How Much Does a Virtual Assistant Cost in 2026?

A virtual assistant can cost anything from a low hourly marketplace rate to several thousand dollars a month for a dedicated specialist. Scale Up Staff's managed Philippines-based placements start from A$1,500 per month for around 20 hours a week. Full-time placements cost A$2,000 to A$3,000 per month, depending on the talent profile, plus tools.

What changes the cost of a virtual assistant?

Hours matter, but they aren't the whole price. The role, seniority, hiring model, employment structure, tools and level of management support all change what you pay and what stays on your desk.

A general administrator following an established process sits at a different price point from a paid ads manager or automation specialist making judgement calls. A freelancer completing a project also carries a different cost structure from a dedicated team member working inside your business every week.

What are the main VA pricing models?

Model	How you pay	What you usually manage	Best fit
Australian contractor VA	Hourly or retainer	Scope, priorities and output	Local-context work or flexible support
Freelance marketplace	Hourly or project rate	Vetting, briefing, continuity, compliance and QA	Contained projects and one-off tasks
Direct Philippines hire	Salary or contractor fee	Recruitment, engagement structure, payroll, onboarding and management	Businesses with offshore hiring capability
Managed offshore partner	Monthly all-in service fee	Business priorities and leadership, with provider support around the hire	Dedicated ongoing roles that need structure

What does Scale Up Staff cost?

Managed growth talent starts from A$1,500 per month for part-time work of around 20 hours a week. Full-time work of around 40 hours a week costs A$2,000 to A$3,000 per month. Pricing varies by talent profile, client-specific tools sit outside the fee, and the initial commitment is three months.

The fee includes recruitment and vetting, compliant employment through our Philippines entity, foundations before day one, and senior onshore support with briefing and quality control. If the talent doesn't meet the agreed standards within 60 days, we'll replace them at no extra cost.

Why does the cheapest quote often cost more?

The missing line is usually management. Someone has to define the role, test candidates, create access controls, build briefs, check work and deal with a poor match. When that person is the founder, the cost is hidden inside their week.

A low rate can still be the right choice for a clean project with a clear finish line. Ongoing work changes the equation. Continuity, context and quality compound, so the system around the person matters as much as their hourly rate.

How should you compare quotes?

Confirm whether the figure covers salary only or the complete monthly invoice.
Ask who handles employment, statutory obligations, payroll and classification.
List every tool, device and security cost that sits outside the quote.
Identify who writes briefs, checks work and manages performance.
Read the replacement terms and minimum commitment.

For current role-based figures, use our offshore staffing pricing calculator. For the deeper market comparison, read Philippines versus Australia staffing costs.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a virtual assistant cost per month in Australia?

An Australian contractor VA commonly charges by the hour. Scale Up Staff's managed Philippines-based placements start from A$1,500 per month for around 20 hours a week, while full-time placements are A$2,000 to A$3,000 per month. Tools are extra and pricing varies by talent profile.

What is included in a managed virtual assistant fee?

Scale Up Staff's managed fee covers the dedicated team member, recruitment and vetting, compliant employment through its Philippines entity, foundations before day one, senior onshore support, briefing and quality control. Client-specific software is extra.

Is a cheap hourly virtual assistant cheaper overall?

Sometimes, particularly for a defined one-off task. For ongoing work, compare management time, rework, continuity, compliance and replacement costs alongside the hourly rate.