What Is a Virtual Assistant? Costs, Tasks, and Real Examples (2025 Guide)

A virtual assistant (VA) is a remote professional who provides administrative, technical, or specialized support to businesses and entrepreneurs. In 2025, virtual assistants are no longer just for email and scheduling—they now handle bookkeeping, customer support, sales operations, healthcare admin, and more.

This guide explains what a virtual assistant is, what they do, how much they cost, and real examples of how businesses use them.

What Is a Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant is an independent contractor or agency-based professional who works remotely to support business operations. Unlike in-house employees, virtual assistants typically work hourly, part-time, or on monthly packages.

Virtual assistants can be:

Freelancers
Agency-managed staff
Full-time remote contractors

What Does a Virtual Assistant Do?

Virtual assistant tasks vary by skill level and industry.

Common VA tasks include:

Email and calendar management
Data entry and CRM updates
Customer support (chat, email, phone)
Bookkeeping (QuickBooks, Xero)
Social media scheduling
Lead generation and follow-ups
Document formatting and research

Specialized virtual assistants may also handle:

Real estate admin
Healthcare scheduling
Legal admin tasks
Amazon and eCommerce support

How Much Does a Virtual Assistant Cost?

Virtual assistant costs depend on location, experience, and task complexity.

Average hourly rates (2025):

US-based VA: $25–$50/hour
UK / Canada: $20–$40/hour
Philippines: $5–$12/hour
India / Vietnam: $4–$10/hour

Monthly cost examples:

10 hours/week: $200–$1,000/month
20 hours/week: $400–$2,000/month
Full-time VA: $800–$3,500/month

Real Virtual Assistant Examples

Small business owner: Outsources inbox management and invoicing
Real estate agent: Uses a VA for CRM updates and appointment setting
Healthcare clinic: Virtual assistant manages patient scheduling and follow-ups