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Executive Assistant Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$52,988
Starting salary for new Executive Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$81,432
Mid-career Executive Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$118,586
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Executive Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Executive Assistant salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Executive Assistant salary in California?
The average Executive Assistant salary in California is $81,432 per year ($39.15/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 17.2% above the national average of $69,480.
What is the highest paying city for Executive Assistants in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Executive Assistants in California, with a median salary of $97,752 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $69,392.
What is the salary range for Executive Assistants in California?
Executive Assistant salaries in California range from $52,988 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $118,586 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $81,432 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.