Strong Prospects for Office Support in 2008

PAs, especially in London are earning up to £40,000 a year and salaries for bright and skilled entry level graduates in City office support roles have risen from an average of £18,000 to as much as £23,000. These high salaries, as documented in leading office support, pa and secretarial recruiter Crone Corkill's 2008 Salary Survey, reflect the growing importance of today's professional support staff.

According to the report, the average salary for a PA in London is £34,000, with the Thames Valley and Bristol areas paying around £28,500 and £23,000 respectively. Although salary is important, the survey also highlights the fact that candidates are now taking a more holistic approach to potential job changes by looking at the benefits and career development companies offer including flexible working, a structured career path and opportunities for training.

The survey highlights that in the capital, the one-to-one PA role is reserved for the elite few, while the ‘lynch-pin' Team Secretary position can now offer a career path to Executive Assistant. In terms of skill sets, a second language is fast becoming an added bonus for a company, with the Executive Assistant expected to have some proven managerial and international exposure to add to their portfolio of experience.