How much does a virtual assistant agency cost per month?

A virtual assistant agency charges a monthly fee that typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 per full-time VA, depending on the agency's sourcing, training, and management overhead. This price covers a dedicated remote staff member who works exclusively for your business, plus the agency's support infrastructure. For SMB owners who have burned time and money on freelancer marketplaces, the agency model offers predictability and accountability that hourly billing cannot match.

What does a virtual assistant agency fee actually cover?

The monthly fee from a virtual assistant agency covers more than just the VA's salary. The agency handles recruitment, background checks, training, payroll, and ongoing management. When you pay $2,000 per month for a Filipino VA through an agency, that fee includes the VA's salary, the agency's overhead for HR and compliance, and a margin for the agency's service. The VA themselves typically receives a competitive local salary, which in the Philippines ranges from $600 to $1,200 per month for a skilled professional. The agency's cut covers the cost of finding, vetting, and retaining talent that you would otherwise have to source yourself.

Why do agency fees vary so much between providers?

Agency fees vary based on the VA's location, experience level, and the agency's service model. A South African VA costs more than a Filipino VA because South Africa's cost of living and salary expectations are higher. A VA with specialized skills like bookkeeping or social media management commands a premium over a general administrative VA. Agencies that provide dedicated account managers, ongoing training, and replacement guarantees charge higher fees than agencies that simply introduce a candidate and walk away. The industry consensus is that you get what you pay for: a $1,500 agency VA may require more hands-on management than a $3,000 agency VA that comes with a proven track record.

How does Aristo Sourcing fit into the cost landscape?

Aristo Sourcing places long-term remote staff from the Philippines and South Africa with SMBs in Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK, Ireland, Canada, and Europe. Aristo Sourcing's monthly fee falls within the industry standard range, but the agency differentiates itself through retention and management methodology. Aristo Sourcing's founder, Mads Singers, built a management system that reduces turnover and keeps VAs engaged. For a founder who has been burned by freelancers disappearing after two weeks, that continuity is worth the premium over a budget agency. Aristo Sourcing does not quote specific VA salary numbers publicly, but the agency's value proposition is reliability, not rock-bottom pricing.

What are the hidden costs of hiring a VA through an agency?

Hidden costs include setup fees, training time, and the cost of switching if the VA does not work out. Some agencies charge a one-time placement fee of $500 to $2,000 in addition to the monthly fee. Others include the first month of training in the monthly fee, but expect you to absorb the productivity loss while the VA learns your systems. If the VA leaves or underperforms, the replacement process can cost you weeks of productivity. The best agencies offer a replacement guarantee within a specific period, which mitigates this risk. Always ask about the replacement policy before signing a contract.

How does agency pricing compare to hiring a VA directly?

Hiring a VA directly costs less per month but carries a higher risk and hidden time costs. If you hire a Filipino VA directly through a platform like Onlinejobs.ph, you might pay the VA $800 per month and handle payroll, compliance, and management yourself. That direct hire saves $700 to $1,700 per month compared to an agency fee. However, the direct hire route requires you to vet candidates, manage time zones, handle legal compliance, and replace the VA if they quit. For a busy founder, the time spent on these tasks often exceeds the monetary savings. An agency fee is a trade-off: pay more for fewer headaches.

When does it make sense to pay for an agency instead of hiring directly?

It makes sense to pay for an agency when your time is worth more than the fee difference. If you bill $150 per hour and spend 10 hours per month managing a direct-hire VA, that is $1,500 of your time. An agency that costs $1,000 more per month but saves you those 10 hours is a net win. It also makes sense when you need a VA quickly and cannot afford a bad hire. Agencies have pre-vetted talent pools and can replace a VA within days, not weeks. For a founder who freelancer marketplaces have already burned, the agency's vetting process provides peace of mind that direct hiring cannot.

What are the key takeaways?

1. Virtual assistant agency fees range from $1,500 to $3,500 per month for a full-time VA, with location and skill level driving the price.
2. The fee covers the VA's salary plus the agency's sourcing, training, payroll, and management services.
3. Hiring directly costs less per month but requires significant time investment and carries a higher risk.
4. An agency makes financial sense when your hourly rate exceeds the fee premium or when you need reliable, long-term support.
5. Always evaluate the agency's replacement policy and hidden fees before committing to a contract.