Virtual assistant (VA) salary around the world

If you’re looking for a full-time or freelance job for additional income, maybe you have heard or seen a virtual assistant (VA) post on different job platforms. 

Well, don’t be surprised because the outsourcing industry, particularly virtual assistant positions, is becoming more popular worldwide.

Highly competent talents in different countries are now part of outsourcing because of competitive salaries and flexible working arrangements.

The Philippines is one of the countries where you can find experts in outsourcing and a top destination for hiring excellent virtual assistants in different fields of business.

This article explores the five best countries for acquiring VAs. We’ll give you insights into each virtual assistant salary around the world. 

1. Philippines
2. India
3. United States of America
4. Ukraine
5. Brazil 

What exactly does a virtual assistant do?

Virtual assistant functions and salary may vary depending on the specialization and nature of the job required by businesses.

Some hire virtual assistants to delegate typical, tedious, and repetitive tasks, while others are for highly technical skills like IT-related services and research.

Aside from a competitive salary scale, hiring a virtual assistant gained more popularity worldwide when even small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) took advantage of its purpose.

A virtual assistant works remotely, from simply scheduling of appointments and answering phone calls to other specialized tasks like: 

• Graphic design
• Content writing 
• Marketing management 

Types of virtual assistants

As mentioned, there are many types of virtual assistants in the outsourcing industry, depending on their skills and specialization. Most businesses base their salary offer on their competency level.

Here are the types of virtual assistants outsourced by different companies around the world:

• Data entry specialist
• Administrative virtual assistant
• Quality assurance (QA) and technical support specialist
• Customer support assistant
• Virtual sales and marketing assistant
• Digital advertising assistant
• Social media virtual assistant
• Virtual accounting assistant
• E-commerce virtual assistant
• Real estate virtual assistant
• Health care virtual assistant
• eLearning virtual assistant
• Research assistant
• Technical virtual assistant
• Virtual legal assistant

Benefits of hiring virtual assistant

There are so many things that a virtual assistant can contribute to making the company grow and acquire more success. 

Here are the benefits to help you understand more the importance of having a virtual assistant:

1. Reduces cost for staffing operation 

When we talk about outsourcing, it will always link to an effective cost reduction, particularly in staffing. 

Companies around the world can now maximize their resources since virtual assistants are not required to stay in their physical offices. Hence, it reduces the costs of operating expenses as compared to those at the office.

It can also cut hiring costs as virtual assistants do not require a monthly salary. The company doesn’t need to spend on paid leaves, health insurance, and other company benefits.

2. Increase productivity and success rate

In every organization, timeliness, and quality of work outputs are essential for gauging success. Outsourcing virtual assistants play a vital role in making all of these possible.

Companies may assign repetitive, time-consuming tasks that do not require physical interaction to a virtual assistant to help finish the tasks faster. 

Not limiting the work to existing office staff can produce more comprehensive and quality outputs on a day-to-day operation.

3. Enhanced focus on core function

Delegating non-core duties and responsibilities to VAs enables in-house staff to focus on more important aspects of daily operation. It will lessen the burden and pressure of performing so many tasks while targeting deadlines.

Most virtual assistants are flexible in handling their assigned tasks and highly capable of helping others. It gives them more time to concentrate on tasks that require more effort.

Virtual assistant vs. In-house assistant 

After identifying some benefits businesses may get from outsourcing virtual assistants, we can now easily compare it to having an employed assistant.

We have mentioned earlier that the salary of a virtual assistant around the world is cheaper. Though they are not entitled to other benefits and medical insurance, the rates in the outsourcing industry are just and competitive.

In delegating tasks, virtual assistants are more flexible in performing roles on support functions. 

While an in-house assistant usually has assigned functions, catering to other tasks is not easy for them to accommodate.

Virtual assistant salary around the world: Top 5 countries

Here’s an overview of virtual assistant salary around the world. We have outlined the top five countries where global firms can farm out seasoned VAs. 

#1 Philippines

The Philippines is a well-known country for excellent virtual assistants performing a wide range of  functions in different fields.

The country is not only leading the marketing industry but also in IT and customer support services. It is the third largest English-speaking country in the world, making it easy for them to stand out in outsourcing. 

#2 India

India is also a top-listed country in outsourcing and an ideal place to hire virtual assistants. In fact, the outsourcing industry plays a vital role in India’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Virtual workers from India are known to be hard-working, respectful, and highly educated. It’s no wonder they are favorite virtual talents in technical activities, particularly software development.

English is also widely spoken in the country, making them highly competent and trusted outsourcing partners.

#3 United States

The majority of companies in the U.S. are engaged in affiliate service providers for many business functions making it a global leader in the outsourcing industry. 

Like other top-performing countries, most outsourcing services in the U.S. are in IT services, digital marketing, human resource, and customer support services.

#4 Ukraine

There is a growing demand for IT-related exports in Ukraine, together with the emergence of its outsourcing industry. 

It explains why satellite offices and centers of international companies are present in the country, including Apple, Uber, and Snapchat.

Aside from IT services, Ukraine has a high literacy rate producing successful graduates every year in different fields of specialization, including information technology, engineering, manufacturing, and construction.

#5 Brazil

Brazil also ranks as one of the best places in the outsourcing industry. IT services, particularly software development in the country, are advancing, making it a good country for virtual assistants. 

With so many expert professionals, it is not surprising for the government of Brazil to support the progress of its outsourcing industry. They designed the implementation of a digital transformation strategy in the country.

5 factors impacting virtual assistant salaries

Virtual assistant salaries vary widely, influenced by several key factors:

• Geographic location – Salaries differ by region due to cost of living and local demand. Assistants in North America or Europe often earn more than those in Southeast Asia or Latin America.
• Experience level – VAs with years of experience or specialized skills (e.g., digital marketing, bookkeeping) command higher rates compared to entry-level VAs.
• Skill set and services offered – Highly specialized services like content creation, project management, or advanced customer support can drive up earning potential. Clients are often willing to pay more for expertise in their fields.
• Client’s industry and budget – Different industries pay varying rates. For example, real estate, tech, and finance clients tend to have higher budgets for VAs than smaller businesses.
• Type of employment – Full-time VAs may have a steady salary, while freelancers often have fluctuating income depending on client demand, project volume, and billing rates.

Virtual assistant salary FAQs

Here are some other frequently asked questions about the virtual assistant salary: 

Can virtual assistants earn more with specialized skills?

Absolutely. VAs with specialized skills in areas like digital marketing, graphic design, bookkeeping, or project management generally earn higher rates than general administrative VAs.

How do freelance VA salaries compare to full-time salaries?

Freelance VAs typically earn hourly or project-based fees, which can fluctuate based on client demand. Full-time VAs may receive a consistent salary and benefits, but often with lower hourly rates than freelancers.

Are virtual assistant salaries expected to rise?

Yes, as remote work demand continues to grow, VA salaries are expected to increase, especially in industries such as real estate, tech, and e-commerce, which rely heavily on remote administrative support.

Is it possible to work as a VA from any country?

Yes, virtual assistants can work remotely from almost any country, provided they have reliable internet and meet their clients’ requirements. However, wages and job opportunities may vary by region.

Do VAs earn more working for international clients?

Often, yes. VAs from lower-cost regions who work for clients in higher-paying markets, such as the US or Europe, may earn above-average rates compared to local salaries.

What are the highest-paying industries for virtual assistants?

Industries like real estate, technology, healthcare, and finance tend to offer higher pay for virtual assistants due to the complexity and demand for industry-specific support.

The future of virtual assistant salaries 

Virtual assistant salaries are anticipated to grow as remote work becomes more mainstream and businesses prioritize flexibility in their workforce. 

The demand for skilled VAs is rising in industries like real estate, technology, e-commerce, and healthcare. In those fields, remote administrative support enhances productivity and reduces overhead costs.

Evolving skills requirements are also likely to influence future salary trends. 

As VAs take on more specialized roles, rates may increase to reflect the values of these services. There are always new things for one to learn in social media management, customer service, data entry, and bookkeeping, among other skills.    

Additionally, with more companies seeking global talent pools, regions with emerging skilled labor markets, such as Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe, are likely to see competitive wage growth.

The global demand for virtual assistants is shaping a dynamic job market, with salaries reflecting the rising importance of flexible, skilled support across industries.

Being a virtual assistant can be a rewarding career, offering flexibility, the potential for competitive income, and opportunities to work with clients worldwide. 

As remote work demand grows, it offers long-term potential.