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Bureau of Labor Statistics > Occupational Requirements Survey > Publications > Factsheets

Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants

Two workers looking at laptop and two workers looking at tablet Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.

For terms and definitions in this profile, see definitions of major terms.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make decisions, interact with others, and adapt to changes in jobs.

In 2025, more than basic people skills were required for 95.9 percent of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants. Basic people skills were required for 4.1 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants with cognitive and mental requirements, 2025
Requirement	Yes	No
Work schedule varies	21.1	78.9
Ability to pause work (and take brief unscheduled breaks)	85.0	15.0
Working around crowds	<5	>95
Telework routinely allowed	39.5	60.5
Supervising others	6.3	93.7
Supervisor present in immediate work area	73.4	26.6
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey

Education, training, and experience requirements

The minimum level of formal education required, credentials necessary, on-the-job training, and prior work experience necessary for average performance in jobs. The time associated with these requirements is combined to calculate the specific vocational preparation level needed for the job.

In 2025, prior work experience was required for 87.2 percent of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants and on-the-job training was required for 74.0 percent.

A high school diploma was required for 57.9 percent of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants.

Environmental conditions

The various hazards or difficulties that are in the area where workers perform their critical tasks.

In 2025, a quiet noise exposure was present for 35.0 percent of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants. Another 65.0 percent were exposed to moderate noise, less than 0.5 percent were exposed to loud noise, and less than 0.5 percent to very loud noise. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was used by less than 0.5 percent of workers to mitigate noise exposure and was not used by greater than 99.5 percent.

Physical demands

The physical activities required to perform tasks in jobs. The presence and, in some cases, duration of these activities are published.

In 2025, speaking was required for greater than 99.5 percent of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants and was not required for less than 0.5 percent. For less than 5 percent of workers, speaking was seldom required, for 56.4 percent speaking was occasionally required, for 42.1 percent speaking was frequently required, and for less than 0.5 percent speaking was required constantly.

Performing work in low postures was required for 15.3 percent of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants and was not required for 84.7 percent.

The choice to sit or stand when performing critical tasks was available to 91.4 percent of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants. On average, workers spent 90.9 percent of the workday sitting and 9.1 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants with physical demands, 2025
Requirement	Yes	No
Ability to choose to sit or stand for tasks	91.4	8.6
Driving	9.2	90.8
Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs	6.5	93.5
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey