The modern workplace is constantly changing and evolving, and the demand for virtual assistants continues to grow in a post-pandemic world. As business leaders and entrepreneurs look for greater efficiency and flexibility, more eyes are turning to virtual assistants.
Whether it’s managing inboxes, customer support, social media marketing, or handling administrative tasks, these remote professionals offer a wide variety of services that can help streamline operations and free up valuable time. But as we inch closer to the year 2024, many still don’t quite understand the virtual assistant cost. After all, what’s the price of something that seems too good to be true?
Understanding the costs of hiring a virtual assistant is important for individuals and businesses alike. With rates influenced by factors like location, experience level, and the complexity of tasks, costs can vary greatly. We’ll explore the various factors that impact pricing, discuss the pros and cons of part-time VS full-time assistants, and cover the most common roles they fill. Whether you’re a business owner seeking cost-effective support or an entrepreneur trying to reclaim precious hours in your day, this guide will give you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision that’s right for your business.
How To Calculate the Cost Of a Virtual Assistant
Calculating the cost of hiring a virtual assistant is the first step in this process, and requires a clear understanding of what you are hiring for. On average, a VA (virtual assistant) can cost between $15 and $40 an hour. While the average cost can vary greatly, it’s important to understand that it is still more cost-effective than bringing on an in-house employee, which can add up to as much as 4x the cost. But don’t worry, in this section, we’ll break down all of the key factors to consider when determining the potential expense of VA services for your needs.
Factors To Consider
- Type of Work
- Experience Level
- Project Type
- Full-Time vs. Part-Time
- Location
- Service Model
Type of Work
There are a lot of different types of work that a VA can do for an individual or an entire team. From entry-level administrative assistance and customer support to more specialized roles in marketing and sales. If it can be done remotely, chances are there are experienced VAs ready to do it for you. Let’s go over the most common types of work a VA can do for your business.
Administrative
A virtual assistant in an administrative role performs tasks such as managing emails, scheduling appointments, organizing files, and providing general administrative support remotely. The cost to employ an administrative virtual assistant typically ranges from $15 to $50 per hour–depending on experience, location, and the specific tasks they handle, but some virtual assistants may also offer monthly retainer packages or project-based pricing models.
Marketing
In a marketing assistant role, a virtual assistant aids in various aspects of marketing, including social media management, content creation, email marketing, market research, and campaign coordination.The average cost to employ a virtual assistant in a marketing role ranges from $20 to $50 per hour–depending on expertise, location, and the scope of their responsibilities.
Many virtual assistants with specialized marketing skills may offer package deals or project-based pricing, which can vary widely based on the specific needs of the business.
Customer Service
In a customer service role, a virtual assistant handles customer inquiries, resolves issues, and provides support through various communication channels like email, chat, or phone. The cost to employ a virtual assistant for customer service duties ranges from $15 to $30 per hour–depending on factors such as experience, language proficiency, and the complexity of tasks.
Some virtual assistants may also offer tiered pricing structures or monthly retainer options for ongoing customer service support.
Real Estate
A real estate virtual assistant supports the brokerage staff and leadership with tasks such as managing listings, coordinating appointments and showings, handling paperwork, and conducting market research. The cost to employ a virtual assistant in the real estate sector ranges from $20 to $40 per hour–depending on their experience, location, and the complexity of tasks.
Some virtual assistants with specialized real estate knowledge may offer customized pricing models, including project-based or monthly retainer options.
Sales
In a sales assistant role, a virtual assistant supports sales professionals by managing leads, conducting market research, preparing sales materials, and scheduling appointments or follow-ups. The cost to employ a virtual assistant for sales-related tasks typically falls between $20 to $40 per hour.
Some virtual assistants may also offer commission-based structures or package deals tailored to sales support needs.
| Type of Virtual Assistant | Services Included | Average Hourly Rate |
| Admin | Email and calendar management, data entry and database management, travel arrangements, online research, and more. | $15 to $50 per hour |
| Marketing | Social media management, content creation and editing, email marketing, SEO optimization, and market research. | $20 to $50 per hour |
| Customer Service | Respond to customer inquiries, order processing, feedback management, appointment scheduling, technical support, and more. | $15 to $30 per hour |
| Real Estate | Listing management, lead generation and qualification, admin support, marketing and promotion, database management, document review, and more. | $20 to $40 per hour |
| Sales | Lead generation, cold calling and outreach, CRM management, contract preparation, sales reporting and analysis, and more. | $20 to $40 per hour |
Experience Level
A virtual assistant’s experience level often plays a role in determining their cost to employ. More experienced virtual assistants may command higher hourly rates due to their advanced skill sets, refined expertise, and proven track record of handling tasks efficiently and independently.
Businesses often find that the added value and reliability brought by experienced virtual assistants justify the increased cost, as these professionals are better equipped to provide high-quality and tailored support in various roles, ultimately contributing to the success of the client’s business. On the other hand, less experienced virtual assistants can be more cost-effective solutions but sometimes require more specific training and guidance.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time
The cost differences between hiring a part-time and a full-time virtual assistant can be significant and primarily depend on the scope of the tasks assigned. Part-time virtual assistants are typically paid on an hourly basis or for specific projects, making them a cost-effective option for businesses with limited needs.
In contrast, full-time virtual assistants often receive a fixed monthly rate, which can be more economical for companies with ongoing and extensive administrative or support requirements. Additionally, full-time virtual assistants may come with added benefits, such as greater commitment, availability, and potential for specialization, while part-time assistants offer more flexibility but may cost more per hour.
Location
US-based virtual assistants offer some advantages over offshore assistants, including language proficiency, cultural alignment, and a shared time zone. They often have a better understanding of local business practices and customer expectations, leading to improved customer service. However, US-based virtual assistants tend to command higher hourly rates or salaries due to the higher cost of living here.
In contrast, offshore virtual assistants can be a cost-effective option, with lower labor costs. Offshore virtual assistants hired through a service provider are often thoroughly vetted for experience, skill sets, and language match-making them a competitive alternative to local professionals.
Service Model
Virtual assistants can be hired through three distinct service models: freelance, managed, and agency, each offering unique advantages and considerations for individuals and businesses seeking virtual assistance. Let’s briefly go over each:
- Freelance. The freelance service model for virtual assistants offers clients the ability to hire independent VAs for specific tasks or projects, allowing for a high degree of flexibility in terms of service selection and duration. Freelance VAs commonly charge on an hourly basis or may offer project-based pricing, making it cost-effective for businesses with varying workloads and needs.
- Managed. The Managed service model for virtual assistants involves working with a third-party company that oversees the recruitment, training, and supervision of VAs, offering clients a more hands-off approach to virtual assistance. This model often employs a flat fee structure, providing clients with cost predictability and comprehensive support in managing their virtual assistant teams.
- Agency. The agency service model involves partnering with professional agencies that maintain a roster of trained VAs, providing clients with a diverse range of skills, and expertise. Typically, agency services are priced based on a flat fee structure or a tiered pricing model, offering clients flexibility and predictability in their virtual assistant expenses.
Save On Costs With a Qualified Virtual Assistant
When considering the cost of different virtual assistant models, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks each one offers to your unique business needs. While freelancers can be budget-friendly and provide flexibility, managed services and agencies like MyOutDesk offer the assurance of trained professionals with comprehensive support, ensuring your tasks are efficiently and reliably handled.
At MyOutDesk, we understand that businesses have diverse requirements when it comes to virtual assistant services. That’s why we offer a managed model that combines the cost-efficiency of hiring remote professionals with the reliability of a professional agency. Our flat-fee structure provides cost predictability while our extensive training and support ensure that you receive the highest quality virtual assistant services tailored to your specific needs.
We hope this informative article helps you when considering the cost, level of support, and expertise offered by different models so that you can make an informed decision of your own. A decision that aligns with your business goals and budget. And when you’re ready, we’re here to help you take it all to the next level.
MyOutDesk proudly provides additional free business growth guides, books, and strategy calls. See what we’re all about, and schedule a free consultation with us. We’ll take the time to learn more about your business and offer solutions to foster top talent and lower operational costs for your company.
Frequently asked questions
Are virtual assistants less expensive than an in-house employee?
Yes, virtual assistants are typically less expensive than in-house employees. These cost savings are due to factors such as reduced overhead, as virtual assistants work remotely, and the flexibility to hire them on a part-time or as-needed basis, avoiding full-time employee expenses like benefits and office space.
How much can a virtual assistant save?
The amount of money a virtual assistant can save you varies widely depending on factors like the tasks they handle, their hourly rate, and the specific needs of your business. On average, businesses can save anywhere from 30% to 70% by hiring virtual assistants instead of in-house employees, with potential savings reaching tens of thousands of dollars annually.
How do you pay a virtual assistant?
When hiring a freelance virtual assistant, payment methods often include hourly rates or project-based fees, with payments typically made through a 3rd party platform. Freelancers may also invoice you for their services. In contrast, when utilizing an agency, such as MyOutDesk, you benefit from a streamlined process where the agency manages payments to their virtual assistants, alleviating the need for you to worry about paying directly. These agencies often offer flat-fee structures, simplifying the payment process and providing cost predictability.
