Most business owners searching for a virtual assistant have a straightforward question: what will this actually cost me? The answer depends on where your VA is based, what they do, and whether you pay hourly or on retainer. This guide breaks down every variable so you can plan a realistic budget before you hire.
Virtual assistant cost breakdown
The price of a virtual assistant varies widely depending on geography, specialization, and how the work is structured. Offshore general admin VAs from the Philippines typically charge $4 to $12 per hour. A US-based specialist for executive support or project management can run $45 to $75 or more per hour.
| VA type | Hourly range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Offshore general admin (Philippines) | $4–$12/hr | Lowest cost; scheduling and inbox work |
| Offshore specialist (Philippines) | $12–$20/hr | Social media, bookkeeping, research |
| Latin American VA | $15–$35/hr | US timezone overlap; bilingual options |
| US-based general VA | $25–$50/hr | Same timezone; no language friction |
| US-based specialist VA | $45–$75+/hr | Executive support, project management, ops |
These rates reflect the open market. What you pay for vetting, reliability, and fit is a separate calculation, covered in section 6.
What drives the price of a virtual assistant
Three factors move the price more than anything else: location, specialization, and experience. Location has the biggest effect because labor costs differ enormously between countries. Specialization matters because a VA who manages your inbox is easier to find than one who reconciles your books or runs your ad campaigns.
Experience layers on top of both. A VA with three years in executive support commands a premium over someone handling their first inbox management contract. You are also paying, in part, for the trust that comes with a proven track record.
Hourly vs. retainer: which makes more sense
Hourly works well when your need for help is unpredictable or project-based. You pay only for time used, and you can scale up or down without renegotiating a contract. The downside is that ad-hoc hourly often costs 10 to 20 percent more than a committed retainer, and availability is never guaranteed.
A retainer locks in a set number of hours each month, which guarantees your VA is focused on your work. The cost per hour drops, and your VA has continuity with your business, which reduces onboarding churn over time. If you have recurring tasks every week, a retainer almost always saves money.
What US businesses actually budget per month
Monthly spend depends on how many hours you need and where your VA is based. The ranges below reflect real market rates for established working arrangements.
- Offshore part-time (20 hrs/week): $400–$1,000/month
- Offshore full-time (40 hrs/week): $800–$2,000/month
- US-based part-time (20 hrs/week): $2,000–$4,000/month
- US-based full-time (40 hrs/week): $4,000–$9,600/month
- Agency or vetted VA placement: $1,500–$5,000/month
The offshore ranges are lowest but require more management time. US-based VAs cost more per hour and deliver faster ramp-up with no timezone or communication friction.
The hidden cost of hiring cheap
The sticker price on an offshore VA looks attractive. The real cost calculation includes your time spent managing, re-doing work, and replacing someone who does not deliver.
Compare against what an in-house hire actually costs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for secretaries and administrative assistants was $47,460 as of May 2024, or roughly $22.82 per hour. Add employer taxes, benefits, equipment, and office overhead, and the true all-in cost reaches $28 to $35 per hour or more.
A VA who charges $10 per hour but needs four hours of correction for every eight hours of work is not cheap. The total cost is higher than a more expensive VA who gets it right the first time.
What you get with a vetted VA
Not every VA marketplace runs the same vetting process. At AssistantStaffing, applicants go through a rigorous multi-stage screening. Roughly 1 in 1,000 applicants is hired, placing every placed VA in the top 1 percent of talent who applied.
That selectivity has a direct effect on your costs. You skip the weeks of independent screening, trial hires, and replacement cycles that come with unvetted platforms. A vetted VA costs more per hour than a marketplace hire, but the ROI comes from reliability, not just rate.
If you want to understand how placement pricing compares to what you would pay hiring independently, our VA cost pricing guide walks through the full comparison. Business owners thinking about their first VA hire can also start with the guide on how to hire a VA and what to look for before you sign anything.
FAQ
How much does a virtual assistant cost per hour on average?
Rates span a wide range depending on location and skill. Offshore general admin VAs typically charge $4 to $12 per hour. US-based specialists often run $45 to $75 or more. Most businesses budgeting for a reliable, full-service VA land between $20 and $50 per hour.
Is a retainer or hourly arrangement better for ongoing work?
For recurring tasks, a retainer is almost always more cost-effective. You pay a lower per-hour rate, guarantee your VA availability, and avoid the premium that comes with ad-hoc bookings. Hourly is better when your needs are irregular or project-based.
Why does a vetted VA cost more than a marketplace hire?
A vetted VA has passed a rigorous screening process that eliminates most applicants. You are paying for the screening work that was already done, which reduces your risk of turnover, mismatched skills, and time spent managing underperformance. The higher hourly rate is usually offset by lower management overhead and faster output.
What is the monthly cost of a full-time virtual assistant?
For an offshore full-time VA, expect $800 to $2,000 per month. For a US-based full-time VA, the range is $4,000 to $9,600 per month. Agency placements with vetted talent typically fall between $1,500 and $5,000 per month, depending on scope and specialization.
Can I hire a part-time virtual assistant to start?
Yes, and most businesses do. A 20-hour-per-week engagement lets you test the working relationship and build systems before moving to full-time. It also keeps your monthly cost lower while you figure out exactly what tasks to delegate.
