The rollercoaster of the past year has tested pay and rewards across the support sector. Faced with financial instability, political turmoil, and landmark employment reforms, many businesses struggled to offer significant salary rises. SecsintheCity’s latest Salary Survey reveals the earnings and what matters most to the assistant community today…
While 54% of our audience received a pay boost and 48% took home a bonus on top, overall wage growth was sluggish. Average salaries climbed just 2% year on year, inching from £48,400 to £49,200. For most industries, the last 12 months have been about security, survival, and slow but sustained progress.
Roles and industry sectors pay
A distinct two-tier market has emerged across different roles and sectors. Earnings for EAs grew by just 2% and salaries remained unchanged for 80% of Marketing Assistants, 56% of Administrators, and 55% of Events staff. Meanwhile, pay fell for 8% of Administrators and Receptionists. Sector-wise, average income declined across Fashion to £48,300, Recruitment to £50,800, and Hospitality to £32,800. On the other hand, Private PAs enjoyed a standout year with an 11% annual increase and the highest proportion of remote workers at 20%. By contrast, Secretaries saw earnings fall and their proportion of bonus payments drop by 27 percentage points, while other EAs supported multiple executives for smaller salaries.
Stark imbalances also persist across ethnic groups, signalling a pressing need for genuine pay equity. White professionals lead the salary rankings in 7 out of 15 job categories, while Black, African, Caribbean, and Black British professionals receive the lowest average income across the sector at £38,100, dropping from £44,200 in our previous report. Encouragingly, Asian and Asian British
workers now receive the highest average earnings at £46,000 and secured this year’s top overall salary, with Legal PAs averaging £67,500.
The AI effect
The rapid rise of AI has created new considerations, particularly for EAs. While most respondents take a cautious view, including 46% of Legal PAs/Secretaries, 44% of Receptionists, and 41% of HRs , EAs report the highest levels of anxiety. Employers can mitigate these concerns by providing clear AI roadmaps and upskilling, allowing support professionals to automate routine tasks and focus on the high-level strategy and relationship management that leaders value most.
With two-thirds of support professionals planning a career move in 2026, competitive pay is no longer enough, nor is it always feasible in a high-cost climate. While resistance to office mandates has softened slightly, dipping from 71% to 63%, hybrid and work-from-anywhere options remain the most powerful attraction and retention priorities. In return for their continued contribution, today’s multi generational workforce seeks flexibility and fair rewards, meaning that offering a diverse blend of benefits the best way to support a varied staff.
What does the sector value most
Key motivators across the industry include hybrid work, private healthcare, and enhanced pension contributions. The last year has taught us the value of resilience and of a reliable, resourceful team. As global uncertainty continues, strong support staff are the bedrock of any organisation and an asset worth protecting. By aligning rewards, flexibility, and long term pay progression, it’s possible to build the stability and engagement needed to navigate an unpredictable market.
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