We don’t advise it.
We strongly recommend aiming for higher salaries. With over 1,000,000 Filipino professionals on our platform, we advise paying between $500 to $1,500 per month for a full-time Virtual Assistant who will be a great asset to your business. That works out to about ₱28,000 to ₱80,000 PHP per month in Philippines Pesos.
As you probably know, in today's fast-paced world, outsourcing has become an essential part of scaling a business, with virtual assistants at the forefront of this trend. But while it’s possible to hire a virtual assistant for as low as $2 an hour, is it the best choice?
According to Michael Brodie, CEO and founder of VirtualStaff.ph, the answer is no if you're looking for quality results that can truly benefit your business. He explains that while you can technically hire at $2/hour, the quality of work will likely suffer, leading you to believe that outsourcing doesn't work when, in fact, the issue is the rate you've set.
Why Pay More?
Michael advises increasing your budget to hire virtual assistants who will add real value to your business. He emphasizes that the key to successful outsourcing in the Philippines is to replace local employees with highly skilled, more cost-effective professionals—without compromising on quality.
The great news is that VirtualStaff.ph allows virtual assistants to set their target salary rates. This means you can negotiate directly with the best candidates for your role, ensuring a fair deal for both parties.
Hiring from the Philippines allows you to pay far less than you would for local employees in countries like the USA, Australia, and the UK, but still get excellent work. For the virtual assistant, negotiating their rate means they get paid fairly for their skills and experience.
Setting the Right Budget: What You Should Expect to Pay
If you're wondering what a good salary range looks like, VirtualStaff.ph provides a free cost calculator to give you an idea of the typical rates for various roles. Based on data from hundreds of thousands of Filipino professionals registered on our marketplace, you can expect to pay:
- $500 to $1,500 per month (₱28,000 to ₱80,000 PHP) on average for really skilled virtual assistants.
This budget is a sweet spot for finding someone who will make a meaningful impact on your business.
Why Hire a Virtual Assistant from the Philippines?
1. Affordability Without Compromise
One of the biggest advantages of hiring from the Philippines is the affordability. The lower cost of living allows you to hire highly skilled professionals at competitive rates that don’t strain your budget, making it a perfect solution for small business owners.
2. High-Quality, English-Speaking Talent
Filipinos are known for their excellent English communication skills, as English is one of the official languages in the country. This ensures seamless communication, which is critical for remote work success.
3. Exceptional Work Ethic
Filipinos are recognized for their strong work ethic. They’re hardworking, reliable, and often loyal to their employers, traits that make them highly sought after in the outsourcing world.
4. Time Zone Advantage
The Philippines' time zone can actually be an advantage for Western businesses. Tasks can be assigned at the end of your workday, and your virtual assistant can work on them while you sleep, resulting in faster turnarounds.
5. Cultural Compatibility
The Philippines has deep cultural ties with Western countries, especially the United States. Filipino virtual assistants are well-versed in Western work practices and business etiquette, ensuring smooth collaboration and integration with your team.
Conclusion
Hiring a virtual assistant can be a game-changer for your business, helping you to save time and money while improving productivity. However, it’s important to recognize that you get what you pay for. Setting a budget of $500 to $1,000 per month ensures you’ll hire someone who can truly contribute to your business's success.
By following Michael’s advice and investing a bit more in the right talent, you’ll see the real benefits of outsourcing to the Philippines. Ready to build your virtual team? Contact us today and learn how VirtualStaff.ph can help you hire the best talent for your business needs.
