One of the questions I’m asked most often as a recruiter is how much does it cost to hire a personal assistant in the UK? The answer depends on factors like location, experience and whether you’re hiring permanently or on a contract basis.
In London, you should expect to pay between £35,000 and £75,000 per year for a personal assistant, depending on their responsibilities and experience. At the very top end, highly experienced or specialist PAs can earn significantly more. For temporary or contract support, the going rate is typically £18–£35+ per hour. Outside London, salaries tend to be lower, averaging around £30,000–£35,000 per year.
Below, I’ll break down how PA salaries vary by location, experience and industry, as well as what you can expect to pay if you’re considering a virtual assistant.
What Is A PA?
In my experience, a PA’s role is much broader than just admin. They’re the person who keeps diaries organised, arranges travel, manages inboxes, event planning and ensures the smooth running of a busy executive’s day.
Learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities of a PA role in this job description.
How Much Can I Expect To Pay A Personal Assistant?
A personal assistant's hourly rate varies depending on location, experience and industry. In the following sections, we’ll show you what the average cost of hiring a PA is within different areas within the United Kingdom and the average personal assistant salary for different experience levels.
Location
In London, the average PA salary is £45,000, based on our 2025 Oriel Partners salary survey.
Outside of the capital, the average salary is lower. In Manchester, a PA would expect a salary of around £30,000 per annum, while the average salary for a personal assistant in Glasgow is around £35,000. For other areas, you can work around these figures depending on your location. For instance, if you’re based just outside London, you’ll be expected to pay in the range of £40,000 plus per year for your PA. Of course, these average annual figures also depend on how much experience a successful candidate has.
Experience
With regards to experience, an entry-level PA in London typically earns between £34,000 and £40,000 per annum. At the top end, senior PAs can earn as much as £80,000 in London. These candidates will be operating at the highest level in terms of qualifications and experience. Depending on your location and how experienced the personal assistant is, you can estimate an average figure. However, it’s also important to consider the industry you’re in.
-
Entry-level PA (0–2 years): £34,000–£40,000 per year (£14–£20/hour)
-
Mid-level PA (3–5 years): £40,000–£60,000 per year (£20–£30/hour)
-
Senior PA (5+ years): £60,000–£80,000+ per year (£25–£35+/hour)
Industry
In certain industries, PA salaries can stretch from £40,000 to over £125,000, with the average around £71,000. Those working with celebrities and public figures can earn six-figure salaries – often due to the confidentiality and demands of the role supporting those in the public eye.
What Are Virtual Assistants & How Much Does It Cost To Hire One?
A virtual assistant is essentially an individual contractor who performs a wide range of administrative duties. You may be wondering how this role differs from a personal assistant? Both roles tackle similar tasks. However, a virtual assistant works remotely, usually in their home office, and they may work for a wide variety of people outside the realm of company managers and executives.
The majority of virtual assistants work on an hourly rate. Most virtual assistants I come across charge between £20 and £35+ per hour. However, you may find this is lower or higher depending on their experience and qualifications.
While VAs can be more cost-flexible, most employers I work with still prefer a dedicated in-person PA for consistency and deeper involvement in their day-to-day operations.
Find The Perfect PA Candidate For You With Oriel Partners
Having spent years placing exceptional PAs in London, I’d be delighted to help you find the right candidate. Get in touch with me and my team at Oriel Partners, and we’ll guide you through the process. Let us help you hire the ideal personal assistant for your business!
