How Much Do VAs Charge?
VAs generally charge by the hour, at rates ranging from US$20-45, depending on the expertise required. As with salaries, the lower end of the range would apply to basic word processing and similar administrative tasks, the higher end for more specialized services such as Web site design or legal “secretarial” assistance. Fees would be higher of course for legal research, public relations work, or corporate consulting. Though these rates may seem substantial at first glance, they appear much more reasonable when compared with the “real cost” of employees: statistics show that employees actually cost 2 to 2 1/2 times their rate of pay when their full costs are included: FICA, FUTA, SUTA, Medicare, workers comp, administrative costs, recruitment, base salary, benefits, office space and furnishings, equipment, etc. VAs offer other savings as well. Studies consistently show that home-based workers are significantly more productive than office-based personnel. Hiring independent contractors
