How much does a virtual assistant cost?
Hourly and monthly rates for virtual assistants in 2026, by type and experience, compared with the full cost of hiring the same role in the United States.
The short answer
A full-time virtual assistant from Latin America costs $6.92/hr-$14.42/hr, or $1,200-$2,500 a month, working US hours. A comparable US assistant earns $22.86/hr at the median and costs the employer $29.49/hr once benefits and payroll taxes are added. The Latin American assistant costs about 65% less for the same work.
Virtual assistant rates by type
Mid-level, full-time, per hour. US pay is the Bureau of Labor Statistics median for the matching occupation; US total cost adds about 29% for benefits and employer taxes. Latin America is the rate for remote work with a US company, before any agency fee.
| Assistant type (mid-level) | US pay | US total cost | Latin America |
|---|---|---|---|
| General virtual assistant | $22.86/hr | $29.49/hr | $10.38/hr |
| Executive assistant | $36.82/hr | $47.50/hr | $14.42/hr |
| Customer support assistant | $21.52/hr | $27.77/hr | $10.38/hr |
| Bookkeeping assistant | $24.36/hr | $31.42/hr | $11.54/hr |
Virtual assistant rates by experience
General virtual assistant. US figures are the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive (BLS, May 2025).
| Experience | US pay | US total cost | Latin America | Per month (LATAM, full-time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 yrs) | $18.67/hr | $24.08/hr | $6.92/hr | $1,200/mo |
| Experienced (2-4 yrs) | $22.86/hr | $29.49/hr | $10.38/hr | $1,800/mo |
| Senior / Specialized | $27.88/hr | $35.97/hr | $14.42/hr | $2,500/mo |
What drives the cost of a virtual assistant
- Specialization. General admin support costs least. Executive support, bookkeeping and customer-facing work cost more because they need judgment, tools and discretion.
- Experience. An entry-level assistant follows clear processes; a senior one sets them up, manages your calendar and inbox on their own, and handles sensitive work.
- English and bilingual needs. Assistants who handle calls, clients or English and Spanish customers are priced higher than back-office roles.
- Hours and time zone. Full-time work during US business hours costs more per month than a few flexible hours a week, but gives you real-time help.
- How you hire. Hiring directly, through a freelance marketplace or through an agency changes who vets the person, who handles contracts and payroll, and what happens if it doesn't work out.
Why US assistants cost more than their salary
A US employee's salary is only part of what the employer pays. Health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave and payroll taxes add about 29% on top of wages for private employers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employer Costs for Employee Compensation (June 2026). That is why a $22.86/hr assistant costs the company $29.49/hr.
A remote assistant working as a contractor in Latin America handles their own local taxes, so the rate you pay is the whole cost of the person. If you prefer not to manage contracts and payroll yourself, a staffing partner can do it for a fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a virtual assistant cost per hour?
A full-time virtual assistant from Latin America costs about $6.92/hr to $14.42/hr depending on experience, with $10.38/hr typical for a mid-level assistant. A comparable US administrative assistant earns $22.86/hr at the median, or $29.49/hr once benefits and employer taxes are added (BLS, 2025-2026).
How much does a full-time virtual assistant cost per month?
Between $1,200 and $2,500 a month for a full-time assistant in Latin America working US hours, from entry level to senior or specialized.
Is a virtual assistant from Latin America cheaper than hiring in the US?
Yes. For a mid-level assistant the difference is about 65% of the fully loaded US cost, roughly $40,000 a year per full-time assistant, before any agency fee.
Does the rate include an agency fee?
No. The rates on this page are what the assistant is paid. Agencies and staffing partners, Nexus included, charge their fee separately.
Can I hire a part-time virtual assistant?
Part-time work is usually priced by the hour, so the hourly rates above are the right starting point. Tell us the hours you need and we will quote the role.
Hire a virtual assistant from Latin America
Pre-vetted, bilingual assistants working US hours. See the role details or tell us what you need.
Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025); BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation (June 2026). Hourly figures assume 2,080 working hours a year. Latin America rates are Nexus rates for remote work with a US company. Full methodology.