How Much Virtual Assistants Charge

Let’s talk money. You’re likely not thinking of being a virtual assistant simply to be a help to the world. You want to make some cash too.

The beauty of this profession is that there is no cap on what virtual assistants charge.

You could be charging $30 an hour. $500 a day. Or $5000 a week..

Whatever you want, really. So long as you can square it with your clients you’re good to go.

As with all industries, there are general rates of what virtual assistants charge that you can expect to be the standard for you.

How Much Can You Charge As a Virtual Assistant?

The minimum rate for a virtual assistant in the US is $30-40 an hour. In the UK, it’s £27 an hour, which is about the same as what it would be in the US when you convert the currencies.

If you’re just starting out, you could undercut by a little, maybe $5 or so, but you don’t want to undercut by too much or for too long. This can quickly make it harder for you to be able to move to better rates in the future.

Try to progress on from the minimum rate by doing good work for your clients, and having the confidence to back out of working with any one who doesn’t respect your new, increased rates. 

How Should You Charge Clients As a Virtual Assistant?

There are various different ways that you can charge clients as a virtual assistant. That’s part of the beauty in it. 

But you could be accidentally selling yourself short.

Especially if you’re inexperienced and take longer to perform certain tasks.

Charging Hourly As a Virtual Assistant

Charging hourly as a virtual assistant is something you’re likely to do when you’re just starting out.

You may not want to fall into this trap.

Charging hourly means you’re limited by daily billable hours. 

The faster you get, the more you can get done in that time. 

Ultimately - you’ll be paid less for your time as time goes on.

Why stick to an antiquated pay model when you won’t receive any benefits that you’d get in a 9-5 role, such as holiday/sick pay, job security, etc?

You’ve also got to consider the expenses of using your home all day to work. These can quickly add up. Even when claiming some of it back, you’re leaving money on the table. 

You do you. But an hourly rate is not wise if you want to get some teeth in the game.

Charging By Project Rates As a Virtual Assistant

Project rates can make you the most money as a virtual assistant. 

You know exactly how much you’ll be paid, the client knows exactly how much they will need to pay out.

Everyone is happy.

You could quote your hourly rates in order to give the client (and yourself) a rough estimate, but negotiate a project rate while on call.

Just ensure you figure out exactly how much time something will take, and then add on another 30 % or so to allow for obstacles/misjudging on your part.

Take Control Of Your Own Prices

The beauty of being a virtual assistant is being able to set your own prices. You have a rough average, an idea of where you match up to other VAs, the only thing left is to go out and get started!

You’ll be surprised how quickly you can start to price yourself up, especially if you’re getting a steady flow of good reviews.