How to Price Your VA Services with Confidence

Starting your journey as a Virtual Assistant (VA) can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to pricing your services. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to increase your rates, one of the most common challenges is figuring out how much to charge. You want to be competitive, but you also want to get paid what you’re worth. So let’s break it all down, step by step.

Step 1: Know Your Value

Before you even touch a calculator, get clear on the value you bring. Ask yourself:

• What specific skills do I offer?

• How much experience do I have?

• Do I specialize in a niche (like social media, email management, or tech support)?

• Can I provide outcomes that help my clients grow or save time?

Your pricing should reflect your experience, results, and reliability—not just the number of hours you work.

🧠 Pro Tip: Keep a “Wins” folder where you collect client testimonials, KPIs, or feedback. It’s a reminder of your impact—and supports higher rates.

Step 2: Understand the Going Rates

To price your VA services with confidence, you need to understand the industry standards. Here’s a general idea of average virtual assistant hourly rates:

• Beginner VAs: $15–$25/hour

• Intermediate VAs: $25–$45/hour

• Specialized/Niche VAs: $45–$75+/hour

Some experienced VAs charge $100+/hour, especially if they offer services like business strategy, funnel building, or executive-level support.

But remember—your pricing isn’t about fitting in, it’s about standing out.

Step 3: Choose a Pricing Model

There are multiple ways to structure your pricing:

• Hourly Rates: Simple and common for beginners. Best when work is flexible or varied.

• Packages: Ideal when you offer specific services on a recurring basis (e.g., “20 hours of social media management per month for $600”).

• Project-Based Pricing: For one-time projects like setting up a CRM or creating SOPs.

• Retainer Models: Clients pay a fixed monthly rate for a set number of hours or deliverables.

Offering tiered packages allows clients to choose what fits their budget—and gives you room to upsell.

Step 4: Factor In Business Expenses

As a freelancer, your rate must cover more than just your time. Consider:

• Software subscriptions (Canva, Zoom, project management tools)

• Taxes (set aside 25–30%)

• Training or certifications

• Equipment (laptop, headset, etc.)

Use this formula as a starting point:

👉 (Personal income goal + expenses) ÷ billable hours = minimum hourly rate

Step 5: Confidence Is Currency

Here’s the truth: your pricing reflects your confidence.

If you price too low, clients might question your expertise. If you price with certainty, clients feel more secure hiring you.

Don’t apologize for your rates. Instead, explain the value you bring and stand by it. The right clients will respect your boundaries.

✨ Example script:

“My monthly package includes 15 hours of executive-level support, task management, and calendar organization. It’s $750/month and I onboard new clients at the beginning of each month. Would you like to book your spot?”

Step 6: Raise Your Rates the Smart Way

Once you’re booked out or gaining experience, it’s time to raise your rates. Here’s how:

• Give existing clients notice (30 days is respectful)

• Introduce new packages with updated pricing

• Highlight added value (new skills, faster turnaround, better systems)

You are allowed to evolve. And so are your prices.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fear Set Your Rate

Pricing can feel scary—but it’s also one of the most empowering parts of running your VA business. When you own your worth, you attract clients who value your work and respect your time.

So start with clarity. Do your research. Make it make sense. And most importantly—don’t undercharge just to get hired. You’re building a business, not a hobby.