Executive secretaries and executive administrative 

assistants

Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, 

preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as 

well as performing routine administrative functions such as 

preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference 

calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lowerlevel clerical staff.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make 

decisions, interact with others, and adapt to changes in jobs.

In 2023, more than basic people skills were required for 93.0 percent of executive secretaries and executive 

administrative assistants, and basic people skills were required for 7.0 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants with 

cognitive and mental requirements, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Pace: Pause control 88.7 11.3

Interaction with general public 93.6 6.4

Working around crowds <5 >95

Telework 23.1 76.9

Work review: Supervising others 11.5 88.5

Work review: Presence of supervisor 82.9 17.1

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey

Education, training, and 

experience requirements

The minimum level of formal 

education required, credentials 

necessary, on-the-job training, 

and prior work experience 

necessary for average 

performance in jobs.

In 2023, credentials were 

required for 9.1 percent of 

executive secretaries and 

executive administrative 

assistants. Prior work experience 

was required for 93.6 percent and 

on-the-job training was required 

for 71.1 percent.

A high school diploma was 

required for 64.0 percent of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants.
Occupational Requirements Survey ●www.bls.gov/ors ●orsinfo@bls.gov ●202.691.6199

Environmental conditions

The various tangible or concrete hazards or 

difficulties that are in the vicinity of where jobs’ 

critical tasks are performed.

In 2023, greater than 99.5 percent of executive 

secretaries and executive administrative 

assistants were not exposed to extreme cold, 

and greater than 99.5 percent were not exposed 

to extreme heat. Wetness was not present for 

greater than 99.5 percent, greater than 99.5 

percent were not exposed to heavy vibrations, 

and 98.3 percent were not exposed to the 

outdoors.

Physical demands

Refer to the physical activities required 

to perform tasks in jobs. The presence 

and, in some cases, duration of these 

activities are published.

In 2023, keyboarding was required for 

greater than 99.5 percent of executive 

secretaries and executive 

administrative assistants and was not 

required for less than 0.5 percent.

Performing work in low postures was 

required for 12.0 percent of executive 

secretaries and executive 

administrative assistants and was not 

required for 88.0 percent.

The choice to sit or stand when 

performing critical tasks was available to 96.5 percent of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants. 

On average, workers spent 86.9 percent of the workday sitting and 13.1 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants with 

physical demands, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Choice of sitting or standing 96.5 3.5

Driving 8.4 91.6

Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs 5.4 94.6

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey