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AI and emerging technologies are reshaping executive, customer and business support roles across the UK, prompting a shift in both responsibilities and skill requirements. As routine tasks become increasingly automated, demand is rising for professionals with digital capabilities – particularly those proficient in AI tools, data handling, and modern collaboration platforms.

While salary growth in the space of business and executive support remains relatively steady, those who upskill are seeing stronger career prospects and higher earning potential. At the same time, flexibility remains a key consideration for job seekers, with many rejecting roles that don’t offer hybrid models or adaptable working hours. To stay competitive, employers are rethinking their approach – offering more tailored compensation packages and prioritising work-life balance to attract and retain digitally capable support talent.

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Enter your city to see salaries tailored to your local market. Starting salaries can vary significantly depending on your skills and experience, the size and sector of the organisation, and the demand for the role in your area. The city you choose reflects not only the urban centre but also the surrounding region.

Executive support

Customer services

Office support

Secretarial

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Head of Operations

58750

66250

73500

Business Operations

40500

51500

62500

Investor Relations

44250

58750

70000

Executive Assistant

38500

50250

64500

Office Manager

35000

44000

55000

25th percentile

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications.

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Digital transformation redefines customer service roles

30% of businesses plan to grow their business support teams, prioritising candidates who blend core support skills with digital know-how and AI literacy to meet modern workplace demands.

Customer service

Executive support

Human resources

Office management

Customer experience

Data analytics

IT skills (Google/Microsoft suites)

Change coordination

When admin talent goes digital, pay follows

69% of hiring managers are willing to pay higher salaries when a candidate possesses highly specialised skills.

Project management

Enterprise software tools (CRM, etc.)

Data analysis and research skills

Generative AI

AI tools

Office productivity tools

Digital communication platforms

Data analysis

While hybrid work remains popular in administrative and office support roles, many professionals are open to returning to the office full-time – if the pay reflects the shift. For employers aiming to restore on-site presence, even a modest salary uplift can make a difference. Competitive compensation, paired with clear role value, is key to turning flexibility into commitment.

standard

of professionals in administrative and office support roles say they’d be willing to work fully in-office if offered a higher salary of professionals in administrative and office support roles say they’d be willing to work fully in-office if offered a higher salary

standard

of those say they’d want a salary increase of up to 10% to work in-office of those say they’d want a salary increase of up to 10% to work in-office

Top certifications, industries, in-demand roles

Jobseekers with valued accreditations frequently secure higher entry-level salaries, particularly in fields undergoing significant hiring and needing specialist capabilities. Here are a few of the most recognised certifications.

NVQ Business Admin

Secretarial diploma / Pitman

PRINCE 2

ISO9001

The below industries have the highest demand of admin staff and employers in these fields are prepared to offer increased salaries to professionals who bring the right skills and experience.

Hospitality

Business services

Healthcare

Trade / Retail

Education / Research

Tech

Staying on top of in-demand roles enables businesses to keep pace with changing skill needs, strengthen team resilience and stay competitive. The roles below are expected to see heightened demand in 2026, reflecting evolving workforce priorities.

Executive Assistant

Office Manager

Business Operations

Customer Services/Success Manager

Receptionist/Front of House

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Your guide to growth: Career and pay advice for admin professionals

The salary benchmarks listed in the Salary Guide From Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the country and over 350k third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary levels.

Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on an online survey developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. During June and July 2025 Robert Half commissioned research amongst 1,500 respondents using an online data collection methodology. The respondents represent 500 hiring managers and 1,000 workers in finance and accounting, IT and technology, administrative and office support, marketing and creative, and legal, risk and compliance. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs to large private, publicly listed and public sector organisations across the UK.