Best executive assistant services compared 2026
There is no single best executive assistant service. The right choice depends on whether you want US-based or offshore talent, a dedicated assistant or a pooled team, and how much […]
For Founders & CEOs
Hiring an Executive Assistant
Everything you need to decide whether to bring on an executive assistant, what one should cost, and how to find one who pays for themselves.
Most founders wait too long to hire an executive assistant, then hire the wrong one. These guides walk through the whole decision: the signs you are ready, how an EA differs from a virtual assistant or a chief of staff, what support actually costs, and how to hire someone who earns back their cost in recovered time. Base has spent 11 years placing US-based executive assistants drawn from the top 1% of applicants, and executives with strong EA support report a 64% productivity gain. The guidance here reflects what we have learned matching leaders with the right assistant.
US-based vs. offshore executive assistant
A US-based executive assistant works in your time zone, communicates with native-level fluency, and operates under US data and privacy norms. An offshore executive assistant usually costs less per hour. […]
How Much Does an Executive Assistant Cost?
An executive assistant can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars a month for part-time offshore help to well over $100,000 a year for a senior full-time hire. For a […]
Executive Assistant vs. Virtual Assistant: What’s the Difference?
An executive assistant is a dedicated, senior partner who manages your priorities, calendar, communications, and projects with independent judgment. A virtual assistant is usually a remote contractor who completes specific, […]
What is the difference between an executive assistant and a virtual assistant?
An executive assistant is a dedicated, senior partner who manages your priorities, calendar, inbox, and projects with real judgment. A virtual assistant usually handles discrete, task-based work on demand. Base places US-based executive assistants matched to your time zone, not offshore task workers.
How much does an executive assistant cost?
It depends on the model. Base subscription support starts at $2,800 per month for 40 hours, and full-time trial-to-hire placement (Select+) uses a $15,000 access fee that covers the trial and the placement. An in-house hire also carries salary, benefits, and recruiting costs.
When should a founder hire an executive assistant?
When low-value admin is crowding out the work only you can do. If your calendar, inbox, and follow-ups regularly slip, an EA usually pays for itself quickly in recovered time.
Is a US-based executive assistant worth it over an offshore one?
For executive support, time-zone overlap, communication, security, and shared context usually matter more than the hourly rate. Base talent is 100% US-based and drawn from the top 1% of applicants.
How fast can I get matched with an executive assistant?
Base matches most clients within 3 days, and 95% are satisfied with their first match.