Executive Assistant Salary in Chicago
2026 compensation data for Executive Assistant positions in Chicago, IL. Ranges from $50,000 (entry-level) to $126,000 (senior). Median: $79,000.
Median (Mid)
$79,000
$37.98/hr
vs National
-4%
US: $82,000
COL Index
115
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$126,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $50,000 | $59,000 | $68,000 | $28.37/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $65,000 | $79,000 | $92,000 | $37.98/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $86,000 | $105,000 | $126,000 | $50.48/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Chicago
A mid-level executive assistant earning $79,000 in Chicago has the same buying power as $69,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 115).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Executive Assistant Salaries in Chicago
The median executive assistant salary in Chicago, IL is $79,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 4% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 115 (national average = 100), Chicago offers a moderate cost of living with competitive salaries.
Entry-level executive assistants in Chicago can expect to earn between $50,000 and $68,000 (about $28.37/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $126,000 ($126K annually, or about $60.58/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions: Executive Assistant Salary in Chicago
What is the average Executive Assistant salary in Chicago?+
The average Executive Assistant salary in Chicago is $79,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $59,000 and senior-level pay reaches $105,000.
How much does an entry-level executive assistant make in Chicago?+
Entry-level executive assistants in Chicago earn between $50,000 and $68,000, with a median of $59,000 per year (about $28.37/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Executive Assistant in Chicago?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Executive Assistant in Chicago earns roughly $28.37/hour at entry-level, $37.98/hour at mid-level, and $50.48/hour at senior-level.
Is the Executive Assistant salary in Chicago higher than the US average?+
Executive Assistant salaries in Chicago are about 4% below the US national median. The lower cost of living often makes take-home buying power competitive.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
Negotiating a Executive Assistant offer in Chicago?
Get personalized AI coaching based on real market data.
Executive Assistant Salaries in Other Cities
Other Roles in Chicago
Know Your Worth as a Executive Assistant in Chicago
You now have the data. Use our free AI negotiation coach to turn it into a strategy — get scripts, market context, and expert tactics for your specific situation.
Free · No signup · Instant answers