Thinking about hiring a virtual assistant (VA) but unsure about the costs? Whether you're a solopreneur, startup founder, or a growing business, understanding VA salaries and pricing models is key to making an informed decision.

Virtual assistants are more affordable than full-time employees, but their rates vary based on skills, location, and experience. In this guide, we’ll break down the real cost of hiring a virtual assistant in 2025.

Factors That Influence Virtual Assistant Rates

Several factors determine how much a VA costs:

• Experience & Expertise: More experienced VAs charge higher rates, especially in specialized fields like bookkeeping, project management, or digital marketing.
• Location: VAs from different countries have different salary expectations. The Philippines offers some of the most cost-effective, high-quality VAs.
• Skills & Specialization: General VAs cost less, while specialized VAs (SEO, graphic design, software development) charge premium rates.
• Workload & Commitment: Full-time VAs are often more affordable per hour than part-time or project-based ones.
• Pricing Model: Hourly, fixed-rate, or retainer-based pricing structures affect the overall cost.

Virtual Assistant Salary Breakdown by Region

Here’s a comparison of average virtual assistant salaries in different countries:

Country	Hourly Rate (USD)	Monthly Salary (PHP)
Philippines	$5 - $15	PHP 30,000 - PHP 90,000
United States	$20 - $50	PHP 120,000 - PHP 300,000
United Kingdom	$15 - $40	PHP 90,000 - PHP 240,000
India	$4 - $12	PHP 24,000 - PHP 72,000
Australia	$18 - $45	PHP 108,000 - PHP 270,000

The Philippines remains one of the best places to hire virtual assistants due to its affordable rates and high-quality, English-speaking workforce.

Virtual Assistant Pricing Models

VAs can be hired through different pricing structures, each suited for specific business needs:

1. Hourly Rate

Best for short-term or project-based work.

• General Virtual Assistants: PHP 250 - PHP 750 per hour
• Specialized Virtual Assistants: PHP 750 - PHP 2,500 per hour

2. Monthly Salary (Full-Time VAs)

Ideal for long-term support and dedicated tasks.

• Entry-Level VA: PHP 30,000 - PHP 50,000 per month
• Mid-Level VA: PHP 50,000 - PHP 90,000 per month
• Executive-Level VA: PHP 90,000 - PHP 150,000 per month

3. Retainer Pricing

Businesses pay a fixed monthly fee for a set number of hours. Common for digital marketing, content writing, or executive assistance.

• Starts at PHP 25,000 per month for 20-hour retainers
• Can go up to PHP 120,000 per month for high-level VAs

How to Determine the Right Budget for a VA

Here’s how to calculate what you should spend on a VA:

• Estimate the hours of work needed per week
• Decide if you need a general or specialized VA
• Compare hourly vs. full-time rates
• Consider your business revenue and ROI

Where to Hire Virtual Assistants

Looking for a reliable VA? Check out these top platforms:

• Virtual Staffer PH: A top recruitment agency for Filipino VAs
• OnlineJobs.ph: The largest VA marketplace in the Philippines
• Upwork & Fiverr: Best for freelance or project-based hires
• LinkedIn: Great for networking and hiring professional-level VAs

Final Thoughts

Virtual assistants are an affordable, flexible, and efficient solution for businesses of all sizes. Whether you need help with admin tasks, social media, or bookkeeping, there’s a VA out there to match your needs and budget.

By understanding pricing models, salary expectations, and regional differences, you can confidently hire a VA without overspending.

So, what are you waiting for? Hire a virtual assistant today and start scaling your business!