When you’re considering PA jobs in London, you probably want to know not just about the salary but also the perks. One of the first questions candidates often ask is, 'Do PAs usually get bonuses?'
It’s not a clear-cut answer, so let’s take a look.
How common are bonuses for PAs?
Unlike sales roles, where commission is expected, bonuses for PAs aren’t always guaranteed. Whether you get one often depends on the company you work for, the industry, and how they structure rewards. Some businesses treat PAs like part of the wider support team, meaning bonuses may be rare. Others, particularly in finance, professional services, and private equity, see the PA role as central to business success and will include performance-related or discretionary bonuses as standard.
Industries where bonuses are most common
Bonuses for PAs tend to be more common in certain sectors than others:
- Financial services and banking: PAs often support high-pressure, fast-paced roles where bonuses are part of the company culture. It’s not unusual to see annual bonuses here. These ones tend to be a percentage of your salary.
- Professional services (law, accountancy, consultancy): Large firms in these industries often reward PAs in line with the success of the wider team.
- Private equity and investment firms: These tend to offer some of the most generous PA packages, with bonuses a regular feature.
- Property and real estate: Bonuses are less frequent but can appear in larger agencies.
- Creative industries and media: These roles may be exciting and varied, but bonuses are less common. Perks here are more likely to come in the form of flexibility, networking opportunities, or event access. Bonuses that exist are often a flat rate.
- Public sector and charities: Salaries are often stable, but bonuses are rare, though you may find good pension schemes or annual leave allowances instead.
Types of bonuses you might see
If you’re lucky enough to land a role that includes bonuses, they can come in different forms:
- Annual performance bonus: Usually based on company profits and individual contribution.
- Christmas bonus: A festive thank you, more common in traditional firms.
- Discretionary bonus: Paid when your boss or company recognises your efforts outside normal expectations.
- Team bonus: Linked to wider department success, so everyone shares in the reward.
These bonuses can make a big difference to your overall package, so it’s worth asking about them during the recruitment process.
What’s realistic to expect?
You shouldn’t assume every PA role comes with a bonus. Many organisations prefer to reward PAs with a solid salary, flexibility, or other benefits such as extra holidays or private healthcare. In some sectors, bonuses for PAs can be generous - sometimes equalling a month’s salary - but in others, they’re nonexistent.
The key is to look at the whole package. A job with no bonus but strong career development and training opportunities might actually be more valuable to you long-term.
How to find out about bonuses
It can feel awkward to ask about bonuses in an interview, but it’s a completely normal question. You might say, “Could you tell me about the benefits package for this role?” or “Do PAs here typically receive bonuses?” That way, you get the information you need without sounding pushy.
Recruitment agencies like Love Success can also help here. Because we know the companies and roles we’re recruiting for, we can give you a clear picture of what’s on offer before you even step into an interview. Find out more about PA and EA jobs in London.