Virtual assistant in the Philippines: How much should I pay a great VA?
Sep 6, 2024
When you think of a superstar—whether in business, sports, tech, or the arts - what qualities come to mind first? Initiative? Innovation? Charisma? These are the traits we see and celebrate, the ones that shine during presentations and performance reviews. But could we be overlooking something even more powerful?
One essential quality often goes unnoticed, quietly fueling all the others: the ability to commit time.
Time commitment is the invisible thread woven through every act of greatness. It’s not glamorous. It doesn’t make headlines. But it’s the behind-the-scenes force that turns potential into performance.
This blog dives deep into this often-overlooked trait, exploring why the commitment to time is the cornerstone of true superstar status—and how you can recognize and cultivate it in yourself or your team.
How much should you be paying for a great VA?
Ultimately, the amount you should pay for hiring a virtual assistant in the Philippines depends on their experience, skill set, and your specific needs.
By understanding these elements and setting clear performance expectations, you can ensure that you’re investing in a VA who will provide significant value to your business — without overextending your budget.
Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1,500+ per month for a top-quality VA, depending on the factors discussed.
However, we advise you to go for the middle range or slightly below it and offer $1,000 to $1,100.
This ensures your VA is less likely to look for new offers as their salary is sufficient for their living standard.
The role of a virtual assistant
General assistance
A great Virtual Assistant (VA) is much more than just an administrative helper.
They manage your schedules, coordinate meetings, and handle your communications. They can even assist in critical business tasks such as:
Project management
Customer research
Customer service
The right VA can be an extension of yourself, freeing you up to focus on higher-level strategic decisions.
Impact on your business
A skilled VA doesn’t just manage tasks—they enhance your or your team’s productivity, streamline operations, and contribute directly to business growth.
By delegating routine tasks, you can focus on innovation and leadership, making a VA an invaluable asset to your business.
Studies have shown that businesses using Filipino VAs can significantly reduce operational costs while maintaining high service quality.
Meanwhile, some companies achieve up to a 65% reduction in salary expenses compared to local hires.
Factors that influence VA pay in the Philippines
Low-range talent pool
The entry-level talent pool in the Philippines, particularly for Virtual Assistants (VAs), consists mainly of individuals who are either:
New to the industry
Career shifters
Those with no prior experience.
These individuals often start at lower rates as they are still learning the ropes.
Due to the high volume of applicants at this level, the quality is generally low, with only about 5% being of high quality despite starting at the low end.
Salary ranges of virtual assistants in the Philippines
Entry-level VA positions typically start at $3 per hour, which translates to around $480 per month.
Some exceptional candidates, despite being in this low range, may start at $600 per month but will quickly move up in salary as their experience and value increase.
High-quality candidates at this level do not stay at the lower pay brackets for long.
They tend to get offers of $800 or $1,000 per month within a few months to a year due to their growing expertise.
Most recommended: Mid-range hiring
Our recommended hiring range for better quality and stability is around $1,000 to $1,100 per month.
Hiring at this range generally ensures that the employees are more likely to stay with your company, as they are less inclined to look for better offers.
This salary is considered stable and sufficient to support the cost of living in most Philippine cities, although it might be less sufficient in Metro Manila.
Experience and skill level
The experience and skill set of a VA significantly influence their pay. Entry-level virtual assistants in the Philippines typically earn between $400 and $600 per month, suitable for basic administrative tasks.
Mid-level VAs, who can handle more complex responsibilities like social media management or content creation, usually command $600 to $800 per month.
High-level VAs, who bring specialized skills such as digital marketing or project management, can earn more than $1,200 per month (Evirtualassistants).
Full-time vs. part-time
The cost of hiring a VA also depends on whether you need them full-time or part-time.
Full-time VAs generally come with a higher monthly salary of $1,500 but offer more hours and deeper integration into your business.
Part-time VAs are a cost-effective option at around $400 to $500 if you only need assistance with specific tasks or during peak times.
Location variability
Even within the Philippines, pay rates for VAs can vary based on their location.
VAs based in urban centers like Metro Manila or Cebu City might charge more due to the higher cost of living compared to those in rural areas.
However, location does not always correlate with skill level.
The rise of technology has enabled people to access remote work opportunities and develop skills, regardless of geographical location.
This makes the location less significant in determining an applicant’s skill level.
Virtual assistant Philippines cost Vs. Other countries
Cost-effectiveness
Outsourcing to the Philippines is widely regarded as a smart financial decision due to the relatively lower cost of living.
The economic environment in the Philippines means that VAs can offer competitive pricing while still earning a comfortable living locally.
Because of this, businesses can hire highly skilled VAs at a fraction of the cost compared to countries like the US, UK, or Australia.
Studies indicate that businesses can save up to 70% on salaries by hiring Filipino VAs compared to local staff in Western countries.
Quality comparison
Despite the lower cost, the quality of work produced by VAs in the Philippines is often comparable or superior to that of VAs in other countries.
Many Filipino VAs are highly educated, fluent in English, and experienced in working with international clients.
Highly educated – Majority of Filipino VAs have completed higher education, often holding degrees in fields such as business administration, information technology, and communications.
Fluency in English – Filipino is the official language in the Philippines. That means they have a strong command of English, making them adept at handling tasks that require a high level of language proficiency.
Experience with international clients – Filipino VAs are known for their natural hospitality, which means they exceed at service-related tasks. They’re often willing to above and beyond, showing a hallmark of their strong work ethic.
Tips for Evaluating Virtual Assistants in the Philippines
1. Performance metrics
To ensure you’re getting the most out of your VA, it’s crucial to establish clear key performance indicators (KPIs).
These might include:
Task completion rates
Accuracy
Communication effectiveness
Ability to meet deadlines
Regularly reviewing these metrics will help you gauge their performance and make necessary adjustments.
2. Trial periods and contracts
A trial period is an effective way to assess if a VA is the right fit for your business.
This period allows you to evaluate their skills, work ethic, and compatibility with your work style before committing to a long-term contract.
Flexible contracts that allow for adjustments in hours or responsibilities as your needs evolve can also be beneficial.
3. Discuss long-term compatibility
If you’re looking for a long-term VA, ask about their availability for ongoing work and long-tem goals.
To motivate them to stay longer with your company, offer self-development opportunities. For example, you could cover their training and workshop expenses.
4. Draft contracts
Draft a clear contract that outlines their scope of work, confidentiality terms, payment terms, and legal considerations. This provides you with a legal protection as well as sets clear expectations with your VA.
Observe which terms they agree and disagree with, as this helps you gauge their work ethic and morals. Through a contract, you can also establish a solid foundation for your working relationship.
5. Gauge their time management skills
Consider how their time zone aligns with yours. The Philippines is in a different time zone from many Western countries, but many VAs are accustomed to working flexible hours or night shifts.
That said, confirm their availability and preferred working hours. Knowing when they work best means you can expect when they can be the most productive. Discuss their capacity to take on additional work or adjust hours as well.
Is it worth hiring a VA in the Philippines?
Absolutely, hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) in the Philippines is often a smart move for businesses looking to balance cost-effectiveness with high-quality work.
The Philippines offers a pool of highly skilled, English-proficient professionals who bring:
a strong work ethic
adaptability
a customer-focused mindset
And all at fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
Additionally, Filipinos have a cultural emphasis on hospitality. That means virtual assistants in the Philippines are not only reliable but also excel in roles requiring communication and customer service.
So, if you’re seeking a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality or professionalism, a Filipino VA can be a great asset to your team.
We can help you find and hire the right VA
You’ve probably heard the horror stories.
VAs who disappear when deadlines approach.
Communication barriers that lead to costly misunderstandings
Subpar work that reflects poorly on your business.
The thought of going through the hiring process alone can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities.
At M-Ocean Recruitment, we take the guesswork out of hiring a VA.
We can connect you with top-tier talent in the Philippines who are thoroughly vetted to meet your specific needs.
We have a deep understanding of the local market and rigorous selection process. This ensures that you get a VA who is not only skilled and reliable but also a perfect cultural fit for your business.
