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The Daily Insight

What is the average salary of an independent contractor virtual assistant?

Author

Ava Robinson

Published Apr 06, 2026

Salary: Virtual assistants that work independently set their own hourly rate, which Ms. Racette says typically falls between $30 and $55 per hour, depending on their level of experience and whether they have received specialized training in relevant fields.

How do I become an independent virtual assistant?

How to become a virtual assistant in 5 steps

  1. Focus on your offer. By now, you know you can offer hundreds of services as a VA.
  2. Set up your business the right way.
  3. Create a website and social media presence.
  4. Find friends in your niche.
  5. Make your clients happy & ask for feedback.

Are Virtual Assistants employees or independent contractors?

A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an Independent Contractor.

Do you have to 1099 a virtual assistant?

YES. You don’t have to file a 1099 form if you don’t have one from your client, but you have to report ALL income. It’s your responsibility to track your expenses, track your income, and claim it all on your taxes.

Can a virtual assistant be an independent contractor?

Virtual assistants are independent contractors who operate from their own home or office and typically work on a project basis for small to mid-size entrepreneurs. They are hired to perform specific tasks remotely and can be used regardless of where you (or they) are located.

How much do freelance virtual assistants charge?

All said and done, virtual assistants charge anywhere from $1 to $100 per hour. Sometimes even more. But the sweet spot is generally between $15 and $30 per hour for executive assistant services and $40-$75 per hour for higher level marketing or financial tasks.

Do virtual assistants pay tax?

This includes those who earn their living as freelancers. Virtual assistants or VAs are therefore not exempted from paying taxes. If you’re a VA, you’re expected to pay your taxes voluntarily, meaning, you must go to the BIR and register as a non-licensed professional working as a virtual assistant.

Can a client hire a virtual assistant without a contract?

Many virtual assistants are independent contractors. The common practice is that a client would not want to hire a contractor to do some work for him/her without a valid contract in place.

What does it mean to be a virtual assistant?

As a Virtual Assistant, you will be considered an Independent Contractor. This means that you are contracted to perform services for others, without having the legal status of an employee. The great news? As an Independent Contractor, you choose how, when, and where to work – for as much or little time as you want!

What are the terms of a VA Virtual Assistant contract?

However, you might wish to modify those terms with your own customized contract, and are free to do so. Consider the provided template contract below your baseline agreement. If you’re hiring a freelance virtual assistant outside of OnlineJobs.ph or some other third-party site, your VA contract should detail out your payment terms.

How to set your rates as a virtual assistant?

Before you start setting your rates as a VA, it’s important to understand what your tax responsibilities will be. As a Virtual Assistant, you will be considered an Independent Contractor. This means that you are contracted to perform services for others, without having the legal status of an employee. The great news?