Is there a big difference between an office assistant—sometimes called an administrative assistant—and an executive assistant? Can someone who starts off in one role transition into the other? As a job seeker, what does it all mean (and what does it pay)?

Don’t worry: Bishop & Company is here to help shed light on these important career paths!

Administrative or Office Assistant:

These professionals juggle more than 20 different tasks on average, meaning the title often fails to capture the full scope of responsibilities. Office assistants are masters of time management, organization, multitasking, and communication—all while maintaining a pleasant demeanor.

Responsibilities often include:

• Scheduling meetings for a team

• Managing larger correspondence projects

• Ordering office supplies

• Anticipating the team’s needs before they arise

Executive Assistants:

Generally advancing from administrative roles, executive assistants work directly with leadership teams or C-suite executives. They are often responsible for high-level strategic tasks that require excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Their responsibilities might include:

• Managing executive calendars across multiple time zones

• Coordinating travel and conferences

• Handling client relations with key partners

• Preparing presentations and high-level communications

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Administrative and office assistants serve as the backbone of daily operations. They ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes—think of the person behind the curtain in “The Wizard of Oz” who makes the magic happen.

Their duties may include:

• Managing team calendars

• Filing, data entry, and bookkeeping

• Coordinating meetings and internal communications

• Acting as the first point of contact for guests and clients

Executive assistants, while often focused on supporting one executive or a leadership team, handle a narrower range of tasks—but at a much higher level of complexity and importance. Their responsibilities demand confidentiality, foresight, and strategic thinking.

Career Growth: How to Move Up

Administrative assistants who are talented, driven, and open to learning new skills can absolutely grow into executive assistant roles. Successful candidates often possess:

• Strong software and technology skills

• Excellent communication and time management abilities

• Highly organized workflows

• Problem-solving expertise

• Trusted advisor qualities, offering creative solutions confidently

Upskilling through professional development and gaining experience in handling high-level administrative tasks can pave the way to promotion.

Salary Expectations in Hawaii

Administrative/Office Assistants:

• Average Salary: $43,360 per year

• Upper Range: $64,000 depending on experience, skills, and complexity of the role

Executive Assistants:

• Average Salary: $67,000 per year

• Upper Range: $106,000, especially with larger companies that value proven experience and indispensable talent

Your compensation potential grows significantly as you advance and specialize in executive support roles!

Ready to Step into a New Opportunity?

Whether you’re beginning your career as an administrative assistant or ready to move up into an executive assistant position, Bishop & Company is here to support your journey.

With over 30 years of staffing expertise in Hawaii, we have strong relationships with leading organizations who value hard work, professionalism, and career growth.

Take a look at our current job openings, polish your resume, and give Bishop & Company a call a call today. Let’s find you the perfect fit and the next step toward your career goals!