If you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering what to charge for your virtual assistant services, you’re not alone. Setting your prices—especially when you’re just starting—can feel like pulling numbers out of thin air. But here’s the truth: pricing shouldn’t be based on vibes or guesswork. It’s a mix of market research, strategy, and understanding your value.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to confidently price and package your services as a virtual assistant—whether you’re brand new, building momentum, or ready to scale like a CEO.

Why Pricing Isn’t Just a Feeling

We love a good “trust your gut” moment, but your prices shouldn’t be one of them. Pricing is both a science and an art. It’s not just about what “feels good”—it’s about profitability, industry standards, and aligning your business model with your goals.

Too many new VAs randomly pick a number and hope it sticks. I call it “fetch pricing”—and like the Mean Girls reference, it’s just not gonna happen. You need a foundation.

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Step 1: Research > Me-search

Before you set any rate, you need to understand the market.

Here’s how to do it:

• Look at platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Glassdoor, Facebook groups, and LinkedIn
• Research job postings and current VA profiles in your niche
• Use search terms that are specific to your service (e.g., “Podcast Manager for Coaches”)
• Compare at least 5 price points and calculate the average

This gives you a confident starting point to set your base rate—and back it up when clients ask why you charge what you do.

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Step 2: Price Based on Your Experience Level

Here’s the breakdown I use with my own clients—and how I’ve personally grown my business:

🔹 Beginner VA

You’re still learning your skillset and getting your feet wet. You’ll need to start on the lower end of the market to build confidence and gain experience.

Suggested Rates:

• Social Media: $400–$800/month
• Podcast Management: $50–$100 per episode
• Admin VA: $20–$35/hour

This is your starting point, not your forever pricing.

🔸 Intermediate VA

You’ve got skills and past experience (even if not as a business owner). You’re not learning the service—you’re learning the business side.

Suggested Rates:

• Admin VA: $30–$50/hour
• Custom project packages: $800–$1500/month depending on scope

This is where many VAs start seeing consistent income and can afford to be pickier with clients.

⭐ Experienced VA

You’re an expert with systems, case studies, and client wins. At this point, you’re charging for transformation—not just time.

Suggested Rates:

• Retainer packages starting at $1,500–$5,000/month
• Strategy & execution bundled into one
• No hourly—value-based pricing only

This is where you start hiring, scaling, and thinking like an agency owner.

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Step 3: Pick the Right Pricing Model

Let’s talk packaging—because how you deliver your services matters just as much as the rate.

1. Retainer Model

Set monthly rate for a defined package of services.

Why I love it:

• Predictable income
• Easier to scale or outsource
• More profitable the more efficient you get

💡 Example: $1,500/month for 4 podcast episodes + show notes + blog uploads.

2. Hourly Model

Best for beginners or flexible, ad-hoc work.

Pro Tips:

• Always require a monthly minimum
• Use time-tracking tools
• Include a 30-day notice clause in your contract

💡 Example: $35/hour with a 10-hour/month minimum = $350 base income per client

3. Revenue Share Model

Base rate + percentage of revenue generated from your work.

Great for:

• Social media managers
• Email marketers
• OBMs and Tech VAs

💡 Example: $1,000/month base + 10% of launch revenue = potential $3K/month client

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Step 4: Avoid These Common Pricing Mistakes

Let me save you from the mistakes I made:

1. Charging too low for too long
   → Leads to burnout and resentment.
2. Ignoring taxes + business expenses
   → What you charge ≠ what you take home.
3. Not raising rates as you grow
   → Reevaluate every 5 clients or big milestone.
4. Offering too many package options
   → Confuse them, you lose them. Stick to 2–3 solid offers.
5. Underpricing when you transition to an agency
   → Your expenses grow—make sure your prices do too.

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Step 5: Refine as You Go

Pricing isn’t permanent. It’s a living part of your business that grows with you.

✔ Research the market
✔ Choose your pricing model
✔ Align with your experience
✔ Test, adjust, repeat

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Need Help Pricing Your Services?

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start charging like a CEO, I got you.

🎯 Book a 1:1 coaching call
💼 Or join me for a VA in a Day VIP day and we’ll set it all up together.

Book here!

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Let’s stop playing small with our prices, bestie. You’re worth more—and now you’ve got the receipts to prove it.

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