One of the biggest challenges new (and even experienced) Virtual Assistants face? Figuring out how much to charge.
Charge too little, and you’ll be undervalued, overworked, and underpaid. Charge too much without positioning your value, and you risk turning away potential clients.
So how do you set profitable, aligned rates that attract the right clients without selling yourself short?
This guide will walk you through how to price your VA services, the different pricing models, and the real earning potential of a VA.
Your rates don’t just reflect your time—they reflect:
✔️ Your expertise – Clients aren’t just paying for hours; they’re paying for the value you bring.
✔️ Your confidence – Low prices signal uncertainty; premium prices show you know your worth.
✔️ Your lifestyle goals – Your business should fit your dream life, not the other way around.
The key? Finding a pricing structure that feels good, aligns with your skills, and ensures making bank.
💸 Your Skill Level & Experience
• Beginner VAs ($20–$30/hr) – Starting out? You can still charge a fair rate while gaining experience.
• Experienced VAs ($30–$70/hr) – More specialized skills (e.g., social media, email marketing) = higher rates.
• Specialized VAs ($70–$100+/hr) – Services like web design, automation, and funnel building command premium pricing.
💸 Your Services & Niches
• General Admin Tasks – Calendar management, data entry, etc. (Lower rates)
• Specialized Services – Email marketing, SEO, automation, copywriting (Higher rates)
• Tech & Strategy-Based – Web design, paid ads, funnel building ($100+/hr)
💸 Your Ideal Clients & Their Budget
• Solopreneurs & Startups – Typically have smaller budgets.
• Established Businesses & Agencies – Willing to invest more in premium support.
💸 Your Expenses & Lifestyle Goals
• Consider software subscriptions, taxes, and savings when setting your rates.
• Your pricing should cover not just work hours but also vacation time, sick days, and future growth.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—your pricing model should match your workflow and income goals.
1️⃣ Hourly Rates (Best for Beginners & Flexible Work)
✅ Transparency for clients
✅ Easy to track time
⛔ Income is limited by available hours
💡 Example:
• Entry-level: $20–$30/hr
• Experienced: $30–$70/hr
• Specialized skills: $70–$100+/hr
💡 Great for: Admin support, VA work with varying tasks, consulting
2️⃣ Project-Based Rates (Best for Defined Deliverables)
✅ Get paid for results, not hours
✅ More scalable income
⛔ Must set clear scope to avoid “scope creep”
💡 Example:
• Social Media Content Calendar: $300–$1,000
• Email Automation Setup: $500–$2,000
• Website Build: $1,500–$5,000+
💡 Great for: Social media packages, email marketing, website design, one-time projects
3️⃣ Retainer Packages (Best for Consistent, Scalable Income)
✅ Predictable monthly income
✅ Builds long-term client relationships
⛔ May require contracts & minimum commitments
💡 Example:
• Basic VA Support (20 hrs/month @ $30/hr): $600/month
• Social Media Management (Full Service): $1,500–$3,000/month
• Premium Tech Support (Automation, Funnels): $3,000+/month
💡 Great for: Ongoing admin support, marketing, content management, high-ticket services
1️⃣ Calculate Your Income Goals
• Decide how much you want to earn per month and/or year.
• Factor in taxes, time off, and expenses.
• Divide by workable hours per month/year to get a baseline hourly rate.
💡 Example Calculation:
If you want to earn $50,000/year and work 40 hours/week:
$50,000 ÷ 52 weeks ÷ 40 hrs = $24/hr minimum
2️⃣ Research Industry Standards
• Browse Instagram and LinkedIn to see common rates.
• Connect with other VAs in your niche to understand pricing trends.
3️⃣ Test & Adjust Your Rates
• Start with a rate you feel confident charging.
• Raise rates as you gain experience & client demand.
• Charge a rate that makes you FEEL good and valued! Don’t undercharge.
💸 Beginner VAs & Experienced Generalist VAs: $30–$50/hr (or $3,000–$6,000/month)
💸 Specialized VAs: $50–$100/hr (or $6,000–$10,000/month)
💸 High-Demand Tech/Marketing VAs: $100+/hr
Annual Income Potential:
Part-time VAs: $10,000–$25,000/year
Full-time VAs: $30,000–$100,000+/year
🔥 Specialize in High-Demand Services – Web design, email marketing, paid ads = premium rates.
🔥 Showcase Your Results – Use testimonials & case studies to justify higher pricing.
🔥 Package Your Services – Offer value-driven bundles instead of trading time for money.
🔥 Position Yourself as an Expert – Build authority through content, networking & visibility.
🔥 Regularly Raise Rates – Adjust pricing as your skills & experience grow.
Your VA Business, Your Rules
💡 Your dream lifestyle should dictate your rates—not the other way around.
If you want to work part-time, travel, or scale to six figures, set aligned pricing that makes it possible.
💸 Still unsure how to price your VA services or attract premium clients?
I break it all down on Instagram—real talk, pricing strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights to help you build a thriving VA business on YOUR terms.
📲 Come hang out with me on Instagram: @digitalnomadlife.online
I’ll see you there!
Katja x
Published: 14.11.2024
