Executive Assistant Salary – Government of Canada (2026)
How much do federal executive assistants make? Classification mapping, salary by level, and career path.
How Executive Assistant Roles Are Classified
The Government of Canada doesn't advertise positions as “Executive Assistant” — instead, each role is assigned a classification code that determines its pay scale. Here's how executive assistant roles map to federal classifications:
What Federal Executive Assistants Do
Executive assistants in the federal government support senior leaders by managing their calendars, coordinating briefing materials, tracking action items, organizing meetings, and serving as the gateway to their executive's office. The level of the EA position corresponds to the seniority of the executive supported: EAs to Directors are typically AS-02, EAs to DGs are AS-03, and EAs to ADMs or Deputy Ministers are AS-03 or AS-04. Federal EAs do significantly more than traditional administrative support — they manage workflow, prioritize competing demands, and develop deep understanding of their executive's portfolio.
Executive Assistant Salary Breakdown
EAs at AS-02 earn $62,168–$67,170. Those supporting DGs at AS-03 earn $67,624–$72,933. Senior EAs to ADMs at AS-04 earn $74,180–$80,612. While EA salaries are modest, the position offers unmatched career development — understanding how executive offices function and building relationships with senior leaders provides a significant advantage in future competitions.
How to Get Hired
EA positions are filled through internal competitions and often through informal networks — many executives select their EAs based on recommendations and prior working relationships. Entry-level EA roles (AS-01, AS-02) are accessible through GC Jobs competitions. The role is an excellent career accelerator: EAs develop broad organizational knowledge, build relationships with senior leaders, and gain exposure to strategic decision-making. Many former EAs advance quickly to AS-04 and AS-05 operational roles.