New research shows 44% of Australians doubt they’ll ever earn enough to live comfortably – and that financial confidence drops sharply with age. Two Executive PA readers share whether that matches their experience.
More than four in ten Australians don’t believe they’ll ever earn enough to live comfortably, according to new research from ADP. The figure rises to 47% in Victoria and 46% in New South Wales.
The poll of Aussie workers also shows confidence in financial security varies sharply by age. More than half of Gen Z (53%) believe they’ll eventually earn enough but that drops to 45% of Millennials, 38% of Gen X and just 29% of Boomers and the Silent Generation.
For senior EAs, many of whom sit in that Gen X bracket, the question of whether or not their salary will ever reflect the complexity and value of what they do is more than theoretical.
The gap between value and pay
Yuki Park, Executive Assistant to CEO at George and Matilda Eyecare in Sydney, is clear about where she stands.
“Much of my work has involved delivering strategic support and measurable outcomes aligned with leadership priorities, including more than $114,000 in annual savings. It raises ongoing questions about how EA roles are recognised in relation to their scope and contribution,” she says.
She adds that while acknowledgment is valued, there is often a disconnect between the level of responsibility EAs carry and how that is reflected in remuneration frameworks.
Her financial confidence has declined over recent years with CPI increases not consistently applied across some workplaces – and not keeping pace with inflation since before the pandemic. This has prompted broader reflection on long-term financial stability and career direction across the profession.
At her current workplace, CPI increases have historically not been guaranteed. But recent organisational changes have introduced updated frameworks for supporting team remuneration.
Financial security is now a stronger focus in her planning. Yuki has participated in Australian financial literacy programs such as the Ladies Finance Club, which helps members build confidence in engaging with financial advisors and long-term planning.
“I strongly encourage other EAs to develop a trusted network and engage actively in financial education,” she says. “There are many resources available, including incredible EA coaches, that can help professionals confidently articulate their value and have informed conversations with leadership.”
The other side
Eliana Bertassello, PA and office manager in Milan, Italy, has been working at C-level in multinational companies for more than 15 years. Three years ago, moving to her current employer granted her a 20% salary increase.
“I’ve always been very comfortable with my EA salary, which has always been in the higher half of the range,” she says. Her personal situation supports that – single with no children, a house she owns and no debts has allowed for both comfort and savings.
She does feel her current salary reflects the value and complexity of what she does, and her financial confidence has progressively increased over the years.
Financial security is one of her major considerations when it comes to long-term career planning: “Honestly, my biggest motivation to stay with my current employer is my salary package,” she says.
The ADP research suggests Eliana’s experience is the exception rather than the rule, particularly in Australia where the cost of living continues to outpace wage growth for many workers.
For EAs wondering whether they’re being paid fairly, the est.10 2026 salary guide (available at est10.com.au) offers benchmarking data across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
