How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Virtual Assistant?

Most business owners don’t realize how much they’re overpaying. Because hiring costs are hidden across salaries, coverage, and downtime.

This VA Cost & Savings Analyzer breaks that down for your situation.

Most U.S. based virtual assistants charge between $30 and $60 per hour. If you need them part time, you have to pay roughly $1,200 to $2,400 per month.

Full time? Double that. So $2,500 to $5,000 a month. The cost of hiring a virtual assistant depends on experience, location, and the type of work. 

If you are looking to lower costs, hiring a virtual assistant from South Asia, such as Bangladesh, India, or the Philippines, can be a smart option. Rates in these regions typically range from $5 to $15 per hour.

Hiring a virtual assistant from South Asia is a smart way to save time and cost without hiring full time staff. They are well known for outsourced business support. Most importantly, they offer excellent support, strong English communication, and professional work quality.

But here is something most people don’t know: you can get professional, multilingual support for way less if you know where to look.

Companies like AGTVA360 are changing the game with skilled bilingual Answering Services agents at just $5 to $7 per hour, and that includes supervisor oversight.

No hidden fees, no upsells. So, you are thinking about hiring a virtual assistant from South Asia? Smart move.

In this guide, we will break down virtual assistant costs in simple terms, discuss big VA companies, and help you understand what you should really expect to pay.

Types of Virtual Assistants and Their Cost

Not all virtual assistants do the same job, and that’s why pricing can vary so much. The cost mainly depends on what kind of work you need and how specialized it is. Here are some virtual assistant types, what they do, their U.S. based cost, and South Asian cost.

1. Administrative Virtual Assistant

What they do: Handle calendar scheduling, email triage, data entry, travel bookings, and light bookkeeping.
U.S. based cost: $30–$60/hour
South Asian cost: $5–$20/hour

2. Customer Support Virtual Assistant

What they do: Respond to inquiries via email, live chat, or phone; process returns and refunds; manage orders and troubleshoot product issues.
U.S. based cost: $20–$50/hour
South Asian cost: $5–$18/hour

3. Sales & Lead Generation Virtual Assistant

What they do: Conduct market research to find prospects, perform cold outreach (email and LinkedIn), qualify leads, book discovery calls, and manage CRM data in tools like Salesforce or HubSpot.
U.S. based cost: $30–$60/hour
South Asian cost: $7–$20/hour

4. Social Media Virtual Assistant

What they do: Create and schedule posts, write captions, engage with followers through comments and messages, monitor trends, and track analytics using tools like Buffer or Hootsuite.
U.S. based cost: $30–$60/hour
South Asian cost: $10–$25/hour

5. Technical or Specialized Virtual Assistant

What they do: Manage complex tasks such as website maintenance, SEO strategy, specialized bookkeeping, legal or medical transcription, and advanced project management.
U.S. based cost: $50–$100/hour
South Asian cost: $20–$40/hour

6. E-commerce Virtual Assistant

What they do: Create and optimize product listings, manage inventory levels, process orders/returns, and provide platform specific customer service.
U.S. based cost: $25–$60/hour
South Asian cost: $5–$18/hour

7. Real Estate Virtual Assistant

What they do: Manage property listings on the MLS, coordinate inspections and closings, perform lead cold calling, manage CRM databases, and schedule showings.
U.S. based cost: $30–$60/hour
South Asian cost: $8–$25/hour

8. Data Entry Virtual Assistant

What they do: Transfer data from physical or digital documents into databases, update spreadsheets, clean up mailing lists, transcribe audio/video, and perform online research for data mining.
U.S. based cost: $18–$35/hour
South Asian cost: $5–$15/hour

9. Financial and Bookkeeping Virtual Assistant

What they do: Record and categorize expenses, perform bank reconciliations, manage accounts, and generate monthly financial reports like P&L statements.
U.S. based cost: $30–$60/hour
South Asian cost: $8–$25/hour

10. Healthcare Virtual Assistant

What they do: Manage patient scheduling, handle insurance verification and prior authorizations, perform medical transcription, manage electronic health records, and follow up on patient billing.
U.S. based cost: $30–$60/hour
South Asian cost: $10–$25/hour

5 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Virtual Assistant

1. Where They Are Located

This is probably the biggest factor. And I am just going to say it: hiring someone from another country isn’t cheap, it’s smart business.

U.S. or Canada: $30 to $60 per hour

• You get native English speakers
• Usually the same time zone
• Cultural fit is easier
• But yeah, it costs more

South Asian: $5 to $15 per hour

• Still native English ( Because it’s compulsory in their schools)
• Super common choice for businesses.
• You save 60–70% hiring cost compared to U.S. rates
• Time zone differences are manageable with the right systems.

2. How Much Experience They Have

Experience costs money. As it should.

Beginner: They are still learning and may need a bit more guidance at the start. However, if you have clear processes and are willing to spend some time training them, this option can offer great value and grow into a strong one for you.

Mid-level: They have 2–5 years of experience and are comfortable doing the job on their own. They understand what quality work looks like and can handle tasks confidently, which means they need very little supervision and guidance.

Experts: These people have a lot of experience and have seen almost every situation. They can spot potential problems early and handle them before they become bigger issues. If your budget allows, they’re worth the investment because they save time and reduce risk.

3. How Do You Hire Them

You have got options here.

Solo freelancer (Upwork, Fiverr, etc.)

• Cheaper upfront.
• You handle everything like finding them, training them, and managing them.
• If they quit or get sick, you are scrambling.
• Good if you have time and know what you’re doing.

Registered VA agencies:

• Costs 10–30% more.
• They handle recruiting, training, and replacements if someone doesn’t work out.
• Less headache for you.
• Worth it if you value your time.

Hire Virtual assistant company

4. Technology Combination

Old model: You hire a person. They answer calls or emails manually. When volume spikes, you are screwed. When simple questions come in, you are paying someone $20–$30/hour to repeat the same answers.

Modern hybrid model: AI handles routine stuff instantly. Complex issues go to skilled humans. You get faster response times and lower costs.

5. Full-Time, Part Time, or Just When You Need Them

How you structure the work changes the price.

Hourly (pay as you go)
South asian’s Usually charged at $5 to $15/hour. Very affordable and super flexible. Great if your needs are irregular.

Part-time (usually 20 hours/week):
You can often negotiate a better rate than hourly. Expect to pay $1,200 to $2,500/month, depending on everything we just talked about. Full-time (40 hours/week)

Best value if you need consistent help. Monthly packages typically range from $1,200 to $2,500. The more hours you commit, the better rate you will get.

Payment Method & Payment Terms and Conditions

Payment Methods

International: Most VAs love Wise, Western union & remitly because it has the lowest fees and is fast. Payoneer and PayPal are reliable options.

Domestic: Simple bank transfers (ACH) or Zelle work best to keep things fee-free. If you are using an agency, they will usually put you on an automatic credit card billing cycle through Stripe.

Payment Terms and Conditions

Before getting started, both sides agree on the payment terms. Most virtual assistants bill weekly or monthly, and payment is usually made upfront. Once the work begins, payments are generally non-refundable, so it’s best to make sure everything is clear from day one.

Virtual Assistant vs. On-Site Employees: Which One Is More Cost-Efficient for You?

When hiring someone new, it is important to compare virtual assistants with on site employees. Each option has its own benefits, depending on how your business works and what you need.

1. Overhead Costs

Virtual Assistant: You save a lot on overhead since there is no need to pay for office space, equipment, utilities, or employee benefits. You pay for the actual work getting done, not for downtime.

On site Employees: This is where costs can quickly add up. Beyond salary, you also have to pay for office space, desks, computers, office supplies, software licenses, and ongoing expenses like benefits, insurance, and payroll taxes.

2. Flexibility & Scalability

Virtual Assistant: It is very flexible. You can scale up or down as your workload changes. You can also hire someone quickly for specific projects or part time work without a long term commitment.

On site Employees: It is less flexible. You usually need to hire full time, and the hiring process takes time. Every new hire means going through job postings, interviews, and onboarding all over again.

3. Access to Talent

Virtual Assistant: You can hire from a global talent pool, making it easier to find specialized skills that may not be available locally.

On site Employees: You are limited to local talent, which can make it harder to find niche skills or compete for top candidates in some areas.

4. Equipment & Infrastructure

Virtual Assistant: No extra setup is needed. Virtual assistants use their own computers, internet, and workspace, so you don’t need to pay for equipment and infrastructure.

On site Employees: Each employee needs company provided equipment like a computer, desk, chair, internet, and office space. That means you have to pay extra costs.

5. Productivity

Virtual Assistant: Focused on results and getting tasks done. There are fewer distractions since they are not involved in office politics or side conversations.

On site Employees: While working in an office helps with teamwork, it can also come with more distractions that sometimes slow down productivity.

How to Calculate the Cost of an Offshore Virtual Assistant

Calculating offshore VA cost is simple. You only need three things: hourly rate, monthly hours, and any extra fees.

Step 1: Decide Which Type of Virtual Assistant You Need

Step 2: Pick the Hourly Rate

Most types of virtual assistants charge $5–$15 per hour.

Example: $10/hour

Step 3: Calculate Monthly Hours

• 8 hours per day
• 22 working days per month

8 × 22 = 176 hours per month

Step 4: Calculate Base Monthly Cost

$10 × 176 = $1,760 per month

This is the main cost.

Step 5: Add Small Extras (If Any)

You may need to add:

• Platform or service fees
• Payment processing fees
• Overtime hours

Example:
Service fee (3%): $52.80
Overtime: $50

Final Monthly Cost (Example)

$1,760 + $52.80 + $50 = $1,862.80 per month

Simple Formula

Hourly rate × monthly hours = base cost
Base cost + fees = total cost

Most businesses can hire a skilled full time offshore virtual assistant for $1,200–$2,500 per month. If you want help hiring without stress, a managed provider like AGTVA360 can handle everything for you.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About

Okay, real talk time. The hourly rate is not the whole story.

• Training time: During the first few weeks, they are learning your systems. However, you are still involved. So budget for this; it’s an investment.
• Software and tools: Your VA might need access to paid tools. Maybe it’s $50/month, maybe it’s $200. Factor it in. You have to be careful with this.
• Payment processing fees: If you are paying internationally, services like PayPal or Wise charge 2–5%. Not huge, but it adds up.
• Agency markup: If you go through a company, they can be taking a cut. That is the price of convenience and support. You have to watch out for this.
• Currency conversion: If you are paying in another currency, exchange rates fluctuate. Sometimes in your favor, sometimes not.

I am not trying to scare you. Just being honest. Most people quote you the hourly rate and forget about this stuff. Then you are surprised when the bill is higher than expected.

Best Suggestion From Me

Tier up with a registered company that can handle the immediate hiring process and monitor the performance of your virtual assistant.

Hiring a virtual assistant should make your life easier, not harder. That’s why working with a registered company like AGTVA360 is a smart move.

They handle the hiring right away, monitor performance, and make sure your VA stays productive. Therefore, you can save time, avoid stress, and get reliable support that actually works for your business.

Is It Actually Worth It?

People often ask, “Is hiring a virtual assistant worth it?”
A better question is: what is your time worth?

If you are a business owner, your time is valuable. When you spend hours on admin or small tasks, that’s time you are not using to grow your business.

A virtual assistant can handle those tasks for you, usually at a lower cost. This gives you more time to focus on important work.

If someone else can do the job well for less than your time is worth, hiring a virtual assistant makes sense.

How to Get Good Value Without Getting Screwed

• Start small: Don’t commit to full time right away. Try 10–20 hours a week first. See how it goes, then scale up. Many providers offer flexible hours, so you are not locked into huge contracts.
• Be clear about what you need: Write down every task you want help with. Your VA provider should also know about your needs.
• Check their actual capabilities: If you need multilingual support, test it. Ask to hear sample calls. Make sure their “bilingual” agents actually sound professional in both languages.
• Ask about data security: If you are handling customer information, you need HIPAA or GDPR compliance. Don’t assume, ask directly and get it in writing.
• Do a trial: Most reputable companies offer trial periods. Use them. It’s better to test their abilities before the actual purchase decision

This is where companies like AGTVA360 fit in. They are not just throwing a virtual assistant at you. They have built an entire infrastructure around multilingual support.

AGTVA360 also have capabilities in in-house teams, AI + human hybrid systems, supervisor oversight, and compliance with HIPAA and GDPR.

What About the Big Virtual Assistant Companies and Their Cost?

Here you can find some virtual service providers and the costs of hiring their VA services.

1. AGTVA360

What they do: Multilingual customer support using an AI + human hybrid. Simple questions get answered by AI instantly. Complex issues go to real bilingual agents. 50+ languages included. Supervisor oversight, 24/7 coverage, and HIPAA/GDPR compliance are all built in.

Ideal for: E-commerce stores, international businesses, healthcare practices, and anyone needing multilingual customer support without paying premium call center rates.

Cost: $5 to $7 per hour

2. Upwork

What they do: Freelance marketplace. You post jobs, freelancers apply, and you hire and manage them yourself. Upwork just provides the platform. Quality varies widely, from $3/hour beginners to $100/hour for experts.

Ideal for: One time projects, specific skills you need temporarily, and people who like managing freelancers themselves.

Cost: $5–$100+ per hour (plus 3–5% Upwork fee)

3. Boldly

What they do: Formerly known as Worldwide101. Premium U.S. and U.K. based executive assistants. These are serious professionals with 10–15 years of experience. They are actual employees, so they stick around.

Ideal for: Executives, funded startups, and anyone needing strategic executive support and willing to pay for top-tier talent.

Cost: $30–$50 per hour

4. Time Etc

What they do: U.S. and U.K. based assistants for general admin work. More affordable than Boldly and less strategic. Task focused support, scheduling, emails, research, and basic business tasks. Flexible monthly credits that roll over.

Ideal for: Small businesses wanting U.S. based support without premium pricing. People who value the same time zone and native English.

Cost: $25–$45 per hour

5. Wishup

What they do: Managed offshore VAs (South Asian). They vet heavily, train on 120+ tools, and match you with a dedicated VA in 60 minutes. Includes an account manager and performance tracking. 24 hour replacement guarantee.

Ideal for: Startups and small businesses needing full time help fast. Teams comfortable with offshore talent who want agency management without agency prices.

Cost: $10–$25 per hour

How to Create The Strongest VA Team

Building a strong virtual assistant team is not very complicated. Just focus on some important points.

1. Define clear tasks: Know exactly what you want your virtual assistants to handle, like admin work, customer support, or marketing tasks.

2. Hire for the right skills: Choose VAs based on skill, experience, communication, and reliability, not just low cost.

3. Communicate clearly: Use simple tools like Slack, email, or task managers like Asana to give clear instructions and updates.

4. Check in regularly: Short weekly check ins help keep your VA team aligned and productive.

5. Treat VAs like teammates: Give feedback, recognize good work, and build long term relationships.

Hire a Cost-Effective VA from AGTVA360

AGTVA360 helps you get reliable virtual assistant support without the high cost or hiring hassle. Here are some cost effective points of AGTVA360.

• Skilled virtual assistants starting at $5–$7 per hour.
• Multilingual support with real human agents.
• AI + human hybrid for faster response times.
• Supervisor oversight and quality monitoring.
• No hidden fees or surprise costs.
• Flexible hours with scalable support.

How to Actually Budget for This?

Here are the five steps to hire a virtual assistant within budget.

Step 1: Figure out what you are spending time on that you hate.

Step 2: Calculate what your time is worth. Seriously, do this. It changes the whole conversation.

Step 3: Match tasks to skill levels. Don’t hire an expert to do beginner work. Don’t hire a beginner to do expert work.

Step 4: Start with a 3 month trial budget. Give it time to work. The first month might feel expensive because there’s training involved. Next month, you will see the real value.

Step 5: Track the results like time, how much revenue you are generating, How much better do you feel not doing tasks you hate? Track every result.

Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant helps you work smarter, not harder, while keeping your business running smoothly. Hiring a virtual assistant makes it easier to manage your business without extra stress.

• Save time: A virtual assistant team handles your daily tasks so you can focus on growth. This saves you time.

• Lower cost: You avoid office space, equipment, and full time employee expenses, which helps reduce costs.

• Flexible support: You can hire a virtual assistant for a few hours or full time, depending on your workload. This gives you flexibility.

• Access skilled talent: You can get experienced support in admin, marketing, customer service, and more.

• Better productivity: With routine tasks off your plate, your work becomes more focused and efficient.

FAQs

The Bottom Line

If you are still reading this, you are probably serious about hiring help. Understanding the cost of hiring a virtual assistant helps you make smarter hiring decisions in 2026.

Prices typically range from as low as $5/hour to $15/hour, depending on location, skills, and service model.

Here is my advice: stop overthinking this. Figure out what your time is worth. Figure out which tasks you are doing that someone else could handle.

Do the math.Now stop reading and get some help. If you would like to hire a virtual assistant in just 15 minutes, schedule a free consultation now with AGTVA360.