Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
Was this helpful?
Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
How to Price Virtual Assistant Retainer Packages
VA retainer packages typically range from $500–$4,000/month, based on hours included and specialization level. Common tiers: 10 hrs/month ($300–$600), 20 hrs/month ($600–$1,400), 40 hrs/month ($1,200–$3,200).
Floor
$500
per hour
Typical
$1,500
per hour
Premium
$4,000
per hour
Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
Was this helpful?
Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
What changes the price
- Monthly hours included in the package
- Specialization level of tasks covered
- Rollover policy for unused hours
- Response time guarantees (same-day vs. 24-hour)
- Number of communication channels supported
- Whether the retainer includes a dedicated time block
Real quote breakdowns
Starter package — 10 hrs/month
Basic admin support: email management, scheduling, and light research. Ideal for solopreneurs who need occasional help.
Breakdown
10 hrs × $35/hr. No rollover. 24-hour response time. Email and Slack communication.
Growth package — 20 hrs/month
Comprehensive support including calendar, email, social media scheduling, and CRM management. For growing businesses.
Breakdown
20 hrs × $45/hr. 5 hrs rollover allowed. Same-day response. Includes weekly check-in call.
Premium package — 40 hrs/month
Full executive support with calendar management, travel, meeting prep, expense reports, and team coordination. Near full-time.
Breakdown
40 hrs × $65/hr. Priority response. Dedicated morning time block. Monthly strategy review.
Frequently asked questions
Should retainer rates be lower than hourly rates?
Retainers can offer a 5–10% discount vs. ad-hoc hourly rates because they guarantee you recurring revenue. But don't discount more than 10% — the predictability is valuable to the client too, and they should pay for guaranteed availability.
What happens with unused hours?
Common policies: no rollover (simplest), rollover up to 5 hours to next month, or 'use it or lose it' with a minimum commitment. Be clear about this upfront to avoid disputes.
How do I structure tiered packages?
Offer 2–3 tiers: a starter (10 hrs), a core package (20 hrs), and a premium (40 hrs). Price the middle tier as your target — most clients choose the middle option. Add specific deliverables to each tier, not just hours.
What if a client consistently uses fewer hours than they're paying for?
If a client regularly uses only 50% of their hours, proactively suggest dropping to a smaller package. This builds trust and reduces the risk of them canceling entirely. They'll often stay longer and refer others.