How Much Does a Virtual Assistant Cost?
A virtual assistant costs from around $8.80 an hour with a managed offshore provider, compared with $30 to $75 an hour for a US-based assistant. On a monthly plan, managed part-time to full-time support typically runs from about $1,300 to $3,000, far less than a local employee once payroll tax, benefits, equipment, and office overhead are added. What you pay depends on three things: where the assistant is based, the role and skill level, and whether they are managed or freelance.
What affects the cost
Location
Location is the biggest factor. Offshore assistants in regions like the Philippines cost a fraction of a US, UK, or Australian hire for the same work. A managed offshore assistant starts from around $8.80 an hour, while a locally based assistant in those markets costs several times more.
Role and skill level
General administrative work sits at the lower end. Specialist roles such as bookkeeping, paid marketing, or executive support carry a higher rate because they need proven, specific experience. The more senior or specialised the work, the higher the hourly cost.
Managed versus freelance
A freelancer's headline rate can look low, but you carry recruitment, management, and the risk of them disappearing. A managed assistant costs a little more per hour because the provider employs, vets, and covers them, which removes the hiring and continuity burden.
Hours and commitment
Part-time plans cost less per month than full-time, but full-time often delivers a lower effective hourly rate. Most businesses start part-time and scale up as they delegate more.
Typical hourly rates by assistant location (2026)
| Assistant location | Typical hourly rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Offshore (e.g. Philippines) | $8 - $15 | Lowest cost; managed providers from around $8.80 |
| United States | $30 - $75 | Highest cost; loaded with on-costs for in-house |
| United Kingdom | GBP 25 - 40 | Plus NI and pension for a local hire |
| Australia | A$45 - A$65 | Plus superannuation and payroll tax for a local hire |
| Freelance platforms | $10 - $20 | Median around $13; you manage and carry the risk |
Managed versus freelance versus in-house
| Model | Cost | What you carry |
|---|---|---|
| Managed assistant | Low hourly, fixed monthly | Nothing extra; the agency employs and covers them |
| Freelancer | Variable | Recruitment, management, and the risk if they stop |
| In-house employee | High, plus on-costs | Payroll tax, benefits, equipment, office, leave |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a virtual assistant cost per hour?
A managed offshore assistant costs from around $8.80 an hour. A US-based assistant runs $30 to $75 an hour, and freelance platforms average around $13. The rate rises with the assistant's location and skill level.
How much does a virtual assistant cost per month?
Managed plans typically run from about $1,300 a month part-time to around $3,000 full-time, depending on hours and role. This is well below a local hire once on-costs are added.
Why is a virtual assistant cheaper than an employee?
Because you skip the costs that stack on top of a local salary: payroll tax, benefits, pension or superannuation, equipment, office space, and paid leave. With a managed assistant those are the provider's responsibility.
Are cheaper virtual assistants lower quality?
Not necessarily. The cost gap is mostly geography, not skill. A managed offshore assistant is pre-vetted and supported, so you get reliable work at a lower rate because of where they are based, not how good they are.
What is the cheapest way to hire a virtual assistant?
Freelance platforms have the lowest headline rates, but you carry all the management and risk. A managed offshore plan is usually the best value once you account for vetting, cover, and the time you save.