As a business owner, you probably have a lot on your plate. From managing employees to handling finances, it can be overwhelming to try to tackle everything on your own. That’s where a virtual assistant (VA) can come in handy. But how much does it cost to hire a virtual assistant, and is it worth the investment?

As an off-site professional, a VA can help with administrative tasks, office management, marketing, technical support, social media management, customer service, bookkeeping, and more. They can work on a freelance basis or as an employee of a virtual assistant agency.

If you’re a business owner in the UK who’s considering hiring a VA, you may be wondering what you can expect to pay. Like with any service, the cost of hiring a virtual assistant can vary depending on several factors.

Virtual assistant pricing and hourly rates

Firstly, the experience level of the assistant can impact their rate. Those with more experience will typically charge a higher hourly rate, while someone who is just starting out may charge less. Additionally, the services you require can also impact the cost. For example, someone who specialises in HR or social media management may charge more than someone who focuses on data entry.

Another factor to consider is the VA’s location. The cost of living in different parts of the world can greatly impact the hourly rate of a virtual assistant. For example, someone based in the US or UK may charge more than someone in South Africa due to differences in the cost of living. 

There are also exchange rates to take into consideration when working with a VA from a different country. For example, hiring a virtual assistant from South Africa when the exchange rate between the British Pound and the South African Rand is so favourable means you’ll end up paying less than if you hired someone from the US, the UK, or a country with a stronger currency.

So, what can you expect to pay?

In the UK, the hourly rate for a virtual assistant can range from around £15 to £50, with the average rate being around £25 to £30 per hour. However, keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate and the actual cost may vary depending on the factors mentioned above. And obviously, the more hours you need an assistant to work, the higher the cost will be.

When considering the cost of hiring a virtual assistant, it’s important to also consider the value they can bring to your business. By outsourcing administrative tasks, you can free up more time to focus on the core aspects of your business. This can lead to increased productivity, improved efficiency, and ultimately, higher profits.

Additionally, hiring a VA can save you money in the long run. Rather than hiring a full-time employee, you can pay for only the hours you need. This can be especially beneficial for small businesses or startups that may not have the budget for a full-time employee.

Working with a virtual assistant agency

Alternatively, you can work with a virtual assistant agency that handles the hiring process for you. One of the main advantages is that they have a pool of pre-screened and qualified VAs that have already been vetted for their skills, experience, and work ethic. This means that you don’t have to spend time and resources on recruiting and training an assistant yourself, and ensures that you’re working with a reputable assistant. 

At Outsourcery for example, we probably have one of the most rigorous recruitment processes out there. Before even making it to an interview, our VAs have been through online testing, video intros, personality questionnaires, and background checks. And after the interview, they still have a training day that ends in an assessment to determine if they will be matched to clients. 

You can simply choose the virtual assistant that fits your needs and start working with them right away. Another advantage of hiring through an agency is that we provide a range of services to support you and your assistant (like time-tracking software, training, and sick leave or holiday cover). 

Hiring a virtual assistant through Outsourcery

In terms of cost, hiring a virtual assistant through Outsourcery can also be more affordable than hiring someone directly. This is because you only pay for the hours worked by your assistant, and you don’t have to worry about employee benefits, office space, or equipment. 

We also have a team of virtual assistants with different skills and expertise. This means that you can access a wider range of services and get help with different tasks as your business grows and evolves. It’s the smart choice for businesses and individuals who want to save time and money while getting high-quality assistance. Take a look at our packages to see for yourself.