How Much Do Virtual Assistants Earn in Australia?
Becoming a virtual assistant can be an attractive way to work from home in Australia. Whether you're looking for a permanent remote job, part-time employment or the flexibility of running your own business, virtual assistance offers several ways to earn an income without commuting to an office.
But how much do virtual assistants actually earn?
In Australia, advertised full-time virtual assistant salaries commonly sit around $60,000 to $75,000 per year, while self-employed virtual assistants may charge clients anywhere from approximately $30 to $60 per hour or more, depending on their services and experience.
According to Jora's Australian Virtual Assistant Salary Guide, the average advertised annual salary is approximately $65,000, based on salary information from job advertisements.
Freelance virtual assistants operate differently. Instead of receiving a salary, they typically charge hourly rates, monthly retainers or fixed project fees.
An experienced freelancer charging $60 per hour may generate more revenue than someone employed on a $65,000 salary. However, freelance revenue isn't the same as take-home income.
Self-employed virtual assistants need to account for unpaid administration, software subscriptions, taxes, superannuation and periods without client work.
Your earning potential also depends on the services you provide.
A virtual assistant handling basic email administration may charge less than someone managing complex executive schedules, bookkeeping, ecommerce operations or specialised business systems.
In this guide, we'll explore virtual assistant salaries in Australia, compare employee wages with freelance rates, calculate potential monthly and annual earnings, and explain how to increase your income while working remotely.
What Is the Average Virtual Assistant Salary in Australia?
There isn't one universally reliable salary figure for every Australian virtual assistant.
That's because the profession includes permanent employees, part-time workers, independent contractors and business owners.
Their compensation arrangements can be very different.
For employed virtual assistants, advertised salary data provides a useful starting point.
Jora currently reports an average annual salary of approximately $65,000 for virtual assistant positions in Australia, based on full-time salary ranges disclosed in job advertisements.
Its advertised salary information suggests a common range of approximately $60,000 to $75,000.
These figures are market indicators rather than guaranteed salaries.
Some advertisements include superannuation or benefits, while others don't.
It's also worth noting that salary data for virtual assistants can be limited.
For example, Indeed's Australian virtual assistant salary page reports an average hourly figure based on only five salary observations. Such a small sample isn't sufficient to establish a reliable national average.
For this reason, it's better to compare multiple sources and examine actual vacancies rather than relying on a single salary figure.
Virtual Assistant Salary Overview
| Employment arrangement | Indicative earnings |
|---|---|
| Full-time employed virtual assistant | Approximately $60,000–$75,000 annually |
| Freelance general virtual assistant | Illustrative rates of $30–$45 per hour |
| Experienced freelance virtual assistant | Illustrative rates of $45–$60 per hour |
| Specialised freelance virtual assistant | $60+ per hour may be achievable |
| Part-time employed virtual assistant | Depends on hourly rate and hours worked |
| Virtual assistant business owner | Depends on clients, pricing, expenses and capacity |
The employee salary figures reflect advertised Australian market data. Freelance figures are examples of possible pricing levels, not verified national averages or guaranteed market rates.
How Much Do Virtual Assistants Earn Per Hour?
Hourly earnings depend on whether you're an employee or an independent contractor.
An employed virtual assistant generally receives wages determined by the employment contract and any applicable award or enterprise agreement.
A freelance virtual assistant negotiates fees with clients.
These rates shouldn't be compared directly.
For example, a permanent employee earning $35 per hour may also receive paid leave and employer superannuation contributions.
A freelancer charging $35 per hour generally needs to cover their own business expenses and unpaid working time.
Hourly Rates Converted to Annual Income
The following table shows the mathematical equivalent of working 38 paid hours per week for 52 weeks.
| Hourly rate | Weekly gross amount | Annual gross equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| $28 | $1,064 | $55,328 |
| $30 | $1,140 | $59,280 |
| $35 | $1,330 | $69,160 |
| $40 | $1,520 | $79,040 |
| $45 | $1,710 | $88,920 |
| $50 | $1,900 | $98,800 |
| $60 | $2,280 | $118,560 |
| $75 | $2,850 | $148,200 |
These figures are calculations, not predictions of actual earnings.
For freelancers, billing 38 hours every week throughout the year can be difficult because time spent finding clients, preparing proposals and managing the business may not be billable.
The annual figures also exclude expenses, tax and superannuation.
How Much Do Freelance Virtual Assistants Charge in Australia?
Freelance virtual assistants generally set their own prices.
Their rates depend on experience, service complexity, client expectations and the amount of ongoing work involved.
Some freelancers compete primarily on price.
Others specialise in services that require substantial industry knowledge or responsibility.
For example, a virtual assistant who manages appointment bookings and general inbox enquiries may offer a relatively straightforward administrative service.
A freelancer who manages an executive's calendar, coordinates suppliers, prepares reports and maintains important business processes may provide a more specialised service.
The second position may justify a higher rate because of the additional responsibilities.
Example Freelance Pricing Levels
| Service level | Illustrative hourly rate | Typical responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| General administrative support | $30–$40 | Email, scheduling, data entry |
| Experienced virtual assistance | $40–$50 | Client coordination, reporting, CRM |
| Executive virtual assistance | $50–$65 | Executive calendars, travel, confidential administration |
| Specialist business support | $60–$85+ | Ecommerce, systems, operations, specialised workflows |
These are illustrative pricing scenarios rather than standard Australian industry rates.
A new freelancer may struggle to secure clients at these prices, while established specialists may charge more.
Your actual rates should reflect the value of your services, operating costs and the clients you're targeting.
How Much Can a Virtual Assistant Earn Per Month?
Monthly earnings depend on your hourly rate and the number of billable hours you complete.
For example, a freelancer charging $45 per hour and billing 80 hours per month would generate $3,600 in monthly revenue.
A freelancer charging $60 per hour and billing 100 hours would generate $6,000.
Monthly Freelance Revenue Examples
| Hourly rate | 40 billable hours | 80 billable hours | 120 billable hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30 | $1,200 | $2,400 | $3,600 |
| $40 | $1,600 | $3,200 | $4,800 |
| $50 | $2,000 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| $60 | $2,400 | $4,800 | $7,200 |
| $75 | $3,000 | $6,000 | $9,000 |
These figures represent gross business revenue before expenses, tax and other obligations.
They also assume every listed hour is billable and paid.
In practice, freelancers may experience fluctuations in client demand.
Some months may be particularly busy, while others involve fewer assignments.
Can Virtual Assistants Earn $100,000 a Year?
Yes, but earning $100,000 as a virtual assistant generally requires substantial billable work, higher pricing or a successful business model.
For example, a freelancer charging $60 per hour would need to bill approximately 1,667 hours annually to generate $100,000 in revenue.
Across 46 working weeks, that represents approximately 36.2 billable hours per week.
However, generating $100,000 in business revenue doesn't mean taking home $100,000.
The freelancer still needs to account for operating expenses, income tax and relevant superannuation arrangements.
It can also be challenging to maintain more than 35 billable hours every week while managing client acquisition, administration and other business responsibilities.
An alternative approach involves developing specialist services that command higher rates.
For example, someone charging $85 per hour would need approximately 1,177 billable hours annually to generate $100,000 in revenue.
That equates to approximately 25.6 billable hours per week over 46 weeks.
However, higher rates generally require valuable specialist skills and clients willing to pay for them.
A six-figure virtual assistant business is possible, but it shouldn't be confused with a guaranteed six-figure employee salary.
Employee vs Freelance Virtual Assistant: Which Pays More?
The better financial arrangement depends on your priorities and circumstances.
Employed Virtual Assistant
An employee generally receives regular wages and applicable employment entitlements.
This can provide greater income predictability.
Depending on the employment arrangement, benefits may include paid annual leave, personal leave and employer superannuation contributions.
However, employees typically have less control over their working hours and rates.
Freelance Virtual Assistant
Freelancers can negotiate their fees and choose which clients to work with.
They may also have greater flexibility over their schedules.
However, freelance income can be unpredictable.
Contractors generally don't receive employee paid leave entitlements and must manage business administration and financial obligations.
The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that independent contractors generally negotiate their fees and don't receive the same entitlements as employees.
Some contractors may nevertheless be entitled to superannuation contributions from clients under particular arrangements.
Comparing the Two
| Factor | Employee | Freelancer |
|---|---|---|
| Income | Usually regular wages | Depends on clients and invoices |
| Hourly rate | Set by employment arrangements | Negotiated with clients |
| Paid leave | Applicable employee entitlements | Generally self-funded |
| Superannuation | Employer obligations generally apply | Depends on arrangements |
| Client acquisition | Not usually required | Usually required |
| Business expenses | Often covered by employer | Usually paid by freelancer |
| Schedule flexibility | Employer-dependent | Client and contract-dependent |
| Income stability | Generally more predictable | Can fluctuate |
Neither option is universally better.
Some people prefer the stability of employment, while others value the independence of freelancing.
Which Virtual Assistant Services Pay the Most?
Virtual assistance covers a wide range of responsibilities.
Specialised services may offer stronger earning potential than basic administration.
1. Executive Virtual Assistance
Executive virtual assistants support business owners, directors and senior managers.
Responsibilities may include complex scheduling, travel arrangements, confidential correspondence and coordination between teams.
Clients may pay more for reliability, discretion and experience managing executive responsibilities.
2. Bookkeeping Support
Some virtual assistants provide bookkeeping-related administration.
Responsibilities may include invoice processing, expense reconciliation and maintaining financial records.
However, certain tax and BAS-related services are regulated in Australia and may require registration or supervision by an appropriately registered practitioner.
3. Ecommerce Virtual Assistance
Ecommerce virtual assistants support online businesses.
Responsibilities may include product listings, order administration, customer enquiries and inventory coordination.
Experience with Shopify, WooCommerce or other ecommerce platforms can be valuable.
4. Real Estate Virtual Assistance
Real estate virtual assistants may support property managers or sales teams.
Tasks can include appointment scheduling, database management, document preparation and general administration.
Some responsibilities may require specific qualifications or authorisations depending on the jurisdiction.
5. Marketing Virtual Assistance
Marketing virtual assistants support social media, email campaigns, content scheduling and marketing administration.
Specialist knowledge of advertising platforms or marketing automation can increase the complexity of the service.
6. Operations and Systems Support
Some virtual assistants help businesses maintain workflows, automate repetitive tasks and manage online systems.
These services can require more technical knowledge than general administration.
7. Project Coordination
Experienced virtual assistants may support project scheduling, task tracking and communication between stakeholders.
These responsibilities can provide a pathway towards more specialised remote operations or project roles.
How Much Do Entry-Level Virtual Assistants Earn?
Entry-level earnings vary depending on whether you're seeking employment or starting a freelance business.
Some employers recruit junior administrative staff and provide training in their systems.
Others expect previous office experience.
If you're freelancing, you may initially need to build a portfolio and establish relationships with clients.
However, charging extremely low rates isn't always the best approach.
You still need to cover your expenses and earn a sustainable income.
Before setting a rate, consider how much time you'll spend delivering the service, communicating with clients and completing unpaid business tasks.
It's also important to remember that a low rate doesn't guarantee you'll attract clients.
Businesses may value reliability, communication and relevant experience more than the lowest possible price.
Do You Need a Degree to Become a Virtual Assistant?
Not generally.
Many virtual assistant positions don't universally require university qualifications.
Employers and clients may prioritise administrative experience, communication skills, computer literacy and organisation.
However, some specialised roles require additional knowledge.
For example, executive support may require experience handling confidential information and complex schedules.
Bookkeeping-related work may require accounting knowledge, while specialist technical services may involve industry certifications.
If you're entering the profession without experience, developing practical skills can help.
Relevant areas include Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, spreadsheets, email management, online scheduling and customer relationship management software.
You can also consider vocational training in business administration.
What Skills Help Virtual Assistants Earn More?
Higher earnings generally become more realistic as you develop skills that allow you to take on more complex responsibilities.
Strong Written Communication
Virtual assistants frequently communicate through email and online messaging.
Clear, professional writing is important.
Organisation and Time Management
Managing calendars, deadlines and competing tasks is central to many virtual assistant positions.
Spreadsheet Skills
Experience with Excel and Google Sheets can be valuable for reporting, record management and business administration.
CRM Software
Businesses may use Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho or other platforms to manage customer relationships.
Ecommerce Platforms
Knowledge of Shopify and other online retail systems can help you support ecommerce businesses.
Automation Tools
Experience with workflow automation platforms may help you provide more specialised services.
Industry Knowledge
Understanding a particular industry can be valuable.
For example, someone with experience in construction, professional services or ecommerce may be able to provide more effective support to businesses in those sectors.
How to Set Your Virtual Assistant Rates in Australia
If you're starting a freelance virtual assistant business, setting appropriate rates is an important decision.
Rather than choosing an arbitrary hourly figure, calculate what you need to earn and how many hours you can realistically bill.
Step 1: Estimate Your Annual Revenue Target
Consider the income you want your business to generate.
Remember that revenue isn't the same as personal take-home pay.
Step 2: Estimate Your Billable Hours
You may spend time finding clients, preparing proposals, managing invoices and completing administrative tasks.
These hours aren't always billable.
For example, you might work 35 hours per week but bill clients for only 25 hours.
Step 3: Calculate Your Operating Costs
Expenses may include software, insurance, accounting, internet, equipment and marketing.
Step 4: Calculate a Sustainable Hourly Rate
Suppose you want to generate $90,000 in annual revenue.
If you expect to bill 25 hours per week for 46 weeks, that's 1,150 billable hours.
Your required average rate would be approximately $78.26 per hour.
This is a business planning calculation, not a recommended standard market rate.
You would still need to consider whether clients are willing to pay that amount for your services.
Step 5: Compare the Market
Research competing services and speak with potential clients.
Consider whether your skills and experience justify your proposed pricing.
Step 6: Review Your Rates
As your experience develops and your services become more valuable, review your rates.
Avoid increasing prices without considering your client relationships and contractual arrangements.
Should Virtual Assistants Charge Hourly or Monthly?
Freelancers commonly use hourly billing, fixed project fees or monthly retainers.
Each model has advantages.
Hourly Billing
Hourly billing can be suitable when workloads vary.
Clients pay for the time spent completing agreed tasks.
However, earnings remain closely tied to billable hours.
Monthly Retainers
A monthly retainer involves charging a recurring fee for an agreed service or allocation of work.
For example, a virtual assistant might charge $1,000 per month for a defined package of administrative support.
Retainers can provide more predictable revenue.
However, you should clearly define the services included and how additional work is charged.
Project-Based Pricing
Some tasks can be priced as fixed projects.
For example, a freelancer might charge a set amount to organise a customer database or configure an administrative workflow.
This can work well when the scope is clearly defined.
The most suitable pricing model depends on the service and client requirements.
How to Find Virtual Assistant Jobs in Australia
Finding legitimate virtual assistant opportunities requires searching across several channels.
Some employers advertise positions under the title virtual assistant.
Others use terms such as remote administrative assistant, executive assistant, personal assistant or business support officer.
Searching for related titles can help expand your opportunities.
Search for Remote Administrative Roles
Useful search terms include:
- Virtual assistant jobs Australia
- Remote virtual assistant jobs
- Work from home virtual assistant
- Part-time virtual assistant jobs Australia
- Remote administrative assistant
- Remote executive assistant
- Remote personal assistant
- Remote business support officer
- Online administration jobs
- Virtual assistant jobs no experience
- Remote ecommerce assistant
- Remote operations assistant
- Remote customer support administrator
- Remote appointment scheduler
- Freelance virtual assistant Australia
Review the job description carefully to determine whether the position involves employment or independent contracting.
Explore Company Career Websites
Businesses sometimes advertise remote administrative positions directly through their own recruitment pages.
These may include technology companies, professional services firms and online businesses.
Search Freelance Platforms
Freelance marketplaces may provide opportunities to find clients.
However, competition can be substantial, and platform fees may reduce your earnings.
Build Relationships With Businesses
Freelance virtual assistants may also find clients through professional networks, referrals and direct business relationships.
However, acquiring clients can take time.
Find Remote Virtual Assistant Jobs on Deskless
Deskless is a dedicated remote job board featuring opportunities sourced directly from Australian and international company websites.
Rather than relying exclusively on traditional recruitment platforms, Deskless helps job seekers discover remote vacancies published through employer career pages.
This can include virtual assistant, administrative support, executive assistant, operations and related positions when available.
New remote opportunities are added daily, and the platform operates through a paid membership model.
Not every vacancy uses the exact title virtual assistant, so searching related administrative roles can be useful.
You'll also need to review individual job descriptions to confirm compensation, employment arrangements and location eligibility.
Some international employers restrict hiring to particular countries or time zones.
Explore Remote Jobs on Deskless
Can Australian Virtual Assistants Work for Overseas Clients?
Yes. Some Australian freelancers provide virtual assistance services to overseas businesses.
However, international work involves additional considerations.
Clients may expect availability during particular time zones.
Payments may be made in foreign currencies.
Exchange rates and payment processing fees can affect your earnings.
You should also consider contractual arrangements, tax obligations and how disputes will be handled.
Some overseas companies advertise remote employment positions but accept applicants only from certain countries.
Before applying, confirm whether Australian residents are eligible.
For freelance arrangements, make sure you understand the payment terms and services expected.
Do Virtual Assistants Need an ABN or Register for GST?
If you're operating a genuine virtual assistant business as a sole trader, you will generally need to consider whether to obtain an Australian Business Number.
An ABN identifies your business for relevant tax and commercial purposes.
GST registration is generally required when your GST turnover reaches the applicable registration threshold, currently $75,000 for most businesses.
However, GST turnover isn't always identical to total business revenue, particularly when services are supplied internationally.
Some exports of services may be GST-free if the relevant conditions are satisfied.
If you're employed as a virtual assistant, you generally don't need an ABN simply because you work remotely.
You can review the requirements through the Australian Taxation Office and business.gov.au.
If you're uncertain about your circumstances, seek advice from a registered tax professional.
Are Virtual Assistants Employees or Contractors?
Virtual assistants may work as employees or independent contractors.
The distinction matters because it affects pay, leave, tax and other obligations.
Employees generally work within an employer's business and receive applicable employment entitlements.
Independent contractors operate their own businesses and negotiate commercial arrangements.
However, simply signing a contractor agreement doesn't automatically make someone an independent contractor.
The actual legal relationship matters.
The Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance on sham contracting and situations where an employee is incorrectly represented as a contractor.
If an employer requires you to work fixed hours under close supervision and describes you as a contractor, it's worth checking whether the arrangement has been classified correctly.
How to Avoid Virtual Assistant Job Scams
Remote administrative positions can attract fraudulent advertisements.
Some scammers advertise unusually high hourly rates for simple tasks and claim that no experience is required.
Others impersonate legitimate employers or ask applicants to pay for training and equipment.
Warning signs include requests for upfront payments, pressure to share sensitive information before verifying the employer and instructions to transfer money through personal accounts.
Be particularly cautious of jobs involving receiving payments on behalf of someone else.
The Australian Government's Scamwatch provides information about employment scams.
Always verify the business through official channels before sharing sensitive information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do virtual assistants earn in Australia?
Advertised full-time virtual assistant salaries commonly sit around $60,000 to $75,000 annually, with Jora reporting an average of approximately $65,000. Actual earnings vary by role and employer.
How much do freelance virtual assistants charge per hour?
Freelance rates vary widely. Some Australian freelancers may charge around $30 to $60 per hour, while specialised providers may charge more. These aren't fixed industry rates.
Can virtual assistants earn $100,000 a year?
Yes, particularly through specialised services or an established freelance business. However, $100,000 in freelance revenue isn't the same as a $100,000 employee salary or take-home income.
Do virtual assistants need a degree?
Not generally. Many employers and clients prioritise administrative experience, communication, organisation and computer skills.
Is virtual assistance a good side hustle?
It can be suitable for people with administrative skills who want flexible work. However, freelance income depends on securing clients and managing workloads.
Can I become a virtual assistant with no experience?
Some entry-level positions and freelance opportunities may be accessible without direct virtual assistant experience. Transferable skills from customer service, retail, hospitality and administration can be useful.
Is it better to work as an employee or freelance virtual assistant?
Employment generally provides more predictable income and applicable leave entitlements. Freelancing offers greater control over pricing and clients but involves business expenses and income uncertainty.
Can I work as a virtual assistant from anywhere in Australia?
Some employers recruit nationally, while others have location restrictions. Freelancers may have greater flexibility, depending on client requirements.
Where can I find virtual assistant jobs in Australia?
Search employer career websites, SEEK, Indeed, LinkedIn, freelance platforms and dedicated remote job boards such as Deskless.
Final Thoughts
Virtual assistance can provide a practical pathway into remote employment or self-employment in Australia.
For employed virtual assistants, advertised annual salaries commonly fall around $60,000 to $75,000, although some specialised and experienced positions pay more.
Freelance virtual assistants have greater control over their rates, but their earnings depend on client demand, billable hours and operating expenses.
If you're entering the profession, focus on developing strong administrative, communication and computer skills.
If you already have experience, consider specialising in executive support, ecommerce, operations or other services that require additional expertise.
Remember that hourly freelance rates and employee wages aren't directly comparable.
Before accepting a position or setting your prices, consider the full financial arrangement.
Most importantly, expand your search beyond traditional employment websites. Many businesses advertise remote administrative vacancies directly through their own career pages, and exploring these opportunities can help you discover employers you might otherwise overlook.
Ready to find your next remote opportunity?
Explore remote jobs on Deskless and discover positions sourced directly from Australian and international company websites.
Find remote opportunities across administration, executive support, customer service, operations and more, and take the next step towards a career that offers greater flexibility and opportunities for professional growth.