The Philippines has become one of the biggest hubs for virtual assistants (VAs), and for good reason. Filipino VAs are known for strong English communication, a service-first mindset, and the ability to support businesses across time zones. But if you searched “virtual assistant salary philippines”, you probably noticed one thing fast: salary numbers vary a lot.
That is not because people are making things up. It is because “virtual assistant” is a broad label. A general admin VA and a specialized e-commerce VA can have very different pay. A direct-hire full-time VA and a VA hired through an agency can also land in totally different ranges. Even location within the Philippines can shift expectations.
This guide pulls together the most common salary benchmarks and the factors behind them, so you can price a role properly (if you are hiring) or set your target rate (if you are a VA).
1. What is the average virtual assistant salary in the Philippines?
If you want a quick baseline, several salary aggregators and job platforms cluster around the mid 20k range per month for “Virtual Assistant” in the Philippines.
- Indeed Philippines shows an average around ₱27,244 per month (based on reported salaries, with a recent update in February 2026).
- JobStreet’s career advice page for the role lists an average range of ₱20,000 to ₱30,000.
- SalaryExpert (ERI) estimates an average gross salary around ₱251,922 per year (roughly ₱20,993 per month), and breaks out entry vs senior estimates.
So what is the “real” answer?
A realistic starting benchmark for a general VA in the Philippines is often ₱20,000 to ₱35,000 per month, depending on experience, client type, and responsibilities. That aligns with JobStreet’s range and broader “entry to mid” banding used by many hiring guides.
But once you move into specialized roles (like SEO, paid ads support, bookkeeping, Amazon, Shopify, GoHighLevel, real estate transaction coordination, medical or legal support), the ceiling rises quickly.
2. Virtual assistant hourly rate Philippines: what to expect
A lot of global clients prefer hourly rates. On the VA side, hourly pricing is common for part-time, flexible support, and project-based work.
Here are useful reference points:
- PayScale lists an average hourly rate around ₱116.94 per hour for a “Virtual Assistant” role in the Philippines.
- Multiple hiring guides for Filipino VAs commonly cite USD $3 to $6 per hour for entry level and USD $7 to $12.50+ per hour for experienced or specialized VAs.
- A 2025 hiring guide also frames typical ranges around $3 to $4 per hour for entry-level and $4 to $7 per hour for specialist roles, with monthly equivalents for full-time.
A practical hourly-rate framework (used by many clients)
Entry-level general VA: $3 to $6/hour
Intermediate VA (reliable, minimal supervision): $6 to $10/hour
Specialized VA (niche tools, revenue-impact skills): $8 to $15/hour
Highly specialized (ads ops, automation, advanced funnels, high-level sales support): $12/hour and up, depending on scope
These ranges overlap on purpose. A “general VA” who is strong in client communication, SOPs, and proactive task handling may price closer to intermediate rates even without a fancy title.
3. Monthly salary ranges (entry-level to senior) in the Philippines
If you are thinking in monthly salary (typical for full-time), these are common bands you will see:
Entry-level VA salary Philippines (0 to 2 years)
- ₱18,000 to ₱25,000/month is a common local benchmark for entry-level roles.
- SalaryExpert’s entry-level annual estimate (1 to 3 years) translates to roughly ₱16,000 to ₱17,000/month.
What entry-level usually means: can handle admin tasks, calendar scheduling, inbox management, data entry, basic Canva, simple research, and task follow-ups. Still building speed, confidence, and tool mastery.
Mid-level VA salary Philippines (2 to 5 years)
- Many guides place mid-level virtual assistants around ₱25,000 to ₱35,000/month.
What mid-level usually means: can manage recurring workflows, update SOPs, handle client-facing messages, use tools like ClickUp/Asana/Trello, manage CRMs, and make judgment calls without constant hand-holding.
Senior VA salary Philippines (5+ years)
- SalaryExpert’s senior estimate (8+ years) lands around ₱303,728/year, roughly ₱25,000/month.
That number may look low if you know senior VAs earning well above it. The reason is simple: aggregators often blend roles and work arrangements. A senior VA who is truly specialized or who works for premium clients typically prices above general-market averages.
In practice, senior VAs often land in:
- ₱40,000 to ₱70,000+/month for specialized roles, high responsibility support, or executive-level assistance
- Higher if managing a team, owning ops, or supporting revenue functions
WorkStaff360’s role table, for example, places executive assistant roles higher than mid-level VA bands.
4. Salary by VA type (this is where the big differences happen)
“Virtual assistant” can mean a lot of jobs. Below are common VA categories in the Philippines and what typically pushes pay up or down.
General admin VA (administrative support)
Typical tasks: inbox, calendar, scheduling, research, data entry, travel booking, file organization, meeting notes
Pay trend: entry to mid-level bands.
A strong admin VA can still earn premium pay if they are fast, accurate, proactive, and manage complex calendars across time zones.
Executive virtual assistant (Executive Assistant style)
Typical tasks: stakeholder coordination, meeting prep, travel logistics, confidential handling, decision support, internal ops, vendor coordination
Pay trend: higher than general VA. WorkStaff360’s sample table places executive assistant roles above entry and mid-level VA bands.
Customer support VA (email, chat, helpdesk)
Typical tasks: ticketing systems, order tracking, refunds, basic troubleshooting, customer success
Pay trend: depends on complexity, tools (Zendesk, Gorgias), and KPI ownership. Night shift coverage can increase pay.
Social media VA
Typical tasks: content scheduling, captions, community management, basic design, analytics reporting
Pay trend: mid-level if it includes strategy, copywriting, short-form video, or managing multiple platforms. Lower if it is only posting.
E-commerce VA (Amazon, Shopify, Etsy)
Typical tasks: product listing optimization, inventory tracking, customer messages, returns, supplier coordination, competitor research
Pay trend: higher when tied to marketplace tools and revenue impact. Specialized e-commerce VAs often move into the “specialist” rate bracket referenced in hiring guides.
Real estate VA
Typical tasks: lead management, CRM updates, appointment setting, transaction coordination, listings, follow-ups
Pay trend: can be mid to high depending on cold calling, closings support, and transaction complexity.
Marketing VA (SEO, ads support, funnels, email marketing)
Typical tasks: keyword research, content briefs, on-page SEO, reporting, landing pages, email campaigns, CRM automations
Pay trend: higher. WorkStaff360’s sample salary table places SEO specialist roles above general VA bands.
Bookkeeping or finance VA
Typical tasks: invoicing, recon, Xero/QuickBooks, expense categorization, AR follow-ups
Pay trend: higher because errors are costly and trust requirements are higher.
Medical or legal virtual assistant
Typical tasks: documentation support, intake, forms, scheduling, compliance-sensitive work
Pay trend: often premium due to specialization and confidentiality.
5. Salary by city and region in the Philippines
Location still matters, even for remote work, because cost of living and local job competition influence expectations.
- JobStreet shows “paid the most” locations and salary figures on its page (examples include Metro Manila areas and other regions).
- Indeed also lists higher-paying cities like Makati, Pasig, Manila, Cebu City, Taguig, and others in its city breakdown section.
- Hiring guides note that VAs in major cities like Manila or Cebu may charge higher than those in provincial areas due to cost of living differences.
What this means in real life:
A highly skilled VA from a province can still charge premium rates if they have niche skills and strong client results. But when you are benchmarking “average salary”, Metro Manila and Cebu often pull the average upward.
6. Why VA salaries vary so much in the Philippines
If you only remember one section, make it this one. Most salary confusion disappears once you understand the variables.
1) Experience and autonomy
Clients pay more for VAs who require less supervision. Speed, accuracy, and decision-making earn money.
2) Skill stack and tools
Specialized tools boost rates: CRMs, automation platforms, Shopify/Amazon tooling, analytics, SEO tooling, GoHighLevel, QuickBooks, Notion systems, Zapier, Make, HubSpot, Salesforce, and more.
3) Scope of responsibility
A VA who “does tasks” is priced differently from a VA who “owns outcomes.”
Examples of outcome ownership:
- managing a support inbox to maintain response SLAs
- improving lead-to-appointment conversion in a CRM
- building SOPs that reduce onboarding time
- maintaining accurate inventory and preventing stockouts
4) Work schedule and time zone coverage
Night shift, weekend coverage, or on-call availability often increases pay.
5) Hiring channel (direct vs agency)
Agencies charge higher because they bundle management, training, HR support, and replacements. WorkStaff360’s breakdown shows higher monthly rates for fully managed services compared to freelance or direct hire.
6) Payment method and fees
Some platforms charge fees to the freelancer, and foreign exchange spreads can reduce take-home pay. A 2026 benchmark article highlights that “what reaches the freelancer’s pocket after fees and conversion” matters, not just the posted salary.
7. Agency vs direct hire: how pay works on both sides
Direct hire (client hires a VA directly)
Pros for client: usually lower cost, direct relationship, flexible terms
Pros for VA: often higher take-home pay, more control, long-term growth opportunities
Cons: client handles onboarding, SOPs, management, payment reliability, and replacements if the VA leaves
WorkStaff360’s guide summarizes direct hire monthly ranges around ₱20,000 to ₱35,000 as a common band for freelance or direct hire VA arrangements.
Agency or managed VA service
Pros for client: management layer, training, HR support, backup options, replacement guarantee
Cons: higher monthly pricing because the agency margin covers operations
WorkStaff360 lists higher monthly pricing for fully managed VA services compared to direct hire.
Bottom line: If you are hiring and you want speed + low admin hassle, agencies can be worth it. If you want to build a long-term remote team and you are willing to manage, direct hire tends to give you better value over time.
8. Part-time vs full-time vs project-based VA pricing
Part-time VA (10 to 30 hours/week)
Most common arrangement for startups and solo founders. Hourly rates are often higher than full-time equivalents because the VA is trading flexibility and schedule stability for a smaller commitment.
Full-time VA (40 hours/week)
Often priced as a monthly retainer. Many guides use ~40 hours/week as the baseline for monthly conversions.
Project-based VA (fixed scope)
Best for:
- building SOPs and documentation
- cleaning up a CRM
- creating listing templates
- inbox cleanup and labeling systems
- one-time research projects
If you are a VA, project pricing can be a big income unlock because you are no longer paid purely for time. You are paid for a result.
9. How to increase your virtual assistant salary in the Philippines
If you are a VA reading this, here are realistic moves that raise your rate without needing “years” of waiting.
Build a specialist lane (even if you start general)
Pick one track and stack skills:
E-commerce VA: Shopify + product listings + Gorgias + Klaviyo basics
Real estate VA: Follow Up Boss + appointment setting + transaction coordination
Marketing VA: SEO briefs + WordPress on-page + GA4 reporting
Ops VA: Notion systems + SOP writing + automation (Zapier/Make)
Specialist roles consistently land in higher hourly ranges in hiring benchmarks.
Improve your “ops” skills (clients pay for smooth workflows)
Learn:
- SOP writing and process documentation
- task management tools (ClickUp, Asana, Trello)
- calendar management across time zones
- basic reporting and dashboards
- proactive communication
Become excellent at one business model
Pick a niche: agencies, coaches, SaaS, real estate, e-commerce, medical clinics, law firms. When you understand how the business makes money, you become harder to replace.
Track wins and turn them into proof
Instead of saying “I handled email,” say:
- “Maintained inbox response time under 4 hours and reduced backlog by 60%”
- “Improved booking show-up rate by implementing reminders and follow-up workflow”
- “Standardized product listing process and reduced listing errors”
Proof gives you leverage.
Choose payment methods that protect your take-home
Fees and FX conversion can quietly cut your income. When negotiating, consider the net amount you receive, not just the posted rate.
10. How employers can offer competitive pay without overpaying
If you are hiring a virtual assistant in the Philippines, the goal is not to find the cheapest rate. The goal is to get reliable support that stays.
Here is how to do that:
Write a clear job scope
Rates spike when the scope is vague. Split tasks into:
- daily recurring tasks
- weekly tasks
- monthly reporting tasks
- “as needed” tasks
Decide if you need a generalist or a specialist
If the role includes SEO, e-commerce ops, bookkeeping, or automation, do not benchmark against entry-level admin VA pay. Use specialist ranges instead.
Pay for reliability
A VA who is stable, consistent, and proactive saves you hours every week. That is usually worth paying above the lowest offer.
Offer simple retention boosters
Even small perks can improve retention:
- performance-based raise every 6 months
- internet allowance
- paid training
- paid time off (if the arrangement allows)
If you are hiring long-term, retention is cheaper than churn.
11. Common pay terms, benefits, and add-ons in the Philippines
Depending on whether you hire as a freelancer, contractor, or through an agency, these might appear in pay discussions:
13th month pay
In traditional PH employment, 13th month pay is common. In freelancing, it is not automatic, but some clients offer a “13th month equivalent” bonus to retain talent, especially for full-time long-term roles. (If you are a client, you can treat this as optional but appreciated.)
Night differential
If you require graveyard shift or consistent night work aligned to US hours, it is common to price higher because of the lifestyle cost.
Paid holidays and PTO
Freelance setups vary widely. Some clients offer paid PH holidays, some follow client-country holidays, and some offer unpaid time off but flexible scheduling.
Equipment and internet allowances
Many Filipino VAs cover their own equipment, but allowances are becoming more common for long-term roles, especially where stable internet is mission-critical.
12. FAQs: Virtual assistant salary Philippines
What is the average virtual assistant salary in the Philippines?
Common benchmarks cluster around the mid 20k range monthly, with Indeed showing around ₱27k/month and JobStreet listing ₱20k to ₱30k as a typical range.
How much do beginner virtual assistants earn in the Philippines?
Entry-level ranges are often around ₱18,000 to ₱25,000/month for local benchmarks, while some salary estimators show entry-level annual totals that translate to the mid-teens per month.
What is the typical hourly rate of a Filipino VA?
Depending on experience, many guides cite $3 to $6/hour for entry-level and $7 to $12.50+/hour for experienced or specialized roles.
Why do some VAs earn ₱50,000 to ₱100,000+ per month?
Because those VAs are usually specialized (marketing ops, e-commerce, automation, finance), manage outcomes, or support premium clients. General “average salary” pages often blend many job types, which hides the top end.
Does location in the Philippines affect VA salary?
Yes, salary expectations can be higher in major cities like Manila and Cebu due to cost of living and competition.
Final thoughts: What is the salary of a virtual assistant in the Philippines
If you came here hoping for one perfect number, the honest answer is: there is no single salary that fits every VA role in the Philippines.
But there is a reliable way to benchmark:
- General VA (admin support): start with the ₱20k to ₱35k/month baseline and adjust for experience.
- Hourly setups: use entry vs experienced ranges like $3 to $6/hour and $7 to $12.50+/hour as a practical guide.
- Specialized roles: benchmark against specialist ranges and the reality that niche tools and revenue-impact work command higher pay.
Whether you’re hiring or building your own remote team, hiring a virtual assistant Philippines could streamline your operations and boost productivity.
