top of page
Search

How Much Can a Virtual Assistant Make? Income by Role, Skill & Country

  • Writer: DM Monticello
    DM Monticello
  • Jun 5
  • 7 min read


What Is a Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant (VA) is a remote professional who provides support services to businesses, entrepreneurs, and executives. VAs handle a wide range of tasks—from administrative and customer support to marketing, bookkeeping, and project coordination—all from a home-based or remote setup.

With the rise of remote-first teams, virtual assistants have become essential to modern businesses. They help streamline workflows, reduce overhead costs, and scale operations efficiently. Depending on the client and the scope of work, VAs may work full-time, part-time, on retainer, or per project.

Typical VA responsibilities include:

  • Managing emails and calendars

  • Social media scheduling and engagement

  • Data entry and CRM updates

  • Invoicing and billing support

  • Customer support via phone, email, or chat

  • Booking appointments and managing travel

Read more about virtual assistants and the future of business in our detailed breakdown of their growing role.


Average Income of Virtual Assistants in 2025

Virtual assistant income varies based on experience, specialization, and geography. However, industry data in 2025 shows a wide but upward-trending range.


Global and U.S. Hourly Averages

  • Global average: $6–$25/hour

  • U.S.-based VAs: $15–$45/hour

  • Specialized or executive VAs: $50–$75/hour


Monthly and Annual Earnings

  • Part-time VAs (20 hrs/week): $500–$2,000/month

  • Full-time generalist VAs: $1,200–$4,500/month

  • High-end specialists: $5,000+/month

Annually, a successful VA can earn anywhere from $12,000 to over $100,000, depending on their skillset, consistency, and business model.

Freelancers working through their own business have greater income potential, while platform-based VAs may trade flexibility for stability. Explore your guide to VA success in 2024 for strategies on building a thriving VA business.


Virtual Assistant Income by Role

Income often varies based on the services offered. Here’s a breakdown of typical earning ranges by role:


1. Administrative Virtual Assistant

Tasks: Calendar management, email inbox organization, scheduling 

Typical hourly rate: $10–$25


2. Customer Support Virtual Assistant

Tasks: Answering inquiries, handling refunds, chat/email support 

Typical hourly rate: $12–$28


3. Social Media Virtual Assistant

Tasks: Content scheduling, engagement, light graphic design 

Typical hourly rate: $15–$35 

Specialized VAs (analytics, ad management): $40–$60+

See how social media support impacts business growth in boost your sales with virtual assistants.


4. Bookkeeping Virtual Assistant

Tasks: Invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, QuickBooks/Wave 

Typical hourly rate: $20–$45

Bookkeeping VAs are in especially high demand and often command premium rates due to financial accountability. Visit back office support essentials to learn how they fit into larger operations.


5. Executive Virtual Assistant

Tasks: High-level support, client liaison, business operations 

Typical hourly rate: $30–$60 

Top-tier VAs supporting CEOs: $75+/hour


6. Specialized VAs

  • Real Estate VAs (MLS updates, listing coordination): $20–$50

  • Legal VAs (case prep, transcription): $25–$60

  • Medical VAs (EHR, insurance billing): $25–$70

  • Tech VAs (automation, AI tools, CRM management): $30–$100+

VAs with technical or regulated industry experience often move into consulting or agency roles as their careers advance.


Factors That Affect a Virtual Assistant’s Income

Several variables influence how much a VA can charge or earn:


1. Experience

Beginners often start around $5–$15/hour, especially in lower-cost regions. Experienced VAs with 3–5 years of work and strong testimonials often charge double or more.


2. Skillset

A VA offering general admin support earns less than one providing bookkeeping or email marketing automation. Niche skills drive up pricing.


3. Location

A VA in the Philippines or Latin America might charge $6–$15/hour, while a VA in the U.S., U.K., or Canada may charge $25–$75/hour for similar work.


4. Industry

Tech, real estate, and finance pay higher due to complexity and data sensitivity. Nonprofits and early-stage startups may pay less.


5. Communication Skills

English fluency, proactive communication, and strong client relations often lead to higher hourly rates and longer contracts. See top communication strategies for managing client expectations remotely.


6. Working Model

  • Hourly rates are common at the start

  • Monthly retainers offer predictable income

  • Project-based pricing allows for better scope control

  • Package deals scale better and reward expertise


VA Income by Country, Mistakes to Avoid & How to Earn More


Virtual Assistant Income by Country

Location significantly affects what a VA can charge—not because the work changes, but because of client expectations and purchasing power. Here's how average rates compare across regions:

1. Philippines

  • Entry-Level: $4–$8/hour

  • Mid-Level: $8–$15/hour

  • Specialists: $15–$25/hour

The Philippines is a global hub for remote work, known for English fluency and strong customer service skills. Many clients use platforms like OpsArmy to find pre-vetted talent in this region.

Explore our guide to hiring virtual assistants in the Philippines to understand pricing and legal tips.


2. United States

  • Entry-Level: $20–$30/hour

  • Experienced Generalist: $30–$50/hour

  • Specialists or Executive Support: $60–$100+/hour

U.S.-based VAs often work with corporate clients or executives who require time zone alignment and cultural familiarity.


3. Latin America (Mexico, Colombia, Argentina)

  • Range: $8–$25/hour

  • Bilingual VAs who support U.S. markets in both English and Spanish often charge a premium.


4. Eastern Europe (Romania, Poland, Ukraine)

  • Range: $10–$30/hour

  • Known for technical skills and design support, with strong English proficiency.


5. India and South Asia

  • Range: $5–$20/hour

  • Popular for IT, finance, and data entry services. Highly competitive pricing but mixed expectations around communication style and turnaround.


6. Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa)

  • Range: $6–$18/hour

  • A growing market for administrative, creative, and IT virtual support. Internet infrastructure is improving rapidly.

Check our resource on remote hiring for global growth for insights into sourcing talent across continents.


How to Earn More as a Virtual Assistant

A VA’s income potential can scale significantly with the right strategy. Here are proven methods to increase your rates and revenue:


1. Specialize in High-Value Niches

Clients pay more for expertise. Consider upskilling in:

  • Bookkeeping and invoicing

  • Social media strategy and ads

  • CRM platforms (HubSpot, Salesforce)

  • Legal or medical assistance

  • AI tools and automation


2. Get Certified or Trained

Programs like HubSpot Academy, QuickBooks ProAdvisor, and Google Analytics help build authority. OpsArmy also provides training for our remote assistants to help them move up the earning ladder.


3. Package Your Services

Instead of hourly billing, offer bundled packages like:

  • “10 hours of executive support + weekly reports”

  • “Social media content calendar + analytics summary”

  • “Monthly bookkeeping + tax-ready statements”

This simplifies your offerings and allows for predictable monthly income.


4. Build Long-Term Client Relationships

Recurring retainers reduce income volatility and make it easier to forecast earnings. VAs who deliver consistent, reliable work tend to get referred more often.

Learn how to build a reliable remote team that supports growth—for clients and contractors alike.


Common Mistakes That Limit Virtual Assistant Income

1. Undervaluing Your Services

Starting at a low rate is okay, but failing to raise your rates or repackage your value limits income. If you’re in high demand, raise prices accordingly.


2. Offering Generic Services

Clients want solutions, not just task-doers. Avoid only listing “data entry” or “admin support”—instead, showcase business outcomes like “calendar management to reduce missed appointments by 50%.”


3. Poor Communication

Slow replies, unclear boundaries, or inconsistent updates can ruin relationships. Strong communication and reporting build trust and justify premium pricing.


4. Not Managing Capacity

Taking on too many clients—or not having clear time management systems—leads to burnout and lost income. Learn to scale strategically.

Visit top productivity habits for remote workers to structure your workflow better.


Income Growth Paths for Virtual Assistants

The virtual assistant industry has evolved from simple admin support to a springboard for high-income remote careers. Many successful VAs transition into:


1. Virtual Agency Owners

Once a VA builds a consistent client base, they can hire subcontractors and grow into a remote agency. Common agency models include:

  • Social media marketing firms

  • Executive assistant collectives

  • Outsourced bookkeeping teams

  • Real estate transaction coordinators

These VAs often move from earning $40/hour as individuals to generating $10,000+ monthly in profit by managing client relationships and delegating work.


2. Online Business Managers (OBMs)

Virtual assistants with experience in project management, team coordination, and operations may graduate into OBM roles. OBMs command $50–$120/hour and often work on retainer for 20–40 hours/month.

Their responsibilities include:

  • Managing remote teams

  • Overseeing product launches

  • Handling SOP creation and implementation

  • Acting as the client’s “second brain” in business

This transition is a natural next step for VAs who want more strategic responsibility without giving up flexibility.


3. Consultants and Educators

After gaining years of experience, some VAs launch coaching or educational platforms. They teach new VAs how to:

  • Attract high-paying clients

  • Niche down effectively

  • Build systems for scaling

Through courses, templates, and coaching programs, successful VAs can create passive income streams that far exceed hourly billing models.


Tips From Top-Earning Virtual Assistants

Through our research at OpsArmy, we’ve identified common habits among top 5% earners in the VA field:

  1. Niche Focus They don’t do everything—they specialize (e.g., Dubsado setup, podcast management, medical billing).

  2. Strong Personal Branding Top VAs treat themselves like a business. They have websites, testimonials, LinkedIn content, and professional onboarding processes.

  3. Ongoing Education They consistently upskill with certifications (e.g., Notion, Google Ads, bookkeeping).

  4. Time Discipline Many use block scheduling, automation, and assistants of their own to maximize billable hours.

  5. They Use Agencies or Platforms High earners often partner with agencies like OpsArmy, which provide client leads, contracts, and administrative support—allowing them to focus on delivery, not outreach.


Want to Increase Your VA Income This Year?

Here’s a simple action plan to go from entry-level to high-earning:

Month

Focus

Outcome

1

Niche selection + branding

Clear offers and client appeal

2

Skill upgrade (certification)

Higher-value service options

3

Apply via OpsArmy

Qualified remote job placement

4

Package and price your offers

Stable, higher income per client

5

Raise rates + secure retainer

Predictable income, less churn

Implement this plan with guidance from our step-by-step virtual assistant success guide.


Final Thoughts: Income Potential in the Virtual Assistant Industry

So, how much can a virtual assistant make?

The short answer: anywhere from $6/hour to $100+/hour, depending on your location, role, experience, and the way you position yourself in the market.

The long answer: Your income is as scalable as your strategy. With the right niche, communication, and platform support, being a virtual assistant can evolve into a six-figure career—or even a full-scale remote business.


How OpsArmy Helps Virtual Assistants Maximize Their Earnings

OpsArmy connects virtual assistants with U.S. companies seeking pre-vetted, highly skilled talent. Our platform is designed to help remote professionals grow, not just survive.

How We Support You:

  • Access to high-paying, long-term clients

  • Role-matching based on skills, time zone, and work preferences

  • Ongoing training in software tools, client communication, and productivity

  • Payment protection and contract support

  • Internal job board updated with curated remote roles

We help VAs move beyond gig work and into sustainable remote careers.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to double your income, we can help you build the systems and skills to level up. Read what makes a great virtual assistant to see how you stack up.

Start building that path with support from OpsArmy, where remote work is built to last.


Sources


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page