Massive regional salary differences revealed

Executive assistants in London enjoy double the hourly temp rate of those in Scotland

Londoners earn 10,000 a year more than colleagues on the South Coast

There are major salary differences among executive assistants throughout the UK, according to research released today by OfficeTeam, a leading provider of specialised administrative personnel on a temporary and full-time basis. According to the 2006 UK OfficeTeam Salary Survey, both temporary and permanent executive assistants in the South get higher hourly rates and annual salaries than those based in the North.

In London, the average hourly rate for temporary executive assistants is 12.50 per hour, almost double the average hourly rate received by those in Scotland (6.79 per hour) and 3.55 above the UK average of 8.95 per hour.

Regional Ranking: Gross Hourly Rate (UK Average: 8.95 per hour)

1. London: 12.50 ( 3.55)
2. Home Counties: 9.91 ( 0.96)
3. South West: 9.70 ( 0.75)
4. South Coast: 9.13 ( 0.18)
5. Midlands: 9.13 ( 0.18)
6. Thames Valley: 9.00 ( 0.05)
7. North: 7.02 (-1.93)
8. Scotland: 6.79 (-2.16)

Permanent executive assistants in the South also enjoy higher gross annual salaries than their colleagues in the North. According to the research, executive assistants in London (31,600) and the Thames Valley (29,200) are the highest earners whilst those based in the Midlands (22,500) and the North (22,100) are amongst the lowest. Office workers on the South Coast (21,800) earn the least ñ almost 10,000 a year less than those based in London and nearly 4,000 below the national average.

Regional Ranking: Gross Annual Salary (UK Average: 25,500)

1. London: 31,600 ( 6,100)
2. Thames Valley: 29,200 ( 3,700)
3. South West: 25,300 (-200)
4. Scotland: 25,300 (-200)
5. Home Counties: 24,500 (-1,000)
6. Midlands: 22,500 (-3,000)
7. North: 22,100 (-3,400)
8. South Coast: 21,800 (-3,700)

Victoria Sprott, Regional Director for OfficeTeam, comments:

ìThese results provide quantitative evidence of the power of geography in influencing salaries. While employees continue to show a desire to receive more non-traditional benefits focused on achieving a work-life balance, managers must recognise the importance of salary in rewarding performance and strengthening brand loyalty.î

Across all regions, the most desired non-traditional benefit amongst executive assistants is flexi-time. According to the survey, gym membership is popular amongst workers in London (45 per cent), while in Scotland the focus is on professional development opportunities (49 per cent).

The survey also goes on to reveal what younger workers want. Gym membership (50 per cent) and casual dress (47 per cent) are the most desired benefits among 16-20 year olds, while extra holiday is more popular amongst 35-40 year olds (44 per cent).

Victoria Sprott, continues:

ìThe challenge for managers today is to meet the demands of workers across a variety of age groups. Companies need to develop cross-generational benefits that cater to younger workers that may want more non-traditional benefits such as gym subsidisation, as well as appealing to older workers, who may prefer bonuses, pensions or extra holidays.î