Can you make $400K as a Hollywood Assistant?

Check out The Wall Street Journal article, "$400,000 for an Executive Assistant?" about wealthy executives who are paying sophisticated aides six figure salaries. These assistants are smart enough to handle complicated tasks, yet humble enough to take on tedious ones.

That salary sounds pretty great, right?

Unlike my amazing aunt who had a fulfilling 40+ year career as an EA to C-Suite executives, I'm guessing you went to film school and an entry-level assistant job is the way to a fulfilling career, not the career itself.

Because of that, the likelihood of making $400K a year as an EA in entertainment is very slim. (sorry Charlie)

So let's get clarity on what you can expect to make (if you are Hollywood assistant) and what you can expect to pay (if you are a Hollywood employer).

THE ASSISTANT

If you are an aspiring assistant, with little to no experience, you can't be too picky. An intern will most likely make minimum wage and a full-time assistant can expect to make $18-25 an hr. What you lack in skills, you can make up in work ethic and attitude.

If you are an experienced assistant (2-5 years working at reputable companies, studios, streamers, agencies, management companies or TV shows), you have something of real value to add. Know that there are people out there willing to pay a premium for your skill set. I know of one major management company who is paying assistants 80K a year for the simple reason-they want the absolute best! Money talks!

Have honest conversations with your friends about salary and find out how you stack up. Sometimes, you have no idea how good (or bad) you really have it until you find out what is typical.

THE EMPLOYER

While typical Hollywood assistant pay has gone up in recent years, employers are having a tougher time attracting the right people who will do a great job, stay at least a year (hopefully longer) and do it for a low price point. This doesn't work anymore. I know employers want the best, but if you are limited by a tight budget, you might need to consider other perks that an assistant will value (introductions to your professional network, free lunches, $50 a week expense account to make professional contacts etc....)

You may also need to consider hiring some outside help with your search. This WSJ article highlighted that recruiting firms charge up to 40% of first year salary. Ex, if an assistant is hired at $400K salary, the recruiting fee is $160K! That is certainly not my price point, but the quality of candidates I have is superior! I'd love the opportunity to help you with any of your hiring needs! Just reply to this email and I'll give you call to see how to best serve you.