What are the key differences between a PA and an EA?

Quick Summary: PA vs EA at a Glance

The core difference between a personal assistant (PA) and an executive assistant (EA) lies in the scope of their responsibilities and the level of strategic involvement. While both roles provide high-level support, a PA typically focuses on day-to-day administrative and sometimes personal tasks. An EA, on the other hand, acts as a true business partner to senior executives, often taking on strategic, operational, and leadership support functions.

"Is there actually a difference between a PA and an EA?" If I had a pound for every time I’ve been asked that question by candidates or clients, I could probably retire. At Oriel Partners, we work with some of the UK’s most high-profile executives and ambitious professionals, and this topic comes up time and time again.

And it’s a fair question. On the surface, the two roles can look very similar. But as someone who has spent years placing top-tier assistants across a wide range of industries, I can tell you with absolute certainty: the differences are real, and they matter to employers, to candidates and to the long-term success of any business.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what separates a PA from an EA, how to choose the right role (or hire the right support), and what it takes to make the leap from PA to EA if you’re looking to grow your career.

What Is a Personal Assistant (PA)?

A personal assistant is someone who excels at organisation, multitasking and keeping the wheels turning for their boss or team. The PA role provides essential administrative support so that the people they assist can focus on what they do best.

This might mean managing a hectic diary, coordinating travel, responding to emails, handling expenses or even running the odd personal errand. The key thing to understand is that the PA role is usually task-focused. It's about doing things efficiently and accurately to support someone else's workflow.

Common PA Responsibilities:

• Managing diaries and scheduling meetings

• Booking travel and accommodation

• Answering calls and managing inboxes

• Filing, expense reporting, and admin support

• Sometimes supporting both professional and personal needs

View our PA job description template here for a full list of responsibilities.

Key PA Skills:

• Organisation and time management

• Attention to detail

• Proactive mindset

• Professional communication

• Discretion and reliability

A strong PA is the backbone of any high-functioning team. In fact, many of the best EAs I’ve placed started their careers as PAs and built their skills over time.

Get a full list of PA skills here.

What Is an Executive Assistant (EA)?

While an EA might handle many of the same administrative duties as a PA, the role goes several steps further. An executive assistant is often seen as a right-hand person to a senior leader – someone who doesn’t just manage the logistics, but contributes to the decision-making process and keeps the executive's priorities aligned with the broader business goals.

EAs are often involved in strategic planning, board preparation, stakeholder liaison and project oversight. The role requires excellent business acumen and the ability to act with a high level of autonomy.

Common EA Responsibilities:

• Preparing reports, presentations, and briefing notes

• Coordinating complex travel and meetings across time zones

• Acting as a liaison between the executive and other stakeholders

• Conducting research and supporting strategic planning

• Overseeing internal projects and initiatives

View a full list of EA responsibilities in our EA job description template.

Key EA Skills:

• Strategic thinking

• Discretion and sound judgment

• High-level communication and influencing skills

• Business awareness and analytical thinking

• The ability to anticipate needs and act proactively

In many ways, an EA is an extension of the executive they support. It’s a role that comes with high-level responsibility, trust, and the potential to have a real impact on business outcomes.

Learn more about what an EA does here.

PA vs EA: What Are the Key Differences?

While both roles enable others to perform at their best, the difference lies in the depth and type of support provided.

Strategic vs Administrative Focus

A PA keeps things moving day-to-day. An EA makes sure those movements align with larger business goals. EAs often sit in on meetings, prepare materials for board discussions and manage high-level projects.

Seniority and Scope

PAs may work for a single manager or team, whereas EAs typically support high-level executives, such as CEOs or Directors, and may act on their behalf in meetings or with key stakeholders.

Autonomy and Trust

EAs are usually granted more independence, expected to make decisions and trusted to represent their executives internally and externally. PAs often follow direction more closely and focus on execution.

Salary and Career Trajectory

EAs generally command higher salaries and are seen as more senior. Career progression from EA roles can lead to positions like Chief of Staff, Operations Manager or even Business Partner roles.

In my experience, the leap from PA to EA is less about years served and more about mindset and exposure. And we’ll get to that shortly.

Our research shows that PAs are earning on average £45,000, while EAs are earning £68,000 on average.

For more information on salaries, you may be interested in reviewing our annual salary guide.

Do You Need a PA or an EA?

This is a question I often pose to clients who are unsure which role they need. The answer depends on what kind of support will have the greatest impact on your day-to-day operations and long-term goals.

If you need help managing your schedule, coordinating travel, handling calls and keeping the basics organised, you likely need a PA. They’re efficient, discreet and fantastic at getting things done without fuss.

But if you're looking for someone to take ownership of priorities, act as a sounding board, drive internal projects and represent you when you're not in the room, then what you need is an EA.

Ask yourself:

• Do I need personal support as well as professional?

• Am I managing confidential, strategic decisions daily?

• Would I benefit from a second pair of eyes on key business matters?
  
  

Clients scaling quickly often start with a PA and soon realise they need EA-level partnership to really move the business forward.

Which Role Is Right for You?

If you’re trying to decide which path to pursue, think about your working style, your interests and your long-term goals.

You may thrive as a PA if:

• You enjoy organising people and processes

• You like having clear tasks and timelines

• You’re happy supporting both work and personal needs

Learn more about what it’s really like to work as a personal assistant here.

You’re likely better suited to an EA role if:

• You want to be involved in strategic conversations

• You’re confident in making decisions on behalf of someone else

• You enjoy liaising with stakeholders and influencing outcomes

The best EAs I know didn’t just fall into the role. They were proactive, asked for more responsibility and positioned themselves as indispensable. If that sounds like you, then transitioning from PA to EA might be the right next step.

How to Transition from PA to EA Successfully

Making the leap from PA to EA is one of the most rewarding career moves you can make, but it takes intention. I’ve helped many talented PAs take that next step, and here’s what I advise:

1. Show You’re Ready

Take initiative in your current role. Ask to support more strategic projects. Volunteer to draft reports or sit in on meetings. When you demonstrate that you’re capable of more, opportunities tend to follow.

2. Understand the Business

Great EAs don’t just support an executive, they understand the goals, metrics and challenges that the executive is dealing with. Start reading industry news, attending internal briefings and getting curious about the wider picture.

3. Build Internal Relationships

EAs often liaise with senior stakeholders. Start building your network now. Be visible, professional and proactive in cross-team communications.

4. Communicate Your Ambitions

Talk to your line manager about your goals. Ask for feedback on your readiness and explore what internal progression might look like.

5. Update Your CV Accordingly

If you’re applying externally, make sure your CV highlights the strategic aspects of your current role. Emphasise outcomes and ownership, not just tasks.

You can check out our CV advice and templates here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an executive assistant more senior than a personal assistant?

Yes, generally speaking. An executive assistant typically supports high-level executives, such as CEOs and directors, and is involved in strategic planning, decision-making and business operations. A PA, while incredibly valuable, usually handles more task-based and sometimes personal support.

Can a personal assistant become an executive assistant?

Absolutely, and many do. Transitioning from PA to EA is a natural career progression for assistants who want to take on more strategic responsibilities and work more closely with senior leadership. With the right experience, mindset and mentoring, it’s a very achievable goal.

What’s the salary difference between a PA and an EA?

Salaries vary depending on the industry, company size and location. However, EAs tend to earn more due to the seniority of the role and the complexity of the tasks involved. On average, EAs can earn around £6,000 more at entry level, with a larger gap at senior levels.

Is EA just another name for PA?

Not quite. Some companies do use the titles interchangeably, but most recognise that an EA provides a higher level of strategic support and operates with greater autonomy. It’s not just semantics; the expectations and scope of the role are genuinely different.

Do I need both a PA and an EA?

In some organisations, yes. For example, a CEO might have an EA managing their business affairs and a PA overseeing personal matters and admin for the wider household or team. It all depends on the level of support needed and how responsibilities are divided.

Let Us Help You Find The Right Fit

If you’re looking for a new PA or EA role, I’d love to help you take the next step. Likewise, if you’re hiring and unsure which role you need or how to find someone exceptional, our team is here to guide you through it.

Candidates: Please send us your CV and let us know the type of role you’re looking for.

Clients: Please get in touch to brief us on your requirements, and we’ll help you hire the perfect EA or PA for your needs.