Executive Assistants
(NOC 1222)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationExecutive assistants coordinate administrative procedures, public relations activities and research and analysis functions for members of legislative assemblies, ministers, deputy ministers, corporate officials and executives, committees and boards of directors. They work for governments, corporations and associations.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
While job growth and retirements are expected to drive opportunites, some competition for positions is likely to occur due to individuals in related occupations, such as administrative officers, looking to move up and further their career. This should lead to fairly balanced job prospects for this occupation. In addition, internal hiring for Executive Assistants is common within firms, limiting opportunites for external candidates.
Hourly Pay
$15.83
Minimum$30.29
Median$33.24
MaximumAnnual Pay
$22,606
Minimum$50,844
Median$73,997
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$23.00
Median$38.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Executive assistants coordinate administrative procedures, public relations activities and research and analysis functions for members of legislative assemblies, ministers, deputy ministers, corporate officials and executives, committees and boards of directors. They work for governments, corporations and associations.
Job duties
Executive assistants:
- Create and coordinate administrative policies and procedures for officials, committees and boards of directors.
- Analyze incoming and outgoing documents, submissions and reports and prepare the submission of summary briefs and reports to executives, committees and boards of directors.
- Prepare agendas and plan committee, board and other meetings.
- Do research, compile data, and prepare papers for consideration and presentation by executives, committees and boards of directors.
- Meet with individuals, special interest groups and others on behalf of executives, committees and boards of directors to discuss issues and assess and recommend various courses of action.
- Communicate with departmental and corporate officials and with other organizations and associations on behalf of executives, committees and boards of directors.
Sample job titles
- committee clerk
- constituency assistant
- corporate secretary
- executive assistant
- legislative assistant
- medical information assistant
- ministerial assistant
- parliamentary assistant
- special assistant
Skills
- You need excellent communication, organizational, and negotiation skills. You must have initiative and be willing to accept new ideas and take risks. The ability to analyze detailed information accurately and quickly is necessary to make decisions. Familiarity with computers would be helpful.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- A bachelor's degree in public administration, political science or a related discipline is usually required.
Other considerations
- Experience in a related administrative position is usually required.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$52,129 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$45,892 median annual incomeSouthern
$48,179 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$49,924 median annual incomeCape Breton
$47,636 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Educational services
Finance and insurance
Professional, scientific and technical services
Other services (except public administration)
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$49,684 median annual incomeBachelor
$50,848 median annual incomeHigh school
$48,873 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$52,628 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$48,310 median annual incomeCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College Diploma
$36,304 median annual incomeHigh school
$32,903 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,755 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$34,807 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,174 median annual incomeEducation & training
Business/Commerce
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and non-profit public and private institutions and agencies. They prepare students to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.
Institutions providing this program
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Political Science and Government
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the systematic study of political institutions and behaviour. They include courses in political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of the government and politics of specific countries, and studies of specific political institutions and processes.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.