NOC 12100: Executive assistants

The employment outlook will be Good for executive assistants (NOC 12100) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Executive assistants are employed by organizations across many industries.

Executive assistants generally work in direct support of senior management, boards, and committees. These roles usually require initiative, organizational skills, good decision-making and sound judgment, and the ability to co-ordinate multiple schedules.

As more tasks become automated due to technological advances, the nature of the occupation may change as duties evolve and become increasingly focused on research and coordination with people and managing smaller projects.

Experience with Microsoft Office will enhance job prospects.

Candidates may also be required to be bilingual for certain positions.

Here are some key facts about executive assistants in New Brunswick:

Approximately 700 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Executive assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 15%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 14%

Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 7%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

Universities (NAICS 6113): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 89% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 11% compared to 16% for all occupations

85% of executive assistants work all year, while 15% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of executive assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 9% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 91% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 24% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 39% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 22% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for executive assistants (NOC 12100) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about executive assistants in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 1,250 people work in this occupation.

Executive assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 24%

Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 10%

Universities (NAICS 6113): 7%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

83% of executive assistants work all year, while 17% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of executive assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 9% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 91% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 34% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 19% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for executive assistants (NOC 12100) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Many executive assistants work in direct support of senior management, boards and committees in roles that require initiative, good decision-making and sound judgment, and the ability to co-ordinate multiple schedules. As more tasks become automated due to technological advances, the nature of the occupation may change, and duties may become more focused on research and coordination with people and managing smaller projects. Candidates with prior administrative experience, strong oral and written communications skills, and knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite are the most sought after in this labour market.

Here are some key facts about executive assistants in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 550 people work in this occupation.

Executive assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 28%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 15%

Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 13%

Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 6%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 6%

77% of executive assistants work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 8% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 92% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 49% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 19% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for executive assistants (NOC 12100) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Executive assistants continue to play a vital role across industries by supporting senior leaders, boards, and committees with scheduling, communications, and project coordination. While automation has streamlined routine tasks like data entry and calendar management, the role has evolved to emphasize strategic support, research, and cross-team coordination. Employers increasingly seek candidates with strong communication skills, digital fluency, and experience using tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and project management platforms. In today’s hybrid and remote work environments, executive assistants often manage virtual meetings, confidential communications, and workflow logistics.

Here are some key facts about executive assistants in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Executive assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 34%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 28%

Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 13%

Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 11%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

70% of executive assistants work all year, while 30% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 12% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 88% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: 18% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 44% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 32% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Moderate for executive assistants (NOC 12100) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

While job growth and retirements are expected to drive opportunities, some competition for positions is likely to occur due to individuals in related occupations, such as administrative officers, looking to move up and further their career. This should lead to fairly balanced job prospects for this occupation. In addition, internal hiring for Executive Assistants is common within firms, limiting opportunities for external candidates.

Here are some key facts about executive assistants in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 900 people work in this occupation.

Executive assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 14%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 13%

Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 8%

Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 8%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 18% for all occupations

88% of executive assistants work all year, while 12% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of executive assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 11% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 89% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 35% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 24% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 9% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for executive assistants (NOC 12100) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

This occupation is found in most industries, but particularly in finance, insurance, public administration and education.

In the last two sectors, there should be low growth at the beginning of the forecast period due to budgetary constraints, which will limit hiring in various levels of government.

However, the digitization of business activities and the change in working methods, such as employees returning in person, flexible work arrangements that increasingly require days in the office and the geographic dispersion of work teams, should benefit this occupational group. The need to coordinate teams in a virtual environment will remain important, which will be an asset for this occupation.

Here are some key facts about executive assistants in Quebec:

Approximately 12,950 people work in this occupation.

Executive assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (NAICS 52, 53): 13%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 11%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 10%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 5%

Universities (NAICS 6113): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 18% for all occupations

80% of executive assistants work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of executive assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 10% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 90% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 14% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 16% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 34% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 21% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 12% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for executive assistants (NOC 12100) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Employed across all industries

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Ongoing need to provide administrative, coordination, research and communications support across departments and businesses will support work in this occupation

Greater use of technology may change some job responsibilities and duties

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is an asset

Experience in an administrative role is often required.

Here are some key facts about executive assistants in Ontario:

Approximately 17,350 people work in this occupation.

Executive assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 14%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 12%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 5%

Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations

82% of executive assistants work all year, while 18% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of executive assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 10% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 90% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 23% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 30% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 8% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for executive assistants (NOC 12100) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about executive assistants in Alberta:

Approximately 3,900 people work in this occupation.

Executive assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 7%

Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 7%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 6%

Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 90% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 10% compared to 20% for all occupations

77% of executive assistants work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of executive assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 7% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 93% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 32% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 22% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 6% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for executive assistants (NOC 12100) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

Here are some key facts about executive assistants in British Columbia:

Approximately 4,400 people work in this occupation.

Executive assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 8%

Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 8%

Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 7%

Real Estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 53): 6%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 89% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 11% compared to 22% for all occupations

79% of executive assistants work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of executive assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 8% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 92% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 26% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 27% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 28% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for executive assistants (NOC 12100) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Changes in technology, including the availability of online services, artificial intelligence, and the automation of back-office processes, may slow down job growth and change some job roles.

Here are some key facts about executive assistants in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Executive assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 73%

Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 10%

Tourism & Culture (NAICS 51, 71-72): 8%

85% of executive assistants work all year, while 15% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 14% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 86% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: 22% compared to 26% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 22% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 30% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Moderate for executive assistants (NOC 12100) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Changes in technology, including the availability of online services, artificial intelligence, and the automation of back-office processes, may slow down job growth and change some job roles.

Here are some key facts about executive assistants in Nunavut:

Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Executive assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 73%

Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 10%

Tourism & Culture (NAICS 51, 71-72): 8%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 83% compared to 87% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 17% compared to 13% for all occupations

57% of executive assistants work all year, while 42% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 20% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 80% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 17% compared to 37% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 33% compared to 22% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 15% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 17% compared to 6% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for executive assistants (NOC 12100) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about executive assistants in Manitoba:

Approximately 1,250 people work in this occupation.

Executive assistants mainly work in the following sectors:

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 16%

Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 8%

Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 8%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 88% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 12% compared to 19% for all occupations

81% of executive assistants work all year, while 19% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of executive assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 8% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 92% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 31% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 16% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 21% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 5% compared to 8% for all occupations