Virtual assistant cost depends on three variables: location, skill level, and hiring model. As a current benchmark, a Filipino general admin VA typically costs $450–$800 per month full-time ($2.80–$5/hour), an experienced executive or CRM VA $800– $1,400/month, and a platform specialist (e.g., GoHighLevel) $1,000– $2,200/month. A US-based general VA often starts around $20–$35/hour. But the rate is not the total cost — recruiting, training, management, tools, rework, and replacement all add up.
Quick Decision Summary
Compare total cost of ownership, not just hourly rate. A cheaper direct hire with no management support can cost more than a slightly pricier managed VA once you account for your own time, rework, and replacement.
Cheapest path:Direct-hire Filipino admin VA on a marketplace — lowest hourly rate, but you own all vetting, management, and replacement.
Lowest total burden:A managed VA provider — higher monthly fee, but recruiting, vetting, onboarding, and replacement are handled.
Cost by Location
Geography is one of the biggest cost drivers. These are approximate current ranges for full-time general administrative VAs; specialist and executive roles run higher.
| Location | Typical Hourly | Monthly (FT) | Notes |
|---|
| United States | $20–$45/hr | $3,200–$7,000+ | Closest timezone, highest cost |
| Canada | $18–$40/hr | $2,900–$6,400+ | Similar to US |
| United Kingdom | £15–£35/hr | £2,400–£5,600+ | Local market rates |
| Australia | A$30–$60/hr | A$4,800–$9,600+ | Higher local minimums |
| Philippines | $2.80–$14/hr | $450–$2,200 | Strong English, US-hour overlap |
For a deeper dive, see our Filipino VA hourly rate breakdown and our comparison of offshore vs US VA costs.
The RATE ≠ TOTAL COST Framework
The hourly or monthly rate is only the worker compensation layer. Total hiring cost also includes:
- Worker pay: the salary or hourly rate itself.
- Recruiting: your time or a provider fee to source and screen candidates.
- Training: onboarding time, SOP creation, ramp-up weeks.
- Management: your ongoing oversight hours.
- Tools: software licenses, a password manager, time tracking.
- Rework: correcting mistakes from an under-skilled hire.
- Replacement: the cost of a failed hire — restarting the whole cycle.
This is a decision framework, not a rigid accounting formula. But ignoring these layers is how a "$4/hour VA" quietly becomes the most expensive hire you make. See our analysis of the hidden costs of the cheapest VA.
How to Reduce Total Cost
- Define the role precisely so you do not over-hire skill.
- Build SOPs before onboarding to shrink training time.
- Run a paid practical test to avoid a costly bad hire.
- Use a managed provider if your own management time is the bottleneck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a virtual assistant cost per month?
A Filipino full-time admin VA runs roughly $450–$800/month; experienced and specialist roles run $800–$2,200/month. US-based VAs typically start around $20–$35/hour.
Is a cheaper VA always cheaper?
No. Rework, retraining, and replacement can make a low-rate direct hire more expensive than a slightly pricier managed VA. Compare total cost, not just hourly rate.
Should I hire part-time to save cost?
Yes, if the workload is genuinely part-time. Matching hours to real work avoids paying for idle time. See our part-time vs full-time guide.
Want a Predictable Total Cost?
If you would rather know the full cost up front — without hidden recruiting and replacement surprises — explore PropulseVA's Filipino virtual assistant service for managed, outcome-based support.
