Virtual assistant pricing spans a wide range, and the right number for you depends less on the headline rate than on the value of what gets handed off.
The range is wide for a reason
Rates vary based on skill level, specialization, location, and whether you are buying general support or specialized work like bookkeeping or design. A generalist handling admin is priced very differently from a specialist running your finances.
Hourly, retainer, or managed
You will see hourly arrangements, monthly retainers for a set block of hours, and fully managed services where an agency handles vetting, training, and backup. Managed services cost more per hour but remove the overhead of hiring, replacing, and supervising, which is often where the real expense hides.
Look at total cost, not just rate
The cheapest hourly rate can become the most expensive option once you factor in the time you spend managing, the cost of mistakes, and the disruption when an unsupported freelancer disappears. A slightly higher rate with reliability and backup built in frequently costs less in practice.
Anchor it to your own hourly value
Whatever the rate, the real question is whether the hours you free up are worth more than what you pay. For most founders, that comparison makes the decision straightforward.