Quick answer
A full-time Filipino virtual assistant hired through an outsourcing company costs $1,200 to $1,900 per month all-inclusive in 2026, rising to $1,800 to $2,600 for executive assistants and $1,800 to $3,000 for sales roles. Freelance marketplace rates look lower at $5 to $12 per hour but exclude benefits, equipment, replacement cover and your own management time.
Key takeaways
- Full-time general VA: $1,200 to $1,900 per month through a provider.
- Night shift for US hours adds roughly 15 to 25 percent.
- Marketplace hourly rates exclude the costs that make a role sustainable.
- Compare fully loaded cost, not headline rate.
Cost by role
| Role | Monthly, full time | US equivalent, fully loaded |
|---|---|---|
| General administrative VA | $1,200 - $1,600 | $4,500 - $6,000 |
| Specialist VA | $1,500 - $2,200 | $5,000 - $7,000 |
| Executive assistant | $1,800 - $2,600 | $6,500 - $9,000 |
| Customer support VA | $1,400 - $2,100 | $4,800 - $6,500 |
| Sales / appointment setting VA | $1,800 - $3,000 | $7,000 - $11,000 |
What drives the price
- Shift: overnight coverage for US hours carries a differential of roughly 15 to 25 percent.
- Specialisation: bookkeeping, paid media and technical roles command a premium.
- Experience: five years of relevant domain work typically adds 20 to 35 percent.
- Engagement model: managed teams with a lead and QA add 15 to 20 percent.
- Provider transparency: providers that pay staff above market charge more and retain longer.
The costs people forget
- Recruitment and screening time, typically 15 to 30 hours per hire if you do it yourself
- Equipment, backup internet and backup power
- Statutory benefits and 13th month pay in the Philippines
- Replacement cost when a cheap hire leaves at month five
- Your own management time, which is the largest hidden cost of marketplace hiring
Frequently asked questions
Yes, on marketplaces, usually part time or with a junior candidate. Expect higher turnover and more of your own management time.
Reputable providers charge no recruitment fee for ongoing engagements. Recruitment-only placements are priced separately.
Expect a modest annual review tied to Philippine wage movement and the staff member's performance. Ask how reviews work before you sign.
Talk to a Philippines outsourcing specialist
Tell us the role you need and we will send a shortlist of pre-vetted Filipino talent, a cost comparison against local hiring, and a 30-day onboarding plan.