Understanding the Real Cost (and Value) of Hiring a Virtual Assistant from the Philippines
If you’ve been thinking about hiring a Filipino virtual assistant (VA), one of your first questions is probably: “How much should I pay?” Here’s the truth, it’s not just about the hourly rate. The smartest companies don’t focus on what a VA costs; they focus on what that VA is worth. Let’s break it down.
1. The Real Numbers: Hourly vs. Monthly Rates
Filipino VAs typically charge between $5 to $15 per hour, depending on their experience, specialization, and whether you’re hiring independently or through a managed service like Delegate. Here’s what that looks like in simple terms:
Entry-level assistants: $5–$8/hour Ideal for basic admin work, data entry, or inbox management.
Specialized or senior VAs: $13–$15/hour Experienced in roles like operations management, digital marketing, or guest experience coordination.
At Delegate, our dedicated assistants start at $13/hour (for 20–40 hours a week), and our legacy clients, typically those managing multiple properties, enjoy structured pricing like $100 per property for ongoing support.
2. Comparing Costs: Local vs. Offshore
Let’s talk about the bigger picture: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Hiring locally in the U.S. or Australia can easily cost $60,000+ per year once you factor in taxes, benefits, and overhead. A Filipino VA, on the other hand, typically costs $20,000–$30,000 annually, fully managed and trained.
That’s a 50–70% cost reduction, but the real win isn’t just in savings, it’s in scalability. You can reinvest those resources into growth, tech, or marketing without compromising quality.
3. What You’re Actually Paying For
When hiring a Filipino VA, you’re not just covering their time. You’re investing in:
Skill and reliability, Many Filipino VAs are college-educated, fluent in English, and experienced in global industries.
Tools and tech proficiency, Expect familiarity with platforms like Notion, Airtable, PMS software, and CRMs.
Cultural alignment, Their professionalism and work ethic blend naturally with Western business culture.
Let’s be honest, hiring directly through platforms like OnlineJobs.ph can be cheaper upfront, but it comes with hidden costs: vetting, training, compliance, and turnover.
A managed VA service like Delegate handles all of that for you. We recruit, train, and oversee your assistants to ensure consistent performance and long-term retention. It’s a plug-and-play solution that saves you time and guarantees reliability.
Think of it this way:
Direct hire = lower cost, higher management.
Delegate = higher value, zero headache.
5. So, What’s the Right Rate for You?
If you’re hiring for simple admin work, $5–$8/hour may be fine. But if you’re running a fast-growing business or managing multiple properties, investing in a $13/hour trained and managed assistant will give you far greater returns.
Because at the end of the day, your VA isn’t just a cost, they’re a growth multiplier.
The Bottom Line
When you hire through Delegate, you’re not just filling a position, you’re gaining a professional who’s trained, supported, and ready to perform from day one.
Ready to find out what the right VA looks like for your business? 👉 Visit www.delegate.co to explore flexible pricing and discover how a Filipino virtual assistant can help you scale smarter, without breaking the bank.