Virtual Assistant Cost Per Month in 2026, by Role
J. DubanUpdated October 16, 2026 · 6 min
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Search "virtual assistant cost" and you'll find ranges like $4 to $80 an hour. That range is so wide it's useless, because "virtual assistant" covers everything from a part-time freelancer doing data entry to a full-time executive assistant running a founder's week.
The useful questions are: which role, how many hours, and what's included in the price.
How much does a full-time virtual assistant cost per month?
A full-time (40 hours a week) offshore professional through a managed provider typically costs about $1,900 to $3,000+ per month in 2026, depending on the role, experience and what the provider includes. A US employee in the same role typically costs about $4,500 to $11,000+ per month once benefits and payroll taxes are added. Freelancers hired directly can cost less per hour, but you take on the hiring, payroll and replacement work yourself.
What does a US hire cost per month, by role?
These are typical monthly costs to a US employer: the national average (mean) wage from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, plus 42.6% for employer-paid benefits and payroll taxes.
| Role | Typical US cost per month |
|---|---|
| Executive assistant | about $9,400 |
| Office manager | about $8,750 |
| Administrative assistant | about $5,850 |
| Customer service representative | about $5,550 |
| Data entry specialist | about $5,150 |
| Bookkeeper / AP-AR clerk | about $6,350 |
| Payroll specialist | about $7,100 |
| Staff accountant | about $11,250 |
| Appointment setter | about $4,450 |
| Listing admin (real estate) | about $5,850 |
These are national averages, so many US hires cost more, especially in higher-cost cities. They leave out recruiting costs, equipment and office space.
What should an offshore monthly price include?
A fair all-in monthly price should cover salary, benefits, equipment, HR, payroll and replacement if the hire doesn't work out. Before you compare quotes, check for:
- Setup, placement or deposit fees charged before anyone starts.
- Minimum terms: some providers require 3 months or more.
- Buyout fees if you later want to hire the person directly.
- Who you get: some providers assign someone; others let you interview and choose.
- Replacement terms: how fast, and whether there's a time limit.
A lower monthly price with a placement fee and a 90-day minimum can cost more in the first year than a higher price with neither.
Hourly vs monthly: which is cheaper?
For full-time work, monthly almost always wins. Hourly plans suit small, irregular workloads. Once you need someone for most of the day, hour buckets get expensive, and you lose the main benefit of a dedicated person: someone who learns your business and stays.
Why do prices for the "same" assistant vary so much?
Four things drive most of the difference:
- Role and seniority. A bookkeeper who knows QuickBooks costs more than a general admin.
- What's included. Benefits, equipment and replacement cost money; cheaper quotes often leave them out.
- How they're vetted. Screening hundreds of applicants for each role costs more than posting a job and forwarding résumés.
- Pay to the professional. Lower prices often mean lower pay, and lower pay usually means higher turnover.
At StaffRight, full-time roles start at $1,900 a month, all-in. That price includes payroll, benefits, equipment and free replacement, so the comparison with a US hire is like for like.
How do I work out the real saving for my role?
Take the US monthly cost for your role from the table above, subtract the all-in monthly price you've been quoted, and then add back anything the quote leaves out (fees, equipment, minimum terms). That's your real monthly difference.
FAQ
How much does a Filipino virtual assistant cost per month?
Full-time professionals hired through a managed provider typically cost from about $1,900 to $3,000+ a month all-in. Hiring directly from a job board can cost less, but you handle vetting, payroll and replacement yourself.
Is a part-time assistant cheaper?
Per month, yes. Per hour of useful work, often not: part-time assistants juggle several clients and take longer to learn your business.
Do I pay employer taxes on an offshore hire?
Not US payroll taxes when the provider employs the person. Check that your provider handles local employment obligations.
To see the numbers for your exact role, try the cost calculator.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 national estimates (mean wages) (opens in a new tab) · bls.gov
- IRS Publication 15 (2026), employer Social Security and Medicare rates (opens in a new tab) · irs.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employer Costs for Employee Compensation, December 2025 (released March 20, 2026) (opens in a new tab) · bls.gov (PDF)
- Market price range from published pricing pages of full-time offshore staffing providers, checked September 2026.
