Pricing your services is one of the hardest parts of starting out. Here’s a framework to price with confidence.
One of the biggest mistakes aspiring Virtual Assistants make is charging too little. Whether it’s fear of rejection, lack of confidence, or simply not knowing what to charge — underpricing hurts you, your clients, and the VA industry as a whole. Here’s how to set rates you can stand behind.
Why Undercharging is a Problem
When you charge too low, clients may question your quality. You attract clients who don’t value your time. You burn out quickly because you need more clients to make ends meet. And you make it harder for other VAs to charge fair rates too.
Factors That Affect Your Rate
Before picking a number, consider these factors:
Your skill level — Are you a beginner, intermediate, or experienced VA? Your rate should reflect where you are now, with room to grow.
Your niche — Specialized skills like bookkeeping, SEO, or Shopify management command higher rates than general admin tasks.
Your location — While remote work is global, your cost of living affects what you need to earn. Philippine-based VAs often price competitively for international clients.
The client’s business size — A solo entrepreneur and a 7-figure eCommerce brand have very different budgets. Tailor your pitch accordingly.
VA Rate Ranges in 2026
Here is a general guide for Filipino VAs working with international clients:
Beginner General VA: $3 to $6 per hour Intermediate VA with specific skills: $6 to $12 per hour Specialist VA (SEO, bookkeeping, ads management): $12 to $25 per hour Project-based rates vary widely depending on scope
How to Calculate Your Rate
Start with how much you need to earn per month. Divide that by the number of hours you plan to work. Add 20–30% to cover taxes, tools, and unpaid time. That is your minimum hourly rate — never go below it.
How to Raise Your Rates
You should raise your rates when you gain new skills or certifications, when you have completed successful projects, when your schedule is consistently full, or when you are delivering results that clearly exceed what you charge.
Give existing clients advance notice — usually 30 days — and explain the reason professionally. Most good clients will stay.
Final Thoughts
Your rate is not just a number — it is a statement of your value. Start where you are, charge fairly for your current skill level, and commit to growing. The right clients will always pay for quality work. You deserve to be paid well for the value you bring.