How to Set Your Rates as a New Virtual Assistant (Without Undervaluing Yourself)

💡 Why Your VA Rate Matters

Your rate isn’t just about money—it reflects your:

• Time and energy

• Skill level

• Professionalism

• Confidence

If you set your rate too low, clients might undervalue your work. If you set it too high (without matching the value), you might scare them off.

So how do you strike the balance?

Let’s walk through it step by step.

🔍 Step 1: Know the Common VA Rate Range (Philippines)

Here’s a quick overview of beginner-friendly VA rates in the Philippines:

Experience LevelHourly Rate (USD)No experience (basic admin)$3 – $5/hr1–2 years (niche tasks like social media, ecommerce)$5 – $8/hrSpecialized (SEO, email marketing, executive support)$8 – $15/hrHigh-end or expert-level$15+/hr

Tip: Start low but increase as you gain experience, confidence, and testimonials.

🧠 Step 2: Understand Your Value (Even If You’re a Beginner)

You might not have freelancing experience yet—but you do have:

✅ Corporate or office experience
✅ Transferable skills (email management, customer service, data entry)
✅ Willingness to learn
✅ Discipline and professionalism

These are valuable to clients. They’re not just paying for the task—you’re helping them save time and stress.

So don’t think, “I’m new, I should charge $1.” Instead, think, “I’m a beginner, but I bring value. I can start at a fair rate and grow fast.”

✏️ Step 3: Calculate Your Ideal Starting Rate

To keep it realistic and sustainable, try this method:

(Monthly income goal ÷ working hours per month) = Hourly rate

Let’s say you want to earn ₱25,000/month
That’s about $450/month

If you can work 80 hours/month (20 hours/week), the calculation is:

$450 ÷ 80 = $5.63/hr

Round it to $5/hr if you’re just starting, then increase after 1–3 clients.

💼 Step 4: Choose Hourly, Fixed, or Package Rates

There are 3 common ways to charge clients:

1. Hourly Rate

🟢 Great for beginners
🟢 Easy to track using tools like Clockify or Upwork’s time tracker
🟡 Downside: You only get paid for the hours you work

2. Fixed Project Rate

🟢 Best for tasks with clear scope (e.g., data entry, podcast transcription)
🟢 More control over time
🟡 Requires good time estimation

3. Monthly Retainer Package

🟢 Great for long-term clients (e.g., 20 hours/month for $400)
🟢 Stable income
🟡 Clients expect consistent availability

💡 Tip: Start with hourly rates, then shift to packages as you build trust and confidence.

🚩 Common Pricing Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Setting rates based on your feelings ("I think this is enough for now.")
❌ Comparing yourself too much to others (Everyone’s background is different.)
❌ Not raising your rate even after 6+ months of experience
❌ Charging too low just to “win” jobs (This attracts low-quality clients.)

Remember: If your rate is too low, good clients may overlook you. They want someone who knows their worth.

✨ How to Communicate Your Rate Professionally

When a client asks, “What’s your rate?” you can say:

“For general admin support, I currently charge $5/hour. As I grow my skill set and experience, I adjust my rates accordingly. I’m always open to discussing the best setup for both of us.”

If you’re doing a monthly retainer:

“I offer a 20-hour monthly support package at $400, which includes admin tasks, calendar management, and email handling.”

Polite, confident, and clear.

💬 What If the Client Says You’re “Too Expensive”?

It happens. Don’t panic.

Here’s how you can respond:

“I understand. I try to keep my rates competitive while also ensuring the quality of work and reliability that clients expect. If you have a specific budget in mind, I’d be happy to see if we can work something out.”

But if they insist on $2/hour for 30 hours of work?

Walk away. Respect yourself. The right clients will pay fairly.

💸 When Should You Raise Your Rates?

Raise your rate when:

• You’ve completed 2–3 successful projects

• You’ve learned a new skill (e.g., Canva, Trello, SEO)

• You’re fully booked and getting more inquiries

• You’ve improved your systems and results

Rate increase tip: Raise slowly, not drastically. Example: from $5 to $6, then $7.

Final Thoughts: Charge What You’re Worth (Even as a Beginner)

Setting your rates as a new VA is not about guessing—it’s about being honest with your skills, valuing your time, and growing gradually.

Don’t be afraid to start small, but never undervalue yourself. You’re not “just a beginner”—you’re a committed, capable, and coachable professional.

And trust me: the right clients will see that.