The roles, explained
EA, PA, house or estate manager?
The category’s #1 confusion, answered honestly. Here’s who does what, what each really costs in 2025–26, and how to tell them apart — including when the honest answer is that you don’t need a full-time seat at all.
Personal Assistant
Someone for your private life — errands, appointments, and quiet discretion.
$57K–$90K/yr
House Manager
A COO for one home — vendors, staff, budget, and the house running without you in the room.
$85K–$221K/yr
Estate Manager
Top-level operations across multiple properties, with a full staff to lead.
$145K–$338K/yr
Executive Assistant
A right hand for calendar, inbox, and travel — the now, this week to thirty days.
$68K–$129K/yr
Chief of Staff
Strategy and execution across the org on a 90-day horizon — a true #2, not task support.
$180K–$400K/yr
Still not sure?
The 2-minute finder scores your actual situation and points you at the right role — or tells you honestly that you need a system, not a seat.