Let's be honest. This is the first question everyone asks. And I get it.
You're running a business. Budgets matter. You need to know if hiring a Virtual Assistant is actually affordable - or if it's going to stretch you too thin.
Here's the reality in 2026. UK Virtual Assistant Hourly Rates UK-based virtual assistants typically charge between £25 and £50 per hour, depending on experience and what you need help with.
Basic admin support - inbox management, diary coordination, data entry - sits at the lower end. Specialist work like bookkeeping, project management, or technical setup commands higher rates.
My rate is £35 per hour for professional executive support. That includes diary management, client coordination, inbox organisation, project work, and operational support.
But Here's What Most People Miss When you're comparing costs, you're not just looking at the hourly rate. You're looking at what you're NOT paying for:
No employer National Insurance.
No pension contributions.
No holiday pay.
No sick leave.
No office space.
No equipment.
No recruitment fees.
No training costs.
When you add all that up? The true cost of employing someone full-time in the UK is £40,000 to £55,000 annually - sometimes more. A Virtual Assistant working 10 hours a week at £35 per hour costs you £1,400 a month. That's £16,800 a year for professional support without any of the employment overhead. Is It Worth It?
Here's the real question: what's your time worth? If you're spending hours every week on admin instead of working with clients, developing your business, or actually making money - you're already paying for it. You're just paying with your time instead of money. And time? You can't get that back. What You Get for Your Investment
When you work with a UK virtual assistant, you're paying for: Someone who works in your time zone. Professional, experienced support Flexibility - scale up or down as needed No long-term commitment Immediate impact
Book a free consultation and let's talk honestly about what support would cost - and what it would save you.
Lisa Jackson Virtual Assistant Lincolnshire | £35 p/h | Remote Admin Support UK