2025 Virtual Assistant Salary Benchmarks and Standard Job Descriptions

The idea of hiring a remote employee used to be a foreign concept. In fact, not too long ago, the role of a virtual assistant (VA) was unfamiliar – and often misunderstood.

However, the global pandemic proved that remote work is not only possible but highly effective. Despite the lockdowns, many businesses not only survived – they thrived – by embracing remote processes and building distributed teams.

Today, many small and mid-sized business owners couldn’t imagine running their operations without a virtual assistant. The right VA has become a key driver of growth, efficiency, and stability and is a highly-coveted asset in the SMB community.

This has led to a surge in demand for skilled virtual assistants, making it more challenging than ever to attract and hire top-tier talent.

Fortunately, there are ways to win the war for top VA talent — starting with understanding the right salary benchmarks and crafting effective job descriptions.

Read on to know more.

Why VA Salary Benchmarks and Job Descriptions Matter

Salary benchmarking simply means checking if your company’s pay and benefits match what other companies offer, particularly those in the same industry or region. Why is this important?

Importance of Salary Benchmarks

Knowing what other companies pay their staff helps you determine whether your offer is on par with or better than what others are offering.

This is especially important, as talented remote workers seek opportunities that match their skills and, more importantly, offer good pay.

It also:

• Ensures fair compensation;
• Promotes transparency;
• Reduces turnover;
• Avoids mismatched expectations; and
• Helps plan for sustainable hiring and team expansion.

Importance of Well-Defined Job Descriptions

When written well, job descriptions help both recruiters and virtual assistants understand the skills needed for a specific VA role, making the hiring process smoother.

Moreover, they:

• Clarify roles and responsibilities;
• Attract the right candidates;
• Minimize onboarding time;
• Streamline the recruitment process; and
• Prevent misunderstandings.

2025 Virtual Assistant Salary Benchmarks

As the number of virtual assistants grows worldwide, there’s increasing clamour to pay them the right wages – but arriving at this number isn’t quite as clear-cut as it seems.

Some Western business owners have faced backlash for “taking advantage” of the lower rates charged by remote workers in countries like the Philippines, where the costs of living are typically lower.

However, what may seem like modest pay by Western standards can actually translate to an above-average monthly income.

For example, a Filipino VA earning $1,000 a month is definitely underpaid by U.S. standards. However, if you’re based in the Philippines, earning approximately Php 57,000 per month can already cover rent, food, education, healthcare – especially in certain rural areas – and even allow for savings or investments.

To determine what fair pay looks like, let’s look at some salary benchmarks:

Average Salary and Hourly Rates (U.S.)

According to Glassdoor, a virtual assistant based in the U.S. earns approximately $53,000 per year, with an hourly rate ranging from $19 to $27, depending on several factors such as:

• Experience
• Specialization
• Nature of the role

Entry-level virtual assistants, for example, typically handle general administrative tasks and earn between $12 and $20 per hour.

Mid-level VAs are paid around $19 to $30 per hour, while highly specialized VAs, such as those in digital marketing, project management, or executive support, can earn between $27 and $45 per hour or more.

Thus, VAs who offer niche services or have experience with multiple clients across various industries are often seen as more capable of handling complex tasks, which justifies their higher rates.

Moreover, these rates reflect higher living expenses and taxes that US-based workers are subject to.

Regional Salary Comparisons

A growing number of small-medium business owners, including those in the U.S., are exploring other options, literally going beyond borders.

The Philippines, for example, has become a top source of skilled, English-speaking virtual assistants who can easily adapt to Western work culture.

On average, Filipino virtual assistants earn between $4 to $12 per hour, or around $800 to $2,000 per month. Entry-level assistants may start at $3 per hour, while those with specialized skills, such as in SEO, design, or accounting, can earn up to $15 per hour or more.

You might ask, “Are these rates unfair compared to U.S. standards?” Not necessarily.

Even with lower wage ranges, a salary of $800 per month can already provide a comfortable lifestyle in a country where the minimum monthly wage is around Php 13,000, or roughly $231.

This creates a win-win situation: Western companies reduce labor costs, while virtual assistants from developing countries like the Philippines gain access to better-paying jobs without having to leave home.

Salary Table: 2025 Benchmarks

Virtual assistants are paid based on their niche or specialization.

To better understand the differences in rates and how much do virtual assistants make in 2025, let’s take a look at some virtual assistant pay rates:

Key Trends Influencing Virtual Assistant Compensation in 2025

Artificial intelligence is already ingrained in our daily lives, especially in the workplace. However, instead of fully replacing virtual assistants (VAs), it is being used to boost productivity, allowing them to accomplish more in less time.

For instance, prompt engineering is emerging as a niche skill, especially for VAs assisting in marketing, customer service, and content creation. Routine tasks such as data entry and scheduling are being automated, allowing VAs to shift to more strategic support.

Consequently, the market is shifting away from generalists or jack-of-all-trades virtual assistants. Instead, businesses now prefer professionals who are specialize in:

• Social media management
• Executive support
• Web development
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• CRM automation
• AI integration
• Technical support

The growing number of companies adopting blended or fully remote work setups means more organizations are recruiting talent globally.

Moreover, outsourcing providers like Remote Staff offer pre-vetted, qualified VAs, making it easier for businesses to hire, pay, and manage VAs from anywhere in the world.

Standard Virtual Assistant Job Descriptions (2025)

A job description should include a job summary, core responsibilities, and the required skills and qualifications a candidate must possess.

For reference, here are some examples of standard job descriptions for the jobs mentioned above:

• Administrative Virtual Assistant
  
  • • Job Summary: An admin VA provides administrative support by handling routine office tasks, keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly.
    • Core Responsibilities:

• • • • Email and calendar management
      • Data entry and database management
      • Document preparation and file organization
      • Customer and client support
      • Travel and event coordination
      • General administrative support

• • • Required Skills and Qualifications

• • • • Essential Skills
        • Strong verbal and written communication skills
        • High attention to detail and organization skills
        • Proficiency in office software
        • Familiarity with virtual collaboration tools
        • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
    • Preferred Qualifications
      • • At least 1-2 years of administrative experience
        • Familiarity with CRM systems
        • Experience in handling international clients or teams
        • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, office management, or related field

• Lead Generation Virtual Assistant

• • • Job Summary: A lead generation VA supports sales and marketing teams by identifying, qualifying, and nurturing potential clients or customers.
    • Core Responsibilities:
      • Lead research
      • Database management
      • Cold outreach
      • Lead qualification
      • Appointment setting
      • Reporting
      • Tool management

• Required Skills and Qualifications:

• • • • Essential Skills
        • Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail
        • Google Workspace or Microsoft Office proficiency
        • Familiarity with CRM platforms
        • Knowledge of LinkedIn prospecting
        • Basic understanding of sales funnels and email marketing
      • Preferred Qualifications
        • At least 1-2 years of experience in lead generation, sales support, or digital marketing
        • Experience with cold emailing or outreach campaigns
        • Background in B2B or B2C sales
        • Degree or certification in marketing, business, or communication

• Marketing Virtual Assistant

• • • Job Summary: A marketing VA supports marketing teams or business owners in planning, executing, and monitoring marketing campaigns.
    • Core Responsibilities:

• • • • Social media management
      • Content support
      • Email marketing
      • Market and competitor research
      • Basic graphic design
      • CRM and funnel support
      • Analytics and reporting
      • Administrative marketing tasks

• • • Required Skills and Qualifications

• • • • Essential Skills
        • Strong writing and communication skills
        • Proficiency and marketing tools
        • Familiarity with social media trends and engagement tactics
        • Basic knowledge of SEO and digital marketing principles
        • Organizational skills and attention to detail
        • Ability to work with minimal supervision in meeting deadlines
      • Preferred Qualifications
        • At least 1-2 years of marketing or VA experience
        • Familiarity with CRM systems
        • Experience in running basic paid ads or boosting posts
        • Background in marketing, communication, business, or design

• Bookkeeping Virtual Assistant

• • • Job Summary: A bookkeeping VA provides remote financial and administrative support by managing daily bookkeeping tasks.
    • Core Responsibilities:

• • • • Recording transactions
      • Bank reconciliation
      • Invoicing and payments
      • Expense tracking
      • Payroll assistance
      • Financial reports
      • Tax preparation support
      • Software management

• • • Required Skills and Qualifications

• • • • Essential Skills
        • High attention to detail
        • Accuracy with numbers
        • Proficiency with accounting software
        • Strong organizational and time management skills
        • Working knowledge of basic accounting principles
        • Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets
        • Ability to maintain confidentiality of financial information
      • Preferred Qualifications
        • 1-2 years of experience in bookkeeping or accounting support
        • Certification in bookkeeping, accounting, or finance
        • Experience working with international clients or multiple currencies
        • Familiarity with invoicing platforms

• Web Development Virtual Assistant

• • • Job Summary: A web development VA provides remote support for building, updating, and maintaining websites.
    • Core Responsibilities:

• • • • Website maintenance
      • Front-end development
      • Back-end support
      • Troubleshooting
      • Website optimization
      • Platform management
      • Third-party tools integration
      • Backup and security support

• • • Required Skills and Qualifications:

• • • • Essential Skills
        • Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
        • Working knowledge of WordPress or other CMS platforms
        • Familiarity with website builders
        • Basic understanding of SEO principles and responsive design
        • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical website issues
        • Experience with file transfer tools
  • • • Preferred Qualifications
        • At least 1-2 years of experience in web development or website support
        • Knowledge of PHP, MySQL, or custom CMS development
        • Experience with version control systems
        • Understanding of website security protocols and backup tools
        • Degree or certifications in web development, computer science, or related field

• Online Estimator Virtual Assistant

• • • Job Summary: An online estimator VA helps estimators prepare accurate cost estimates, quotes, or proposals for projects based on client specifications.
    • Core Responsibilities:

• • • • Cost estimation
      • Material takeoffs
      • Bid and proposal preparation
      • Supplier coordination
      • Database management
      • Project research
      • Tool usage
      • Client communication

• • • Required Skills and Qualifications:

• • • • Essential Skills:
        • High attention to detail and numerical accuracy
        • Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets
        • Familiarity with cost estimating software
        • Ability to read and interpret project plans, blueprints, or technical drawings
        • Strong analytical and organizational skills
        • Good written communication for preparing professional proposals
      • Preferred Qualifications:
        • At least 1-2 years of experience in estimating or project coordination
        • Background in construction, engineering, architecture, or related industries
        • Certification or coursework in construction estimating, quantity surveying, or project management
        • Experience working with remote teams or international clients

• Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant

• • • Job Summary: A digital marketing VA provides remote support in planning, executing, and analyzing digital marketing campaigns.
    • Core Responsibilities:

• • • • Social media marketing
      • Content creation and scheduling
      • Email marketing
      • SEO support
      • PPC and paid ads support
      • Analytics and reporting
      • Competitor and market research
      • CRM and funnel support

• Required Skills and Qualifications:
  • • • Essential Skills:
        • Solid understanding of digital marketing fundamentals
        • Strong written communication and copywriting skills
        • Familiarity with tools like Canva, Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite
        • Basic understanding of content strategy and customer journey
        • Ability to manage multiple projects
        • Detail oriented and results-driven

• • • • Preferred Qualifications:
        • At least 1-2 years experience in digital marketing
        • Experience in running or supporting Facebook Ads or Google Ads
        • Knowledge of basic HTML/CSS for email formatting or landing pages
        • Certifications in digital marketing, Google Analytics, or Meta Blueprint
        • Background in marketing, communication, business, or related field

• AI Specialist Virtual Assistant

• • • Job Summary: An AI specialist VA helps implement, manage, and optimize AI tools and workflows for businesses.
    • Core Responsibilities:

• • • • AI tool integration
      • Prompt engineering
      • Automation support
      • Data handling and analysis
      • Content creation
      • AI model monitoring
      • Training and documentation
      • Tech research and recommendations

• Required Skills and Qualifications:

• • • • Essential Skills:
        • Familiarity with generative AI tools
        • Understanding of prompt engineering, AI workflows, and automation logic
        • Proficiency in using productivity and integration tools
        • Strong technical literacy, adaptability, and problem-solving skills
        • Good written communication and attention to detail
      • Preferred Qualifications:
        • At least 1-2 years of experience working in tech support, AI, or digital assistant role
        • Basic knowledge of machine learning concepts, natural language processing, or Python scripting
        • Experience using AI in specific functions like marketing, customer support, or content creation
        • Certifications or short courses in AI for business, automation, or data analysis
        • Degree or coursework in IT, computer science, data science, or digital marketing

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about hiring virtual assistants:

#1. What Is the Average Salary for a Virtual Assistant in 2025?

The salary of a virtual assistant depends on their location, niche, and experience. In general, US-based VAs earn approximately $20–$45 per hour, while Australian VAs earn an hourly rate of AUD 25–AUD 50.

However, many Western business owners hire Filipino VAs because of their skills, work quality, and competitive rates, which typically range from $4 to $12+ per hour — while delivering the same quality of work as their Western counterparts.

#2. Which Skills Are Most In-Demand for VAs in 2025?

This 2025, employers prize VAs who specialize in various niches, such as:

• AI & Automation Support

• • Prompt engineering
  • AI-powered content
  • Workflow automation
  • Chatbot setup and maintenance

• Digital Marketing

• • Social media management
  • Email marketing
  • SEO
  • Content marketing

• Lead Generation

• • LinkedIn outreach and email prospecting
  • CRM management
  • List building and contact research
  • Cold email campaign setup

• Project Management

• • Asana, ClickUp, Trello, Notion
  • Task delegation and tracking
  • Progress reporting
  • SOP creation and documentation

#3. How Does International Hiring Affect Pay Rates?

Companies usually offer rates based on the industry standards of the VA’s home country, rather than the country where the company itself is based. This makes international hiring more cost-effective, especially for small businesses and startups.

However, while location influences base pay, clients still pay premium rates for VAs with proven expertise or industry-specific knowledge. For instance, some VAs skilled in web development or AI can earn around $20–$35+ per hour, even while based in the Philippines.

Conclusion

Remote work is here to stay – and companies that adopt a fully remote or blended setup can maximize efficiency, reduce hiring costs, and expand their teams without geographical constraints.

To find and retain skilled VAs, you need to streamline your hiring process and offer competitive rates as outlined in the guide above.

Or do what smart business owners do: tap Remote Staff and request a callback so they can strat pooling the right VAs to help you start growing your business.