Why You Shouldn’t Hire Filipino Virtual Assistants for $3/Hour

Why You Shouldn’t Hire Filipino Virtual Assistants for $3/Hour

By: Justin G

Last updated: February 1, 2025

The short answer? It’s way too low and unreasonable in 2025.

The longer answer? Here’s my reasoning

1. Living Costs Aren’t What They Used to Be

It’s a no-brainer that the cost of living in the Philippines gets higher each year (just like any other place in the world). Needless to say, most Filipino virtual assistants that have steady wifi and electricity are living in major and expensive cities such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Here are some living stats from 2024 to give some insight into what it costs to live there.

2. Many VAs Juggle Multiple Things

When you used to think of a VA, the work meant just answering emails and managing calendars. While you can hire specific virtual assistants who just do one or two things, most people are likely looking for someone with more agency and specialization [one of the reasons we built HireTalent]

Modern VAs are mastering AI tools, handling social media strategies, and often doing work that used to require more than just a person or two.

They aren’t just task-takers anymore – they’re strategic partners who need to understand complex business processes, adapt to rapidly changing tech, and often work across multiple time zones.

The skill set required today is worlds apart from basic virtual assistance, and the compensation should reflect that. If you need a general virtual assistant, you can still hire one for a more affordable price than someone a bit more specialized, but you should be aware of this.

3. Real Skills Come at a Price

Going off the last point: Let’s be real – you wouldn’t try to undercut a skilled professional in your own country, so why do it with Filipino VAs?

Filipino talent often comes with college degrees and a dedicated work ethic. When you pay them what they’re worth, you get someone who can pour their heart into your business. You should think about hiring a team member, not a worker.

It’s simple math: A well-paid VA can invest in good equipment, maintain solid internet, and keep learning new skills. They’re not constantly stressing about basic needs, and you’ll get pure dedication and honest work.

4. Building Partnerships Takes Time

Here’s something we often overlook – the headache of constantly training new people is real. When you pay your VA fairly, they stick around – one of the major reasons people don’t like hiring in the Philippines. This is largely avoided when pay is satisfied.

They get to know your business inside and out, understand your communication style, and even start finishing your sentences (professionally speaking, of course).

The money you “save” by underpaying? It vanishes quickly when you’re constantly posting job ads and training new people every few months. A loyal VA who knows your business inside out is worth their weight in gold. If you pay them fairly, they will be there even when you least expect them. There is no larger piece of advice than this.

Here’s a hidden gem – Filipino VAs often come with an amazing superpower: they understand both Western and Asian business cultures. When you pay them fairly, you’re not just getting a virtual assistant; you’re getting a cultural bridge that could open up whole new markets for your business.

Some examples:

  • A digital marketing agency owner spent six months training a VA on their complex social media management system, paying competitive rates of $8/hour instead of the typical $3-4. Three years later, that VA now independently manages their top-tier clients and has trained three other team members, saving the agency thousands in recruitment and training costs.
  • An e-commerce business expanded into Southeast Asian markets after their Filipino VA identified cultural preferences in product descriptions and marketing materials. Their local market knowledge helped the company avoid potential missteps, like using colors and symbols that have different meanings in Asian cultures.
  • A US-based startup founder invested in a long-term VA relationship by offering healthcare benefits and competitive pay [very rare!]. The VA became so familiar with the business operations that they successfully managed customer service during the founder’s three-month medical leave, maintaining customer satisfaction rates above 95%.
  • A software company hired a Filipino VA for technical support who stayed with them for five years due to fair compensation. The VA’s deep understanding of both Western and Asian communication styles helped bridge the gap between the development team in India and clients in the US, reducing project delays by 60%. And keeping people on track in a non-western timezone.
  • An online course creator paid their VA 30% above market rate and invested in their professional development. The VA’s growing expertise allowed them to take over complete course administration, freeing the creator to focus on content development and ultimately doubling their course enrollment.

Compensate Well And Retain Someone Forever

Here’s the bottom line – paying Filipino VAs fairly depending on their skills and expertise isn’t charity. It’s smart business. When you treat people right, magic happens. Problems get solved faster, your business runs smoother, ideas flow better, and everyone wins. You save yourself both time (which you know) and ultimately, money in the long run.

So yes, it’s time to ditch that “$3/hour VA” mindset. When you invest in people, they invest in you. It’s that simple. Your Filipino VA could be the best business decision you’ll make – if you value them right. After all, success tastes sweeter when everyone gets a fair slice of the pie.

Don’t know how much to pay your Filipino virtual assistants? Check out our comprehensive VA Salary Guide. Looking to hire someone in just a few clicks?