Updated May 12, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Most businesses pay $10–$50/hr for a virtual assistant in 2026, depending on skill level and location.
- Philippines-based VAs offer the best cost-to-quality ratio for admin, customer service, and executive support.
- A full-time managed VA costs $20,900–$40,000/year versus $64,000–$96,000 for an equivalent US in-house hire.
- Monthly retainer pricing is 10–20% cheaper per hour than pay-as-you-go and suits consistent workloads.
- FAQ: Virtual assistant pricing starts at $1,600/month for a full-time dedicated assistant through a managed provider.
Virtual assistant pricing in 2026 ranges from $10/hr for entry-level Philippines-based admin support to $50/hr for specialist skills. Full-time managed VAs from providers like Stealth Agents, Wishup, Belay, Wing, and MyOutDesk typically cost $1,600–$2,500/month, all-inclusive. Businesses replacing a US in-house hire typically save $24,000–$57,000 annually.
Virtual Assistant Pricing in 2026: Costs and ROI
Virtual Assistant Pricing gives growing teams the flexibility to handle more without stretching thin.
Hiring a virtual assistant is one of the highest-leverage moves a business owner can make, but only if you understand what you are paying for and why. The virtual assistant market has matured significantly, and pricing now varies widely based on skill level, task specialization, geography, and engagement model.
This guide covers everything you need to know about virtual assistant pricing in 2026 - from average hourly rates to annual cost comparisons with in-house staff, broken down by task type, region, and pricing structure. If you are specifically looking for budget options, see our affordable virtual assistant pricing guide.
Average Virtual Assistant Costs in 2026
The short answer: most businesses pay between $10 and $50 per hour for a virtual assistant, depending on the complexity of the work and the VA's location.
Here is a more useful breakdown.
Virtual Assistant Rates by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Monthly (Full-Time) | Typical Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | $10/hr | $1,600 | Data entry, basic research, file management |
| Mid-level (2-5 years) | $10-20/hr | $1,600-3,200 | Admin support, customer service, scheduling, social media |
| Senior (5-8 years) | $20-35/hr | $3,200-5,600 | Executive support, project coordination, client management |
| Specialist (domain expert) | $25-50/hr | $4,000-8,000 | Bookkeeping, marketing, web development, technical work |
| Operations/Project Manager (10+ years) | $15-25/hr | $2,400-4,000 | End-to-end project ownership, team management, process building |
These figures assume full-time hours (160 hours per month). Part-time or hourly engagements typically carry a 10-25% premium on the per-hour rate.
Virtual Assistant Pricing by Region
Geography remains the single biggest factor in VA pricing. Here is what the market looks like in 2026:
| Region | Hourly Range | Monthly (Full-Time) | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines | $10-15/hr | $1,600-2,400 | Large English-speaking talent pool, strong admin and EA skills, cultural alignment with US businesses |
| India | $10-12/hr | $1,600-1,920 | Technical and IT-related tasks, data analysis, software support |
| Latin America | $10-20/hr | $1,600-3,200 | US time zone overlap, bilingual (English/Spanish), growing talent pool |
| Eastern Europe | $10-25/hr | $1,600-4,000 | Strong technical skills, EU-aligned data practices, multilingual |
| South Africa | $10-18/hr | $1,600-2,880 | Neutral English accent, good time zone overlap with EU and US East |
| United States / UK / Australia | $25-60/hr | $4,000-9,600 | Native English, same cultural context, no time zone issues |
The Philippines dominates the VA market for a reason: the combination of English proficiency, professional culture, and cost efficiency is difficult to match. Most managed VA providers, including Stealth Agents, source from the Philippines for this reason.
Virtual Assistant Pricing by Task Specialization
Not all VA work costs the same. Here is what you should expect to pay based on the type of work you need done.
Administrative and General Support
- Rate range: $10-18/hr
- Includes: Email management, calendar scheduling, travel booking, data entry, document formatting, CRM updates
- Notes: The most common VA use case. Mid-level VAs handle this well without heavy oversight.
Customer Support and Service
- Rate range: $10-15/hr
- Includes: Responding to tickets, live chat, phone support, order tracking, refund processing
- Notes: Requires clear SOPs and access to your helpdesk tools. VAs in the Philippines perform particularly well here due to communication skills and patience.
Bookkeeping and Financial Support
- Rate range: $12-25/hr
- Includes: Invoicing, expense tracking, accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliation, QuickBooks/Xero management
- Notes: Higher rates reflect the precision and trust required. Always verify credentials and consider a probationary period.
Social Media and Content Marketing
- Rate range: $10-25/hr
- Includes: Content scheduling, community management, graphic creation (Canva-level), caption writing, analytics reporting
- Notes: Strategy should stay in-house or with a senior VA. Execution-level social media work is well-suited to mid-level VAs.
Digital Marketing and Lead Generation
- Rate range: $15-35/hr
- Includes: Email campaigns, SEO support, PPC management, lead research, CRM pipeline management, appointment setting
- Notes: Rates climb with specialization. A VA handling basic outreach costs less than one managing paid ad accounts.
Technical and Web Development
- Rate range: $20-50/hr
- Includes: WordPress management, Shopify updates, basic coding, API integrations, database management
- Notes: Technical VAs command higher rates but can replace agencies or freelancers at a fraction of the cost.
Executive Assistant (High-Level)
- Rate range: $15-30/hr
- Includes: Board meeting prep, stakeholder coordination, report drafting, decision support, travel management, inbox triage
- Notes: The best executive VAs function as a chief of staff. They require less direction and can manage other team members.
Virtual Assistant Pricing Models Explained
How you pay matters as much as how much you pay. Each pricing model suits a different type of business need. For a deeper breakdown of each structure, see our virtual assistant pricing models guide.
Hourly Pricing
You pay for the exact hours worked, tracked via time-tracking software.
- Best for: Variable workloads, project-based needs, testing a new VA
- Typical range: $10-50/hr depending on all factors above
- Pros: Maximum flexibility, pay only for productive time, easy to scale up or down
- Cons: Costs can be unpredictable, hourly tracking adds overhead, some VAs may pad hours
Monthly Retainer
A fixed monthly fee for a set number of hours (often 40, 80, or 160 hours per month).
- Best for: Businesses with consistent, ongoing work
- Typical range: $1,600-4,000/month depending on tier and hours
- Pros: Predictable budgeting, usually 10-20% cheaper per hour than pay-as-you-go, guaranteed availability
- Cons: You pay whether or not you use all hours, less flexibility for fluctuating workloads
Full-Time Dedicated VA
A full-time VA (160 hours/month) working exclusively for your business, typically on a monthly salary basis.
- Best for: Businesses needing 30+ hours per week of support
- Typical range: $1,600-3,000/month through a managed provider (Philippines-based)
- Pros: Lowest effective hourly rate, deep integration with your team, strong working relationship
- Cons: Requires enough work to justify full-time, higher total monthly cost
Project-Based Pricing
A flat fee for a defined deliverable with a clear scope and deadline.
- Best for: One-time projects like database cleanup, website migration, research reports
- Typical range: Varies widely ($200-5,000+ depending on scope)
- Pros: Clear expectations, no hourly tracking, fixed budget
- Cons: Scope creep risk, requires detailed project brief upfront, less suitable for ongoing work
Virtual Assistant vs. In-House Employee: Full Cost Comparison
This is where the math gets compelling. When you compare the total cost of employment - not just salary - the gap between a VA and an in-house hire is significant.
Annual Cost: In-House Administrative Employee (US-Based)
| Cost Category | Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| Base salary | $42,000-55,000 |
| Health insurance | $6,000-12,000 |
| Dental and vision | $1,200-2,400 |
| 401(k) match (3-5%) | $1,260-2,750 |
| Payroll taxes (FICA, FUTA, SUTA) | $3,800-5,000 |
| Workers comp insurance | $500-1,500 |
| Office space (desk, utilities) | $4,000-8,000 |
| Equipment (computer, phone, software) | $2,000-4,000 |
| Paid time off (15 days avg) | $2,400-3,200 |
| Onboarding and training costs | $1,000-3,000 |
| Total annual cost | $64,160-96,850 |
Annual Cost: Full-Time Virtual Assistant (Philippines, Managed Provider)
| Cost Category | Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly VA fee ($1,600-3,000/mo) | $19,200-36,000 |
| Software licenses (tools, seats) | $1,200-3,000 |
| One-time setup/onboarding fee | $500-1,000 |
| Management overhead | Minimal (included with managed providers) |
| Total annual cost | $20,900-40,000 |
The Bottom Line
A full-time VA through a managed provider costs roughly $24,000-57,000 less per year than an equivalent in-house employee. For a mid-level administrative role, the savings typically land around $35,000-45,000 annually.
That number gets more dramatic when you factor in the cost of a bad hire. The US Department of Labor estimates a bad hire costs 30% of the employee's first-year salary. With managed VA providers, replacement guarantees eliminate that risk entirely.
Hidden Costs of Hiring a Virtual Assistant
No pricing guide is complete without addressing the costs that do not show up on the invoice.
Onboarding and Training Time
Expect 1-3 weeks of reduced productivity while your VA learns your tools, processes, and communication style. You can shorten this by preparing SOPs in advance, but the ramp-up period is real and should be budgeted for.
Software and Tool Licenses
Your VA will need access to your tech stack. Common costs include:
- Project management tools (Asana, Monday, ClickUp): $10-25/user/month
- CRM access (HubSpot, Salesforce): $15-75/user/month
- Communication tools (Slack, Teams): $7-12/user/month
- Bookkeeping software (QuickBooks, Xero): $15-30/user/month
- Design tools (Canva Pro, Adobe): $12-55/user/month
Budget $100-250/month for software seats depending on how many tools your VA needs.
Management Overhead
Even the best VA needs direction. Plan to spend 30-60 minutes per day in the first month on check-ins, feedback, and task delegation. This drops to 15-30 minutes per day once the VA is fully ramped. With a managed provider, an account manager handles much of this.
Communication and Time Zone Gaps
If your VA is in a significantly different time zone, asynchronous communication adds latency. This is not a dollar cost but a productivity cost. Hiring from the Philippines (which overlaps well with US business hours when VAs work night shifts) or Latin America (natural overlap) minimizes this.
Turnover and Replacement
If you hire independently, replacing a VA who leaves costs time and money. Managed providers typically offer free replacement guarantees, which eliminates this risk.
How to Calculate ROI on a Virtual Assistant
The return on a virtual assistant is straightforward to calculate once you know two numbers: (1) the cost of the VA and (2) the value of the time you get back. For a full analysis with industry-specific scenarios, read our ROI of hiring a virtual assistant breakdown.
The Formula
ROI = (Value of time recovered - Cost of VA) / Cost of VA x 100
Example Calculation
- You hire a full-time VA at $1,600/month
- The VA frees up 25 hours per week of your time
- Your time is worth $75/hour (based on your effective hourly rate or what you could bill)
- Value recovered: 25 hours x $75 x 4.3 weeks = $8,062/month
- ROI: ($8,062 - $1,600) / $1,600 = 404% monthly ROI
Even if the VA only frees up 10 hours per week, the math still works out to a 100%+ return in most scenarios. The key insight: a VA does not need to generate revenue directly. They just need to free up your time so you can focus on higher-value activities.
What Affects Virtual Assistant Pricing the Most?
If you are trying to understand why quotes vary so much, these are the primary factors:
1. Skill Specialization
General admin VAs are abundant, which keeps prices low. Specialized skills (bookkeeping, marketing automation, web development) command a premium because the talent pool is smaller and the training investment is higher.
2. English Proficiency
VAs with excellent written and spoken English cost more, especially from non-native English speaking countries. For client-facing roles or executive support, this premium is worth paying.
3. Experience and Track Record
A VA with 7+ years of experience and verifiable references will cost 2-3x more than a recent graduate. For complex or high-stakes work, experienced VAs save money through fewer errors and faster execution.
4. Managed vs. Independent
Hiring through a managed VA provider (like Stealth Agents) costs more per hour than finding a freelancer on Upwork, but you get vetting, training, account management, performance monitoring, and replacement guarantees. The total cost of ownership is often lower.
5. Hours and Commitment
Full-time commitments get better rates than part-time. Longer contract terms (quarterly, semi-annual) often include discounts of 2-5%.
6. Tools and Industry Knowledge
VAs who already know your industry's tools (e.g., real estate CRMs, medical billing software, e-commerce platforms) reduce training time and start delivering value faster. This expertise justifies higher rates.
Industry-Specific Virtual Assistant Pricing
Certain industries have specific VA needs that affect pricing.
Real Estate
- Typical tasks: Lead follow-up, listing coordination, transaction management, MLS data entry
- Rate range: $10-20/hr
- Notes: High-volume, process-driven work. VAs with real estate experience are in demand and worth the premium. See real estate virtual assistant pricing for a full breakdown.
E-Commerce
- Typical tasks: Product listing, inventory updates, customer service, order processing, Amazon/Shopify management
- Rate range: $10-18/hr
- Notes: Seasonal businesses benefit from flexible hourly or retainer models that can scale during peak periods.
Healthcare
- Typical tasks: Appointment scheduling, insurance verification, medical billing support, patient follow-up
- Rate range: $12-25/hr
- Notes: HIPAA compliance adds complexity. Ensure your VA and provider have appropriate training and safeguards.
Legal
- Typical tasks: Document preparation, calendar management, client intake, legal research support
- Rate range: $15-30/hr
- Notes: Confidentiality requirements and legal terminology mean you need a VA with relevant background.
SaaS and Tech Startups
- Typical tasks: CRM management, onboarding support, data analysis, content marketing, technical support
- Rate range: $12-30/hr
- Notes: Tech-savvy VAs who can work across multiple tools without hand-holding are the best fit here.
How to Evaluate Value (Not Just Price)
The cheapest VA is rarely the best value. Here is how to think about it:
Efficiency Over Rate
A VA at $15/hour who completes tasks accurately in 2 hours delivers better value than a VA at $10/hour who takes 5 hours and makes errors. Always evaluate output quality and speed, not just the hourly number.
Ramp-Up Speed
How quickly can the VA become productive? Experienced VAs with strong onboarding processes (or those from managed providers with dedicated account managers) reach full productivity in 1-2 weeks vs. 4-6 weeks for less experienced hires.
Retention and Continuity
Frequent VA turnover is expensive in lost productivity and repeated training. Managed providers with good retention rates (and replacement guarantees) reduce this risk significantly.
Communication Quality
A VA who communicates proactively, asks clarifying questions, and provides status updates without being prompted is worth a premium. Poor communication creates hidden costs in rework and delays.
Scalability
Can you add more hours or additional VAs quickly? Managed providers offer this flexibility. Independent hires do not.
VA Provider Pricing Comparison
The table below compares published pricing from the leading managed VA companies in 2026. All figures reflect full-time or nearest equivalent plans.
| Provider | Entry Price | Full-Time Monthly | VA Location | Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stealth Agents | $1,600/mo | $1,600–$3,000/mo | Philippines (top 1%) | Dedicated managed VA |
| Wishup | ~$9.99/hr | ~$1,499/mo | India / Philippines | Hourly or monthly subscription |
| Time Etc | $290/mo (10 hrs) | ~$1,900/mo (80 hrs) | US/UK vetted freelancers | Part-time retainer |
| Belay | ~$2,080/mo | ~$3,200–$4,000/mo | US-based remote | US-based EAs and bookkeepers |
| Wing | $499/mo (part-time) | $799–$999/mo | Philippines / Latin America | Unlimited-task subscription |
| MyOutDesk | ~$1,988/mo | ~$1,988/mo | Philippines | Dedicated VA, real estate focus |
Key differences: Belay and Time Etc use US or UK-based assistants, which raises rates significantly. Wing uses an unlimited-task model suited to high-volume repetitive work. Wishup and MyOutDesk are Philippines-sourced like Stealth Agents, with comparable base rates. Stealth Agents differentiates on vetting depth (top 1% screened candidates), a dedicated account manager, and replacement guarantees included in every plan.
Stealth Agents Pricing
Stealth Agents offers three tiers based on experience level and scope of responsibility, all sourced from the top 1% of virtual assistants in the Philippines:
| Tier | Monthly Rate | Experience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Assistant (Core Support) | $1,600/mo | 4+ years | Startups and small businesses needing reliable execution with oversight |
| Senior Executive Assistant | $2,400/mo | 7+ years | Executives who need a seasoned EA for calendar, inbox, and cross-team coordination |
| Operations / Project Manager | $3,000/mo | 10+ years | Businesses needing someone to own operations and manage projects end-to-end |
All tiers include 160 dedicated hours per month, a dedicated account manager, activity and time monitoring, regular reporting, and a free replacement guarantee.
Stealth Agents also offers commitment discounts: 2% off for quarterly billing and 5% off for semi-annual billing. For a full comparison of plans and what each tier includes, see the complete virtual assistant pricing guide.
All plans include:
- Rigorous vetting and recruitment (top 1% of candidates)
- Alignment with your time zone and business hours
- Full-time, dedicated support from your assigned VA
- Ongoing account management and VA coaching
- Access to AI tools and productivity software
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Assistant Pricing
How much does a virtual assistant cost in 2026?
Most businesses pay between $10 and $50 per hour for a virtual assistant in 2026, depending on skill level and location. Entry-level admin VAs from the Philippines cost $10–20/hr; mid-level specialists run $20–35/hr; executive-level or technical VAs cost $35–50/hr. Full-time managed VAs typically run $24,000–$57,000/year all-in.
What virtual assistant pricing models are available?
The four main VA pricing models are: (1) Hourly — pay for exact hours worked via time-tracking software; (2) Monthly retainer — fixed fee for a set block of hours (40, 80, or 160 hrs/month); (3) Full-time dedicated VA — one VA assigned exclusively to you for a flat monthly rate; (4) Project-based — fixed price for a defined deliverable. Managed providers like Stealth Agents primarily offer the full-time dedicated model.
How much does a virtual assistant cost compared to an in-house employee?
A full-time VA through a managed provider typically costs $24,000–$57,000 less per year than an equivalent in-house US-based employee. For a mid-level administrative role, savings typically land around $35,000–$45,000 annually, once you account for salary, benefits, payroll taxes, office space, equipment, and HR overhead that VAs eliminate.
What hidden costs should I expect when hiring a virtual assistant?
Hidden VA costs include: onboarding time (1–3 weeks of reduced productivity while your VA learns your tools and processes), software and tool licenses, management overhead (10–20% of your time for the first 30 days), potential communication gaps from time zone differences, and replacement costs if the VA leaves. Managed providers like Stealth Agents absorb most of these through their vetting and replacement guarantees.
What factors affect virtual assistant pricing the most?
The six biggest factors in VA pricing are: (1) skill specialization — technical or executive VAs cost 2–3x more than admin VAs; (2) English proficiency — native or near-native speakers command higher rates; (3) experience and track record; (4) managed vs. independent — managed providers charge a premium but handle vetting, HR, and replacements; (5) hours and commitment — full-time rates are lower per hour than part-time; (6) tools and industry knowledge required.
How do I calculate ROI on a virtual assistant?
VA ROI formula: (Value of Time Freed x Your Hourly Rate) - VA Cost = Net Return. Example: if a VA frees 20 hours/month of your $150/hr time, that is $3,000/month in reclaimed value. If the VA costs $1,500/month, ROI = ($3,000 - $1,500) / $1,500 = 100% monthly ROI. Most businesses see 200–400% ROI within the first 90 days once the VA is fully onboarded.
What does Stealth Agents charge for virtual assistants?
Stealth Agents offers three tiers of virtual assistant services, all sourced from the top 1% of VAs in the Philippines: entry-level admin support, mid-level specialized VAs, and executive-level assistants. Pricing is available on request via a free consultation. All plans include dedicated placement, replacement guarantee, and US-based account management.
Getting Started
If you are budgeting for a virtual assistant, here is a practical starting point:
- List your tasks: Write down everything you want to delegate, grouped by type (admin, marketing, bookkeeping, etc.)
- Estimate hours: How many hours per week does each task group require?
- Match to a tier: Use the pricing tables above to estimate your monthly cost
- Start with one VA: Scale up once you have validated the workflow and see results
Stealth Agents publishes pricing upfront so buyers can make informed comparisons. Book a free consultation to discuss which tier fits your business.