How to Set Your Rates as a Virtual Assistant in 2025 (Without Underselling Yourself)

Let’s talk money — because if you're stepping into the world of virtual assistance, you deserve to be paid what you're worth.

And yet... setting your rates is one of the biggest confidence hurdles for new and even experienced VAs. You don’t want to scare off potential clients, but you also can’t afford to work for peanuts. Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth: pricing is more than just numbers — it’s about strategy, value, and mindset. In this guide, we’re diving deep into how to price your VA services like a pro in 2025.

1. Start With the Value You Bring (Not Just the Tasks You Do)

Most beginner VAs look at what other people are charging and pick something in the middle. But that’s backward.

Start by asking yourself:

• What problem am I solving for this client?

• What’s the outcome of my work?

• How does this make their business run smoother, faster, or more profitably?

You’re not just sending emails — you’re freeing up their time to grow their business. You’re not just organizing a calendar — you’re creating space in their week. That’s valuable.

2. Assess Your Skill Set Honestly

Next, take a look at your skills and experience. If you’ve got a background in admin, customer service, social media, or tech tools, those are all monetizable skills.

Ask yourself:

• Do I offer general admin support or a specialty like podcast editing?

• How experienced am I with the tools I’ll be using?

• Can I work independently and problem-solve?

Even if you're new to being a VA, chances are you’re not new to working. Leverage that.

3. Research What Other VAs Are Charging in 2025

Rates can range wildly — from $10/hour to $75+/hour — depending on niche, experience, and value provided.

Here's a ballpark idea:

• Beginner VAs: $20–30/hour

• Specialized VAs (podcast, tech, course setup): $30–50/hour

• Executive or OBM-level VAs: $50–75+/hour

Use platforms like Upwork, Facebook groups, or job boards to get a sense of what others are charging, but remember — your rate isn’t a competition. It’s a reflection of your value.

4. Pick a Pricing Structure That Works for You

You’ve got a few options:

• Hourly: Great for starting out, tracking time, or one-off tasks.

• Package/Retainer: More stable income, based on deliverables or a set # of hours.

• Project-Based: One-time setup work (like email sequences, system builds, etc.)

Packages are ideal once you’ve got repeat clients. They allow you to set expectations and avoid tracking every second.

Pro tip: Package your time or services in a way that feels easy to say yes to — and profitable for you.

5. Set Your Baseline Using Real Numbers

Let’s do a little math:

1. Determine your monthly income goal (include taxes, expenses, savings).

2. Divide that by how many hours you actually want to work.

3. That’s your minimum hourly rate.

Example: You want to earn $4,000/month working 20 hours a week. That’s 80 hours/month.
$4,000 ÷ 80 = $50/hour minimum.

This protects your lifestyle and ensures you’re building a sustainable business — not a burnout job.

6. Communicate Your Value Confidently

Confidence is currency.

Don’t just say: “I offer admin services.”
Say: “I help business owners streamline their week, clear their inbox, and show up for what matters most.”

Show how your support makes their life easier, better, and more profitable. Testimonials, case studies, and before/after results can all help build trust around your rates.

7. Be Willing to Raise Your Rates (Yes, Even Mid-Year)

You are allowed to raise your rates as your skills, demand, and capacity grow.

Some cues it’s time to raise your prices:

• You’re fully booked and getting more inquiries

• You’ve added new skills or tools to your services

• You’re starting to feel resentful of undercharging

Give existing clients a 30-day notice. New clients can start at the new rate immediately.

8. You Don’t Need to Be “Cheap to Compete”

This is a myth — especially in 2025. Business owners don’t want cheap. They want competent, reliable, and impactful.

Be the person they trust, not just the one with the lowest price. And trust me — clients who value your work won’t blink at $35/hour if you’re helping them save 5 hours of chaos a week.

Ready to build and grow your business with support?

Join Start to Scale for only $7/month — get access to business trainings, templates, and resources designed to help you grow smarter (not harder).
Click here to join

▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel for hundreds of free trainings. New videos posted weekly.

Click here to subscribe