For many businesses, hiring a virtual assistant (VA) isn’t just about offloading tasks—it’s about making smarter financial decisions. Instead of hiring a full-time employee with added expenses like benefits, office space, and taxes, businesses can scale their support affordably with a VA. But how much does it actually cost to hire one?
The answer depends on several factors, including where you hire from, the type of work needed, and the engagement model you choose. This guide breaks down VA costs across different hiring platforms, pricing structures, and geographic regions—so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business needs and budget.
What affects the cost of hiring a virtual assistant?
Not all virtual assistants charge the same rates, and the pricing differences often come down to four key factors:
1. Where you hire your VA from
Location plays a major role in VA costs. Hiring a VA based in the United States, Canada, or Western Europe comes with higher hourly rates due to the cost of living. In contrast, virtual assistants from the Philippines, India, or Latin America offer lower rates while still delivering high-quality work.
2. Part-time vs. Full-time work
Hourly and short-term VAs charge higher per-hour rates, while full-time VAs offer better value overall. Businesses that need ongoing support often save money by hiring a VA on a fixed monthly plan rather than paying per hour.
3. Experience and skill level
A general administrative VA handling emails and scheduling will cost significantly less than a specialist VA with expertise in marketing, bookkeeping, or technical support. The more specialised the role, the higher the rate.
4. The hiring model you choose
There are multiple ways to hire a VA, and each comes with its own pricing structure:
- Freelance marketplaces (Upwork, Freelancer.com) – VAs set their own hourly rates, which can vary widely based on skill level and location.
- Gig platforms (Fiverr) – Project-based pricing, where simple tasks start at $5 but complex projects cost significantly more.
- VA agencies – Higher cost, but they vet, train, and manage VAs for reliability and quality control.
- Managed VA services – A flat monthly fee for a dedicated, long-term VA with support and supervision included.
- Direct hiring (onshore or offshore) – Bringing a VA onto your payroll as a full-time employee, which includes salary and additional costs like benefits and taxes.
VA pricing by geographic location
Where your VA is located significantly impacts cost. Virtual assistants in countries with a higher cost of living charge considerably more than those in lower-cost regions.
- United States/Canada: VAs charge more due to higher living costs and demand.
- Latin America: Offers a balance between affordability and cultural compatibility for U.S. businesses.
- Western Europe: Pricing is similar to North America, while Eastern Europe provides more affordable options.
- Africa: Rates vary widely depending on expertise and country.
- South & Southeast Asia: One of the most cost-effective regions for hiring VAs, particularly for administrative tasks.
Here’s a comparison of VA rates by region:
| Region | Typical Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States / Canada | $25 – $100+/hour | The highest cost, but ideal for businesses needing native English-speaking VAs in the same time zone. |
| Western Europe | $20 – $60/hour | Rates vary depending on the country, but generally lower than U.S./Canada. |
| Eastern Europe | $10 – $40/hour | A cost-effective option with strong language and technical skills. |
| Latin America | $8 – $25/hour | Good balance of affordability and time zone compatibility for U.S. businesses. |
| Africa | $5 – $30/hour | Rates vary by country and experience level, with some skilled VAs charging higher. |
| South & Southeast Asia (India, Philippines, etc.) | $3 – $15/hour | The most affordable option, widely used for administrative and customer service tasks. |
Pricing by full-time vs. part-time vs. freelance VA
The structure of your VA engagement also affects pricing. Freelance, part-time, and full-time hires all come with different cost considerations.
- Freelance or On-Demand: Best for occasional tasks. While flexible, hourly rates can be higher for short-term work.
- Part-Time VA: A good option for businesses that require consistent but limited support.
- Full-Time VA: The most cost-effective solution for businesses with ongoing needs.
| Hiring Type | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance / On-Demand | $10 – $50/hour | Businesses needing occasional project-based work without long-term commitment. |
| Part-Time VA | $500 – $1,500/month | Ideal for businesses needing consistent support without a full-time hire. |
| Full-Time VA | $1,000 – $3,500+/month | Best for businesses needing daily assistance with ongoing responsibilities. |
Pricing by experience and skill level
Not all virtual assistants charge the same rates. The more skilled and experienced the VA, the higher the cost. Here’s how pricing differs based on expertise:
| VA type | Typical jourly rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level VA | $5 – $15/hour | Handles admin tasks like email management, scheduling, and data entry. |
| Mid-level VA | $15 – $30/hour | More experience with customer service, project coordination, or social media. |
| Specialist VA | $30 – $75/hour | Expertise in areas like bookkeeping, digital marketing, content writing, or IT support. |
| High-end VA | $75+/hour | Executive assistants, business consultants, and high-level technical specialists. |
If your business only requires basic admin support, an entry-level VA is the most cost-effective choice. However, if you need advanced skills, hiring a mid-level or specialist VA ensures higher efficiency and better results.
Breakdown of how much virtual assistants cost by hiring model
Each hiring model comes with its own pricing structure. Here’s how the costs compare:
| Hiring model / Platform | Typical cost | Notes & examples |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Marketplace (Upwork) | ~$18–$35/hour (avg) | VAs set their own rates. Entry-level offshore VAs may charge ~$5/hour, while top specialists can exceed $50/hour. |
| Freelance Marketplace (Freelancer.com) | ~$5–$15/hour | Large global talent pool, many low-cost bidders. Skilled VAs may charge ~$20+. |
| Gig Platform (Fiverr) | From $5 per “gig” | Project-based pricing; complex tasks cost $15–$30+ per hour. |
| VA Agency (U.S.-Based) | $30–$60/hour | Agencies vet and train VAs, charging a premium. Clients pay more to cover agency overhead. |
| Managed VA Service (Offshore) | ~$24–$30/hour | Flat monthly fee for a long-term, dedicated VA with supervision. Example: $1500/month for 55 hours. |
Choosing the right hiring model
With so many options, which hiring model is right for you? Here’s a practical breakdown:
- Freelance platforms (Upwork, Freelancer.com) – Best for short-term or project-based work where you need flexibility but don’t require ongoing support. However, quality and reliability can vary, and you’ll need to handle vetting and management yourself.
- Gig platforms (Fiverr) – Ideal for one-off tasks like graphic design, content writing, or social media management. Not suited for ongoing, long-term support.
- VA agencies – More expensive but reliable. Agencies recruit, vet, and train VAs, making them a low-effort option for businesses that don’t want to manage their own hiring process.
- Managed VA services – A good middle-ground between freelance hiring and agencies. Offers dedicated support without high agency fees.
- Direct hiring (full-time employees) – The highest cost but best for businesses needing a permanent, highly integrated VA.
If your business needs long-term, structured VA support, a managed VA service like ScaleUp Teams offers affordability, consistency, and quality without the risks of freelance hiring.
Understanding ScaleUp Teams’ Pricing
For businesses looking for a structured, cost-effective VA solution, ScaleUp Teams offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. This service ensures high-quality virtual assistance without the unpredictability of freelance platforms.
| Plan | Hours per Month | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Part-Time VA | 40 | $699 |
| Full-Time VA | 80 | $1,099 |
Both plans include:
- A free two-week trial to assess the VA’s fit before committing.
- A free replacement guarantee to ensure quality service.
- Flexible engagement options to scale support as business needs change.
Advantages of Hiring a Virtual Assistant with ScaleUp Teams
Predictable, Transparent Pricing
Many businesses struggle with unpredictable VA costs, whether from fluctuating hourly rates or unexpected platform fees. ScaleUp Teams offers fixed monthly pricing, making it easy to plan budgets without worrying about variable expenses or hidden charges.
Cost-Effective, Reliable Support
Freelancers and agencies often come with inconsistent pricing and service levels. ScaleUp Teams provides high-quality virtual assistants at a competitive rate, ensuring businesses receive dependable support without overspending.
Long-Term Consistency
Working with freelancers can mean constant retraining and onboarding as availability shifts. With ScaleUp Teams, businesses get a dedicated VA who learns their workflows and systems, ensuring consistent, long-term support without interruptions.
Flexible, Scalable Solutions
Hiring a VA should adapt to a business’s needs, not the other way around. We offer both part-time and full-time plans, allowing businesses to adjust their level of support as workloads change—without needing to restart the hiring process.
Risk-Free Trial and Quality Assurance
Finding the right VA is important, which is why we provide a two-week free trial. If an assistant isn’t the right fit, the free replacement guarantee ensures businesses always have the right support in place.
No Hidden Fees or Extra Charges
Many VA services add commission-based markups or platform fees, increasing overall costs. We provide a straightforward pricing with no hidden charges, so businesses only pay for the service they need.
With structured pricing, dedicated support, and a scalable approach, ScaleUp Teams provides a reliable, long-term VA solution that fits businesses of all sizes.
Key takeaways
The cost of hiring a virtual assistant varies, but choosing the right hiring model, engagement type, and pricing structure can help businesses maximize their investment. While freelancers and gig platforms offer flexibility, managed VA services provide the best balance of affordability, quality, and reliability.
With ScaleUp Teams, businesses gain structured pricing, dedicated support, and a risk-free hiring process—allowing them to scale efficiently without uncertainty.
