If you are weighing a virtual assistant, the first question is usually the simplest: what will it cost? The honest answer is a range, and the right number depends on how the work is priced and how much of it you have. This guide breaks down the two main models, hourly and monthly retainer, so you can compare quotes on equal terms.
What published 2026 sources report
Published figures vary by provider type, so treat them as ranges, not promises. A few recent US guides give a sense of the spread:
- General admin VAs: one pricing guide puts US general administrative VAs at roughly $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized VAs (executive, real estate and similar) higher (What Should I Charge).
- Agency-managed US VAs: another guide lists US-based agency VAs at $35 to $60 per hour (The Boutique COO).
- Published package plans: Virtustant reports US package plans running $36 to $65 an hour (Virtustant).
- Marketplace and offshore: hourly platforms can start far lower, around $8 per hour in one comparison, though scope and quality vary widely (Rose Talent Solutions).
These are third-party figures gathered in 2026, not Deskhand rates. Always confirm current pricing with any provider you consider.
Hourly pricing: pay for time used
With hourly pricing you pay for the hours worked, usually tracked and invoiced after the fact.
Best for:
- Short projects, like a one-time inbox cleanup
- Unpredictable or seasonal workloads
- Testing a VA before committing
Watch out for:
- Invoices that change month to month
- Minimum-hour requirements hidden in the fine print
- Pay-per-hour incentives that reward slow work over finished work
Monthly retainer pricing: pay for ongoing coverage
A retainer gives you a fixed monthly fee for a defined scope or block of hours. You trade some flexibility for predictability.
Best for:
- Recurring tasks: inbox, calendar, bookkeeping upkeep, regular social posting
- Owners who want a budget line they can plan around
- Building a working relationship with one person who learns your preferences
Watch out for:
- Unused hours that do not roll over
- Vague scope, which is why a written scope matters more than the price itself
- Long lock-in terms with no way to adjust
What drives the price up or down
Whichever model you choose, these factors move the number:
- Skill level. Bookkeeping and specialized support generally cost more than basic scheduling.
- Location. US-based help typically costs more than offshore, though time zone and communication can offset the savings.
- Provider type. Marketplaces, agencies, and independent providers price differently, and fees may be built in.
- Availability and response time. Same-day turnaround and extended hours add cost.
- Scope clarity. Well-defined work is cheaper to deliver than open-ended requests.
How to compare quotes fairly
Turn every quote into the same terms before deciding:
- Ask what is covered, in writing, in plain language.
- Convert retainers to an effective hourly rate by dividing the monthly fee by the hours you expect to use.
- Ask about add-ons, minimums, and what happens if you need more or less next month.
- Check who actually does the work and how you reach them.
Which model fits your business?
If your needs are occasional, hourly is usually the cheaper starting point. If you have steady, recurring admin, bookkeeping, or posting that you would otherwise do in the evenings, a predictable monthly plan with clear scope tends to be easier to budget and manage.
Not sure which fits? Deskhand offers a free 30-minute consultation to walk through what is draining your time and agree a clear scope before you commit to anything. Book a free scoping call and we will help you work out the right setup.