How much should I charge as a Virtual Assistant?
In 2025, virtual assistant (VA) rates vary based on experience, specialization, and location. Beginner VAs typically charge £15–25/hour (UK) or $20–30/hour (US) for general tasks. Specialized roles like social media management or bookkeeping range from £30–45/hour (UK) or $35–60/hour (US). Expert VAs with niche skills may command £50+/hour (UK) or $70+/hour (US). Consider factors like service type, client expectations, and your experience when setting your rates.
Determining how much to charge as a Virtual Assistant can feel tricky. Your rate impacts client perceptions, your earnings growth, and how sustainable your business becomes. In this article, you’ll discover:
- Common VA pricing models
- Rate benchmarks by experience and region
- How to set your pricing structure
- How to raise rates over time
Pricing Models for Virtual Assistants
There are several ways VAs charge clients:
1. Hourly Rates
Probably the most familiar method. You charge per hour worked.
Pros: Transparent, easy to track.
Cons: Clients may worry about hours “wasted,” and you’re capped by time.
2. Fixed / Package Pricing
You offer predefined packages (e.g. 10 hours per month, or bundle of tasks).
Pros: Clients like certainty; you can package higher value.
Cons: Risk underpriced packages if scope balloons.
3. Retainer / Monthly Subscriptions
Clients pay a set monthly fee for ongoing support.
Pros: Predictable income and stable client relationships.
Cons: You need clear boundaries and deliverables so client expectations are managed.
4. Per Deliverable / Project Pricing
You charge for a specific outcome (e.g. set up an email sequence, manage a campaign).
Pros: Higher earning potential for high-value tasks.
Cons: More negotiation and scope definition required.
What Rates Can You Expect?
While rates vary widely, here are current market benchmarks in 2025:
| Experience Level | Regions / Sample Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner / General VA | UK: £15–25/hour US: $20–30/hour | For basic admin, scheduling, email tasks |
| Intermediate / Specialty | UK: £30–£45 US: $35–$60 | For social media, bookkeeping, content support |
| Expert / Niche VA | UK: £50+ US: $70+ | For technical VAs (automation, analytics, project management) |
If you want more detail and examples, see our full VA rates guide.
How to Decide Your Rate
Here’s a process you can follow:
- Calculate your baseline costs — software, tools, taxes, time for admin.
- Estimate billable hours you can realistically work per week.
- Decide your lifestyle rate — how much do you want/need to earn?
- Pick a pricing model that fits your services (hourly, package, retainer).
- Test & adjust — start with a modest rate, get testimonials, then raise.
💡 Use the 4× rule for transcription: 1 minute of audio often takes 4 minutes to transcribe. Use similar multipliers for other tasks to estimate your time investment.
When & How to Raise Your Rates
Once you have clients and a track record, raising rates is normal and expected. You can:
- Increase rates for new clients first
- Give existing clients notice (30–60 days) before rate changes
- Enhance your offerings (add value, bundling) to justify higher rates
Internal Links to Expand Your Learning
- Explore how to start as a Virtual Assistant to build your foundational skills.
- Check the article on find work as a freelance virtual assistant to see where clients are hiring.
- If you want packaging ideas and scalability, see our page on specialised Virtual Assistant niches.
FAQ
Beginners typically charge between £15–25 (UK) or $20–30 (US) per hour for general tasks.
It depends on your services and client preferences. Hourly is straightforward; packages offer more value and predictability.
Once you have positive client feedback, consistent demand, or new skills, you can raise your rates—preferably first for new clients, then existing with notice.
Yes – many VAs begin with lower rates to build experience and testimonials, then incrementally increase.