How much does a virtual assistant cost in 2026?
Short answer: In the United States, virtual assistants typically cost $10–$40 per hour, averaging around $25/hour, with US-based specialists commanding $35–$75+. What you pay depends on experience, the type of work, and whether you hire hourly or through a managed monthly plan.
Average US virtual assistant rates
Recent 2025–2026 data puts the typical US virtual assistant hourly rate at:
- ~$24–$26/hour on average across all VAs (ZipRecruiter, Indeed)
- ~$35/hour for US-based assistants specifically (Payscale)
- $10–$40/hour as a typical range, rising to $75+ for specialized skills (Apploye)
Rates by experience
| Experience | Typical hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–2 years) | $10–$25 |
| Mid-level (2–5 years) | $25–$50 |
| Expert (5+ years) | $50–$100+ |
Rates by type of work
Specialized work costs more than general admin:
- General & executive admin — around $35–$40/hour for executive-level support
- Bookkeeping & finance — $30–$100+/hour, depending on complexity
- Marketing, development, and other specialist roles — priced with experience, usually at the higher end
What drives the price
- Experience and specialization — the biggest factor.
- Location — US-based VAs cost more than offshore talent.
- Scope — ongoing, dedicated support vs. one-off tasks.
- Hiring model — hourly freelancers vs. a managed service that handles matching, replacement, and quality for you.
Hourly vs. managed monthly plans
Hiring hourly on a freelance marketplace is flexible, but sourcing, screening, and replacing assistants is on you. A managed service bundles matching, a dedicated assistant, and support into a predictable monthly plan — usually better value once you delegate regularly.
The VA.Team approach
VA.Team uses managed matching: you describe the role, hours, and requirements; we propose screened and interviewed candidates within 72 hours; you accept or decline. Every assistant is enhanced by NABU AI, our proprietary AI assistant that handles scheduling, research, and routine tasks. Plans start at $99/month, and every placement includes a 30-day free replacement guarantee.
Sources: ZipRecruiter, Indeed, Payscale, Apploye. Figures are market ranges as of 2025–2026 and vary by provider and scope.