A full-time Filipino virtual assistant typically costs between $500 and $4,000+ per month depending on skill level, experience, and hiring model — with general administrative VAs at the lower end, experienced generalists in the middle, and technical or specialist VAs at the higher end. But the monthly number alone is misleading without understanding what each budget actually buys and what hidden costs apply.
A full-time VA is often modeled around approximately 160 working hours per month. But simply multiplying an hourly rate by 160 gives you only the base compensation — not the true cost of having someone reliably handle your work. Direct-hire costs may also involve bonuses, equipment, software, payment fees, training time, and turnover costs.
This guide breaks down real monthly budget scenarios so you can plan realistically. For hourly rate detail, see our Filipino VA hourly rates guide.
Monthly Budget Scenarios: What Each Budget Buys
The table below shows what different monthly budgets typically buy, comparing direct hire and managed service models. These are market reference ranges, not fixed rates.
| Monthly Budget | What It Buys (Direct Hire) | What It Buys (Managed) |
|---|
| $500–$700 | Entry-level general VA, part-time or basic admin | Part-time managed support or entry-level role |
| $700–$1,000 | Experienced general VA, full-time admin + CRM basics | Full-time managed VA with oversight |
| $1,000–$1,500 | Mid-level VA with CRM and customer support skills | Managed VA with technical skills + Ops Manager |
| $1,500–$2,500 | Technical/specialist VA — automation, paid media, bookkeeping | Senior managed specialist with full support |
| $2,500–$4,000+ | Advanced specialist or multi-VA setup | Custom managed team or senior automation architect |
How to Calculate a Full-Time Monthly Cost
A full-time VA is often modeled around 160 hours/month. Here's how hourly rates translate to monthly:
- $5/hour × 160 = $800/month — entry-level general admin
- $8/hour × 160 = $1,280/month — experienced general VA
- $12/hour × 160 = $1,920/month — mid-level with CRM skills
- $15/hour × 160 = $2,400/month — technical/specialist VA
These are baseline calculations. The true cost includes more than compensation.
Hidden Costs Beyond the Monthly Rate
The advertised monthly rate is not the complete cost. Depending on the hiring model, several additional costs apply:
| Hidden Cost | When It Applies |
|---|
| Recruiting time | Direct hire — you screen and interview |
| Onboarding hours | Both — but managed services reduce this |
| Management time | Direct hire — daily supervision needed |
| Software subscriptions | Both — CRM, tools, AI platforms |
| Equipment | Direct hire — may need to provide laptop/internet stipend |
| Payment fees | Direct hire — transfer and conversion costs |
| Turnover cost | Direct hire — restarting recruitment |
| Training time | Both — but managed services may provide baseline training |
What Can You Get for $700/Month?
A monthly budget around $700 can sit near the lower end of full-time market pricing or within managed/part-time service models depending on the provider, experience level, and scope.
At approximately this budget, a buyer should clearly define:
- Expected hours (full-time or part-time?)
- Role scope (admin, CRM, customer support, technical?)
- Required technical skills
- Whether management is included
- Working schedule (US hours?)
- Replacement support
PropulseVA's current public messaging states that its trained, AI-powered Filipino VA support begins at $700/month — which includes a managed VA plus Operations Manager oversight.
What Should a $700/Month VA Be Able to Do?
That depends entirely on the engagement. Possible responsibilities may include:
- Administrative support — inbox, scheduling, data entry
- CRM updates — contacts, pipeline, follow-up
- Lead follow-up — approved sequences and reminders
- Customer communication — routine replies and routing
- Reporting — weekly summaries and activity tracking
- Marketing support — content scheduling and coordination
A technical or advanced automation role may require a higher rate or a different service structure. The right question is not "how many tasks can I get for $700?" but "which recurring outcome can this person reliably own?"
Direct Hire vs Managed: Monthly Cost Comparison
A direct-hire generalist may cost $500–$1,200+/month in compensation. A managed service commonly charges $700–$1,500+/month full-time. The managed price is higher because it bundles vetting, management, oversight, and replacement — costs that a direct hire shifts to the client.
The true cost formula is:
True Cost = VA Cost + Recruiting + Training + Management + Tools + Turnover Risk
How to Budget for a Full-Time Filipino VA
A better budget starts with the role, not the cheapest available rate:
- Step 1: Define the outcome — e.g., "every lead receives timely follow-up and always has a next action"
- Step 2: List recurring responsibilities — what must happen to produce that outcome
- Step 3: Identify skill level — admin, customer service, technical CRM, automation, bookkeeping?
- Step 4: Determine management capacity — will you manage directly, or do you need oversight?
- Step 5: Choose the hiring model — direct hire, marketplace, agency, or managed service
Now compare price — with all hidden costs included.
How to Calculate VA ROI
Imagine your VA costs $1,000/month and removes 40 hours of founder work per month. If the founder's productive time is worth $100/hour, that is potentially $4,000 of founder capacity released for higher-value work.
That does not automatically mean a guaranteed $3,000 ROI — the founder still needs to use the reclaimed time productively. But that is the correct economic concept: a VA creates value when the work transferred allows higher-value work to happen elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a full-time Filipino VA cost per month?
Full-time Filipino VAs typically cost $500–$4,000+ per month depending on skill level, experience, and hiring model. General admin sits at the lower end; technical and specialist roles sit at the higher end.
What can I get for $700/month?
Around $700/month, you can access an experienced general VA full-time (direct hire) or a managed VA with oversight and Operations Manager support. The role should be clearly defined — admin, CRM basics, follow-up, and reporting are realistic at this budget.
Is direct hire cheaper than a managed VA?
Direct hire has a lower visible monthly cost, but the true cost includes recruiting, management, training, tools, and turnover risk. A managed service bundles those into the price, so the gap narrows when all costs are counted.
How many hours is full-time for a Filipino VA?
Full-time is typically modeled around 160 working hours per month (40 hours/week). US-daytime hours mean the VA works overnight locally, which can affect compensation and retention.
Should I pay hourly or monthly for a full-time VA?
Monthly suits full-time roles where recurring processes need ownership and consistent availability matters. Monthly encourages thinking in outcomes rather than hours.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Recruiting time, onboarding, management time, software subscriptions, equipment, payment fees, and turnover costs — especially for direct hires.
Budget Based on Outcome, Not Just Rate
The most important number isn't the monthly rate — it's the total cost of getting the work done properly. A $700/month managed VA who reliably owns your CRM and follow-up may deliver more value than a $500/month direct hire who needs constant supervision and leaves after three months.
PropulseVA provides trained, AI-capable Filipino VAs with managed support starting at $700/month — combining human judgment with AI efficiency and an Operations Manager who guides setup.
Book a free discovery call at PropulseVA.com. We will help you identify the right budget and service model for your role.
