Are you asking: How much do Virtual Assistants Make?
You’re ready to start your new journey as a Virtual Assistant. You’ve polished your resume, set up a profile on a few freelance platforms, and even told a few friends you’re open for business. But then—panic. How much do Virtual Assistants make anyway?
If you’ve spent years in an office job, your salary was set for you. Maybe you even negotiated a small raise once or twice. But now, the responsibility is on your shoulders, and suddenly, pricing feels like an impossible puzzle. Charge too little, and you’ll be working non-stop for peanuts. Charge too much, and you fear no one will hire you.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Setting your rates as a Virtual Assistant is one of the biggest roadblocks new VAs face. But here’s the truth: pricing isn’t about guessing—it’s about strategy, confidence, and knowing your worth.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear roadmap to pricing your VA services confidently. We’ll cover different pricing models, how to calculate your perfect rate, and even how to raise your prices over time—without scaring away clients. How much do Virtual Assistants make? Let’s dive in and find out.
1. Understanding Your Value: You’re Worth More Than You Think
Think back to your last office job. Maybe you were the go-to person for organizing schedules, managing emails, or keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. You made life easier for your boss, right?
Now, imagine your boss had to hire someone else to replace you. They wouldn’t find a fresh college grad willing to work for $12 an hour—they’d need a seasoned professional who knows how to get things done. That’s you.
So why do so many new Virtual Assistants undercharge?
It’s the same reason so many women struggle to negotiate their salaries: We’ve been conditioned to believe that asking for more is greedy. But here’s the truth: charging what you’re worth isn’t selfish—it’s smart business.
When you’re asking the question: How much do Virtual Assistants make? Think of it like this: Pricing your services too low is like selling a designer handbag at a flea market price. People won’t value it, and the ones who do buy will be the ones looking for bargains, not quality. On the other hand, pricing yourself appropriately attracts serious clients who understand the value you bring.
Understand you’ve gone from Employee to Business Owner
When you worked in an office, your paycheck showed up like clockwork. As a VA, you’re not just an employee—you’re a business owner. And business owners set their own prices.
Instead of thinking, How much will someone pay me? shift your mindset to:
- How much value am I bringing to my clients?
- What results do my skills help them achieve?
For example, if you help a business owner manage their inbox and calendar, you’re not just “doing admin work.” You’re freeing up 10+ hours a week for them to focus on revenue-generating activities. That’s powerful.
2. There Are Different Pricing Models. Which One Works for You?
Potential clients often feel very confused when they see VAs charging vastly different rates.
The pricing model you choose isn’t just about what you earn—it’s about making it easy for clients to say YES to working with you.
Let’s break down the three most common pricing structures and how to choose the best one for you.
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Hourly Rate: Best for Beginners, But Watch for Pitfalls
How It Works: You charge clients per hour worked. Simple and straightforward.
Great for: New VAs, clients with flexible needs, and task-based work (inbox management, data entry).
Challenges: Limits your income potential, and tracking hours can feel like being back in a 9-to-5.
Note:
A brand-new VA starts can start at $25/hour. At first, it’s great—she’s getting paid for every minute worked. But soon realizes that as she gets faster and more efficient, she’s earning less per task.
This was me at the beginning. I was very fast with my tasks.
I started losing money because I was fast.
Tip: If you choose hourly pricing, increase your rate as your expertise grows so you don’t get stuck earning less for the same work like I did.
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Project-Based Pricing: A Step Up for Predictability
How It Works: You charge per project, regardless of the time spent.
Great for: One-time projects like setting up email templates, designing a social media content calendar, or organizing a client’s inbox.
Challenges: Requires careful scoping—otherwise, clients may sneak in extra requests for free.
Note:
A VA can offer social media content planning for small business owners. Instead of charging $30/hour, she can bundle her services:
- Basic Package: $300/month (10 posts)
- Premium Package: $600/month (20 posts + engagement)
This way she will earn more for the same time investment and her clients love knowing upfront what they’ll pay.
Tip: Bundle services into packages—it makes pricing easier for clients and increases your earnings.
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Retainer Model: The Holy Grail for Stability
How It Works: Clients pay a fixed monthly fee for ongoing services.
Great for: VAs looking for consistent income and long-term client relationships.
Challenges: Requires strong boundary-setting to prevent scope creep (clients adding extra tasks without extra pay).
Note:
An Executive VA charges a monthly retainer of $1,000 for email and calendar management. Whether she spends 10 or 20 hours, she knows she’s getting paid. This stability lets her plan her finances and schedule without constantly hunting for new clients.
Tip: If you want less stress and more stability, consider retainer packages for repeat clients.
This model is the one I use and I love, love, love it!
Which Model is Right for You?
Ask yourself:
1. Do I want flexibility or consistency? (Hourly is flexible, retainers offer stability.)
2. Do I like variety or structure? (Projects vary, and retainers are predictable.)
3. Am I comfortable setting boundaries? (Retainers require clear expectations.)
Final Thought: You don’t have to choose just one! Many VAs start hourly, transition into project pricing, and then build long-term retainer clients for stable income.
3. How Much Do Virtual Assistants Make? Find Your Baseline Rate (Without Guesswork!)
Unfortunately, most new Virtual Assistants pick their rates by guessing. Some scroll through job boards to see what others charge. Others think back to their last office paycheck and divide it by 40 hours.
But here’s the truth: Your rate shouldn’t be a random number—it should be a strategic decision based on your income goals, workload, and expertise.
Imagine you’re planning a road trip. You wouldn’t just get in the car and hope for the best—you’d check the map, plan your stops, and figure out how much gas you need to get there. Setting your VA rate is the same thing—you need a roadmap.
Follow this 3-step formula to find your ideal rate:
Step 1: Set Your Income Goal (Know Where You’re Going)
Before setting an hourly or package rate, ask yourself: How much do I actually need to earn each month?
- Mortgage/rent?
- Bills, groceries, savings?
- Extra for vacations or fun money?
Example: You want to earn $3,000/month working part-time.
Step 2: Calculate Your Billable Hours (Plan How You’ll Get There)
Unlike a 9-to-5 job, you won’t be working client hours all day. You’ll spend time on marketing, invoicing, and admin tasks.
- Total weekly work hours = 30 hours
- Non-client time (emails, networking) = 10 hours
- Actual billable client hours = 20 hours per week
Example: If you want to earn $3,000/month working 80 billable hours/month, you need to charge at least $37.50 per hour ($3,000 ÷ 80).
Step 3: Factor in Expenses & Taxes (Don’t Forget the Gas Money)
As a business owner, you’ll have expenses like:
- Software (Zoom, Canva, bookkeeping tools)
- Internet & phone
- Taxes (set aside 25-30% of earnings)
Example: If you need to cover $500 in expenses, adjust your rate to $45/hr to maintain your take-home pay.
4. What Other VAs Are Charging (And How to Stay Competitive)
If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through freelance websites, wondering why one Virtual Assistant charges $15 an hour while another charges $75, you’re not alone. Pricing in the VA world can feel all over the place.
But here’s the good news: There’s a method to the madness. And understanding where you fit in can help you charge fairly, stay competitive, and attract quality clients.
Let’s break it down.
VA Pricing Tiers: Where Do You Fit?
Think of VA pricing like a coffee shop menu—not all coffee costs the same. A basic drip coffee might be $2, while a handcrafted caramel macchiato with oat milk and extra foam is $7.
Virtual Assistant pricing works the same way. The more specialized and in-demand your skills, the higher you can charge.
1. Beginner VA (General Admin Tasks) → $20–$30/hr
- Inbox management, calendar scheduling, data entry, research
- Best for new VAs getting experience with their first few clients
2. Intermediate VA (Specialized Support) → $30–$50/hr
- Social media management, customer service, project coordination
- Best for VAs with a few clients under their belt and growing expertise
3. Advanced VA (Tech-Savvy & Strategy-Based) → $50–$100+/hr
- Funnel building, bookkeeping, online business management
- Best for highly skilled VAs who offer strategy + implementation
Reality Check: Why Charging Too Low Hurts You (And Your Clients!)
Many new VAs worry, “If I charge too much, no one will hire me.” But the truth is, undervaluing yourself can backfire.
- Low rates attract bargain-hunting clients who:
- Expect 24/7 availability
- Constantly ask for extra work “just this once”
- Disappear without paying (yes, this happens!)
- Higher rates attract quality clients who:
- Respect your time and expertise
- See you as an investment, not just a cost
- Value long-term working relationships
Think of it this way: If you saw a brand-new laptop listed for $50, you’d probably assume something was wrong with it, right? Clients think the same way about low VA rates.
How to Stay Competitive Without Undercutting Yourself
You don’t have to be the cheapest VA—you have to be the most valuable.
- Offer a Unique Niche: Specializing in one area (e.g., podcast management, course setup) allows you to charge more
- Showcase Testimonials & Results: If you’ve helped a client save time or make money, highlight it!
- Build Long-Term Packages: Offer ongoing support instead of one-off tasks—this brings in stable income.
Example:
Instead of charging $25/hour for social media posting, offer a $600/month package that includes scheduling, engagement, and analytics. Clients love predictable pricing, and you’ll earn more without tracking every minute.
Your Next Step: Choose Your Pricing Tier
Take a look at your skills and experience. Ask yourself:
- Am I just starting or do I have some experience?
- Can I offer more specialized services?
- Are there higher-value skills I can learn to increase my rate?
Tip: If you’re not quite ready to raise your rates yet, plan for when you will. Set a goal like: “After 3 months with a client, I’ll increase my rate by $5/hour.”
Final Thought: You Deserve to Get Paid Well for Your Expertise
The biggest mistake new VAs make? They assume clients will only pay low rates.
But clients who truly value their business also value their team—and that includes YOU. So, whether you’re starting at $20/hour or aiming for $75+, know this: Your skills have worth. Your time has worth. And your pricing should reflect that.
5. Overcoming the Fear of Charging More
Let’s talk about the little voice in your head that whispers, “No one will pay that much,” every time you think about raising your rates.
If you’ve ever felt nervous about asking for what you’re worth, you’re not alone. Many women transitioning from an office job to a Virtual Assistant business struggle with pricing confidence—not because they aren’t skilled, but because they’ve spent years having their worth defined by someone else’s paycheck.
It’s time to flip the script. Raising your rates isn’t about being greedy—it’s about valuing your expertise and attracting the right clients.
Mindset Shift: You’re Not Just “Doing Tasks”—You’re Providing Solutions
Think back to your last office job.
You weren’t just answering emails—you were keeping projects moving.
You weren’t just scheduling meetings—you were making your boss’s life easier.
Now that you’re a VA, your work has the same impact—if not more—on the businesses you support.
Note:
Imagine a business owner who spends 10 hours a week sorting through their inbox. If you take that over, you’re giving them back 10 hours to focus on higher-level growth. That’s valuable.
Would they rather spend $15/hr on someone who just “answers emails” OR $45/hr on someone who keeps their business running smoothly?
This is where pricing confidence comes in—you have to see your own value before clients will.
Handling the “That’s Too Expensive” Objection with Confidence
One of the scariest moments for new VAs?
Hearing a potential client say, “That’s a little high…” and feeling the urge to immediately lower the price.
Do NOT lower your rate out of fear.
Instead, here’s how to respond with confidence:
Client: “That’s too expensive.”
Confident Response:
“I totally understand wanting to make a smart investment! My clients find that working with me saves them hours of time each week, allowing them to focus on growing their business. I’d love to help you do the same.”
Client: “Can you do it for less?”
Confident Response:
“I work with clients who value high-quality support and efficiency. If budget is a concern, we can adjust the scope to focus on the highest-priority tasks within your budget.”
Instead of lowering your price, you’re positioning yourself as someone who brings RESULTS, not just “an extra pair of hands.”
Raising Your Rates Over Time (Without Losing Clients!)
If you’re currently charging too little, don’t panic—you can raise your rates strategically without scaring clients away.
Here’s how:
1. Start with New Clients First
If you’re nervous, raise rates for new clients first before increasing prices for existing ones. Once you see that people are happy to pay more, you’ll gain confidence.
2. Give Existing Clients a Heads-Up
If you have long-term clients, send a courteous rate increase email 30-60 days in advance.
Example:
“I’ve absolutely loved working with you over the past six months, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to support your business! To continue providing the best service possible, I’m adjusting my rates slightly, effective [DATE]. My new rate will be [$XX/hour], which reflects my growing expertise and the value I provide. I’m happy to discuss any adjustments to make sure we’re aligned moving forward!”
Most quality clients won’t leave over a small increase—and if they do, it frees up space for higher-paying clients.
3. Bundle Services for Higher Value
Instead of just raising your hourly rate, offer value-packed packages. Clients feel like they’re getting more, and you earn more per project.
Example:
Instead of charging $30/hour for social media management, create a $600/month package for content creation, scheduling, and engagement.
Final Thought: You Deserve to Be Paid Well for Your Work
The only person who needs to believe in your pricing first—is YOU.
When you set your rates with confidence, you’ll:
- Attract higher-quality clients
- Avoid burnout from low-paying work
- Feel more valued and fulfilled in your business
So next time you think, “What if no one pays this?” remember: The right clients will.
And they’ll be the best ones you’ve ever worked with
Still Trying to Find The Clients? Make Them Beg To Work With You!
Maybe you’re not even to the point of raising rates because you can’t get the clients.
If so, I have just what you need.
I’ve created a mini course that shows you exactly the templates I used to get clients — what I said to them, how I thought about it, and what I sent them.
Go here to find out all about it!