How much does a Virtual Assistant cost in the UK
How Much Does a Virtual Assistant Cost in the UK?
If you’ve been thinking about hiring a Virtual Assistant but feel a bit overwhelmed by the costs, you’re not alone. Most people who come to me, who are hesitant about taking on a VA are worried about the cost, it takes them a lot longer than it should to take the plunge and hire help.
Here’s a simple guide to what Virtual Assistants typically cost in the UK and what affects those prices.
The 3 Main Ways VAs Charge:
1. Hourly Rate
This is the simplest model. You pay for the exact time spent on your tasks.
In the UK, hourly rates usually range from £25–£50+ per hour, depending on experience and specialisms. The going rate at the moment is £30-£35 an hour.
Hourly rates are great if:
You’re just starting out
You’re unsure what support you need
Your workload changes week to week
You want to see if the VA is a good fit
2. Monthly Retainer
A retainer guarantees a set number of hours each month. Think of it like securing regular support for your work tasks.
Retainers can look like:
5–10 hours/month (light support)
10–20 hours/month (bulkier tasks + comms)
20+ hours/month (ongoing operational support)
This tends to offer slightly better value than ad-hoc hourly work because you’re reserving consistent time.
It’s great if:
You want someone who really gets to know your business
You prefer stability and routine
You have tasks that need managing every month
You want to ensure the VA is going to have time to get the work done
3. Packages & Project Rates
Some VAs offer set packages for things like:
Inbox clean-ups
CRM setup
Email sequences
Launch support
Website updates
Social media content and scheduling
Admin system overhauls
Packages vary based on complexity, but you’re paying for an outcome rather than a clock and they can be one off or ongoing.
It’s great if:
You want clarity and structure
You don’t want to track hours
You have a clear end goal in mind
What Impacts the Cost?
Experience & Specialism
A VA with 10+ years’ experience, project management skills, or launch/tech expertise will naturally charge more because you’re getting more than “just admin.”
(And for the record: Most heart-centred VAs, myself included, bring a LOT more than admin.)
The Type of Work
Tech setups, CRM management, content creation, onboarding systems, and launch support typically cost more because they require deeper skill and responsibility.
General admin usually sits at the lower end.
The Level of Support
A VA who brings structure, calm, and proactive project management (or supports neurodivergent clients with emotional overwhelm) is offering more than task completion.
You’re also paying for stress reduction, time back in your day, and partnership.
Urgency & Flexibility
If you need something turned around quickly or want flexible hours, prices can vary.
So… what’s the “right” price?
There is no right price, only the right fit. Use the benchmark of £30-£50 an hour but spend time finding someone that fits well with how you work and that you can trust.
A good VA isn’t always the cheapest option. They’re the person who makes your entire business feel lighter, calmer, and more manageable.
A Final Note
If you’re exploring hiring a VA, you don’t need to have it all figured out. Most people don’t.
You can start small, get a feel for how it works, and build from there.
I’ve written another blog about this: Click here.
And when you find the right person; someone who gets you, your values, and the way you work it stops feeling like “outsourcing” and starts feeling like partnership.
If you’d like help figuring out what kind of support you need, I’m always happy to chat it through.
