The 10 Best Executive Assistant Staffing Agencies in the Bay Area (2026)
There are two kinds of EA staffing firms: boutiques that specialize in executive support and know what excellent looks like firsthand, and national firms with broader databases but less specialization. Access to candidates is the baseline; any national firm has that. The difference is that specialized firms are talking to the top 1% of executive support talent consistently. This guide covers both, with honest notes on where each fits best.
How we chose
We ranked nothing. Each section is alphabetical. Firms are grouped by what they actually are: executive support specialists, broader boutiques, and national firms. The criteria for inclusion were EA and administrative specialization, track record in the Bay Area, and the service models offered. Palo Alto Staffing publishes this guide and appears in it; we have marked our own entry clearly.
Boutique executive support specialists
Maven Recruiting Group
San Francisco, founded 2010. A woman-owned boutique in downtown San Francisco specializing in executive assistant, administrative, and HR placements, temporary and direct hire, with a client base of tech companies and venture firms. Best for: San Francisco companies hiring EAs or HR support.
Palo Alto Staffing (that is us)
Palo Alto, founded 1979. The Peninsula's longest-running executive support boutique. We place executive assistants, chiefs of staff, and administrative and operations professionals with venture-funded startups, VC and private equity firms, and family offices. Temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire, on-site, hybrid, and remote nationwide. Every recruiter on our team places executive support talent and nothing else, which means we are talking to the top layer of this candidate market every week. Best for: founders, investors, and family offices who want a specialist who already knows the Sand Hill Road talent pool.
Pocketbook Agency
Los Angeles, places nationwide. A national support-staff firm covering corporate roles such as executive assistant and chief of staff alongside domestic and estate staff. Best for: UHNW principals who need household staffing alongside a business EA.
The Hire Standard
San Francisco. A boutique focused on executive assistants and administrative talent for startups and venture capital firms. Best for: early-stage companies making their first EA hire.
Broader boutiques and regional firms
Career Group Companies
San Francisco office, over 40 years in the market. A multi-brand staffing firm with a dedicated executive assistant practice and offices in several major US markets, covering temporary through direct hire. Best for: companies that want boutique-style service with multi-city coverage.
Scion Staffing
San Francisco. An award-winning firm placing administrative, nonprofit, and executive talent across the Bay Area. Best for: nonprofits and foundations hiring support staff.
The Job Shop
San Francisco. A longstanding generalist boutique with deep roots in administrative staffing. Best for: office support roles beyond the executive suite.
National firms
Aquent
National. A large talent firm best known for marketing and creative staffing that also fills administrative roles. Best for: companies already using Aquent for creative teams that want to consolidate vendors.
Nelson Connects
Northern California, founded 1970. One of Northern California's largest independent staffing firms, covering nearly every role type. Best for: high-volume hiring across multiple departments.
Robert Half
Global, headquartered in San Ramon. The largest name in administrative staffing, with an enormous database and fast turnaround. Recruiters typically cover many role types rather than specializing in executive support. Best for: companies that value speed and scale over EA specialization.
How to choose between them
Ask three questions. Does the recruiter personally know your industry and the role you are hiring for? Will you meet qualified candidates this week, not this month? Does the fee structure reward retention, with a real guarantee behind it? A specialist should answer yes to all three without hesitation.
Talk to the specialists.
Tell us what you need and we will show you what the top 1% of executive support talent looks like. Fees quoted in writing in the first conversation.
Start a Search"Every candidate is always well qualified and appropriate. They know what I need, they understand private equity and VC clients. They consistently pinpoint the right person for me and for the office." Office Manager, Sand Hill Road VC