The Cost of a Virtual Assistant: Pricing, Packages, and What to Expect
More and more industries now understand what a Virtual Assistant can do, but the bigger question many business owners have is, how much does it cost?
The answer depends on the structure of the services, the expertise of the VA, and the scope of work. Some VAs charge hourly, but many are now building customized packages according to the scope of work.
This guide explains what to expect when reviewing Virtual Assistant cost options, how different models compare, and why the best virtual assistant services for small businesses are priced based on value, not just clock time.
Hourly Virtual Assistant Rates
Some business owners hire a virtual personal assistant or remote virtual assistant on an hourly basis. This model is simple, but it comes with trade-offs.
US-based hourly VAs: Hourly pricing can work well for trial projects, but if you want ongoing Virtual Assistant support, it may not be the most efficient long-term solution.
Overseas hourly VAs: Usually more affordable, but potential challenges include time zone gaps, communication barriers, and inconsistent quality.
Custom Virtual Assistant Packages
A growing number of VAs now create service packages that focus on client needs and results rather than hours.
For example, instead of paying for 20 hours per month, you might purchase a Virtual Assistant services package that includes social media management and email marketing, or bookkeeping and general admin services. This reflects a shift toward value-based pricing. A specialized task, like setting up a CRM system, may only take 30 minutes but deliver long-term impact. Packages ensure clients are paying for expertise and outcomes, not just time spent.
Check out my full list of Virtual Assistant Services.
Project-Based Engagements
Some VAs also provide project-based virtual assistant services, especially for one-time needs. Examples include:
Migrating client data into a CRM
Setting up an email marketing sequence
Creating a website landing page
This model works best when you have a defined outcome in mind.
What to Expect When Hiring a Virtual Assistant
Whether you’re hiring a virtual marketing assistant, a virtual executive assistant, or a general admin Virtual Assistant, the biggest takeaway is that you get what you pay for.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Underpriced VAs may not deliver quality work or provide the professionalism you need to trust them with sensitive tasks.
Overseas assistants can be useful for certain projects, but time zone differences and language barriers may cause issues.
Affordable virtual assistant services aren’t always the best fit if they sacrifice communication or reliability.
The most successful partnerships are built on trust, clear expectations, and value-driven outcomes.
For real-world experiences, see what clients are saying on my Testimonials page.
Final Thoughts
The cost of a virtual assistant is less about hourly rates and more about the value you receive. Whether you choose hourly support, a monthly retainer, or a customized package, the right VA helps you save time, reduce stress, and focus on growing your business.
Ready to explore what a customized Virtual Assistant pricing package could look like for your business?
