As a UK founder, if 90% of the tasks and decisions in your business depend on your approval, you already know it’s time to delegate and free up your time from repetitive tasks, so you can focus on what grows your business.
The next question is how much it would cost you, because you have a budget and you need to know if it is affordable or if it is going to be a decision you’ll need to push for later. The cost of hiring a virtual assistant in the UK can vary considerably depending on several factors.
This article covers the base cost of hiring a virtual assistant by experience level, the additional costs most businesses overlook, the total cost of employment, the key factors that affect what you pay, and your options if the numbers do not fit your budget.
What Is the Base Cost of Hiring a Virtual Assistant in the UK (2026)?
When you search for how much it costs to hire a virtual assistant in the UK, the answers can range from £8 to £60 an hour, which makes it hard to know what is realistic. Since the minimum wage in the UK is £12.71 per hour, that is the starting point for any UK-based virtual assistant.
The base cost of hiring a virtual assistant is largely determined by their years of experience. Here is what employers are typically paying:
| Experience level | Years of experience | Hourly | Monthly (approx.) | Yearly (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | 0 – 3 years | £12.71 – £14.50 | £2,200 – £2,510 | £26,400 – £30,120 |
| Mid-level | 3 – 5 years | £14.50 – £16.50 | £2,510 – £2,860 | £30,120 – £34,320 |
| Senior-level | 5+ years | £16.50 – £19.00 | £2,860 – £3,290 | £34,320 – £39,520 |
On some job sites you may find lower salary figures. These are typically based on remote talent working full time from lower cost-of-living countries, or freelance talent working part-time rather than full-time employed roles.
What Are the Additional Costs of Hiring a Virtual Assistant?
There are some mandatory costs that come with hiring a full-time virtual assistant beyond the base pay:
- Employer National Insurance
Employers are required to pay National Insurance contributions, which is currently 15% on earnings above a certain threshold in 2026. - Auto Enrolment Pension
Under the UK’s auto-enrolment scheme, every eligible employee must be enrolled into a workplace pension, and as an employer, you are required to contribute at least 3%. - Paid Leave & Public Holidays
UK employees are entitled to 28 days paid leave including bank holidays. This means you pay your virtual assistant on these days where there is no active output. - Equipment and Software
Some tools virtual assistants use for project management, scheduling, communication, social media management, and bookkeeping may require a subscription depending on what your business needs. This adds to the cost of hiring if you do not already have the tools in place. - Onboarding and Training
When you hire a virtual assistant, it takes time to onboard and train them to do things the way you need them done. The time you and your new hire spend on this, plus any initial setup, can easily range from £500 to £2,000 or more depending on how structured your business already is. - Recruitment or Job Board Fees
Hiring a virtual assistant often involves advertising the role, using job boards, or screening candidates. These costs can add up before anyone even starts working.
Here is what these additional costs typically add up to for a full-time virtual assistant:
| Additional Costs | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Employer National Insurance | £3,200 – £5,200 |
| Auto Enrolment Pension | £800 – £1,200 |
| Paid Holiday Cover (28 days) | £2,400 – £3,500 |
| Equipment and Software | £800 – £1,500 |
| Onboarding and Training | £500 – £2,000 |
| Recruitment or Job Board Fees | £1,000 – £3,000 |
| Total Additional Costs | £8,700 – £16,400 |
What is the Total Cost?
Having covered the base pay and additional costs, here is what the estimated total cost to hire a virtual assistant in the UK in 2026 typically looks like:
| Experience Level | Base Annual Salary | Total Additional Costs | Total Monthly Cost | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 3 years | £26,400 – £30,200 | £8,700 – £12,800 | £2,920 – £3,550 | £35,100 – £42,920 |
| 3 – 5 years | £30,120 – £34,320 | £9,600 – £14,400 | £3,310 – £4,060 | £39,720 – £48,720 |
| 5+ years | £34,320 – £39,520 | £11,400 – £16,400 | £3,810 – £4,660 | £45,720 – £55,920 |
Key Factors That Affect the Cost of Hiring a Virtual Assistant
There are several factors that affect the cost of hiring a virtual assistant:
- Experience level
Virtual assistants with more experience can handle more complex tasks and often require less supervision. They cost more but typically deliver more value from day one. - Industry
Competitive industries like SaaS, finance, or e-commerce often pay more for virtual assistants because the work requires a higher level of knowledge and attention to detail. - Location
Virtual assistants based in cities like London typically earn more than those in smaller towns due to the cost of living differences. Hiring remotely removes that geographical constraint and gives businesses access to a wider range of talent at different price points.
Affordable Ways to Hire Virtual Support in the UK
A growing number of UK businesses need support but cannot justify the full cost of a local full-time hire. Here are some practical alternatives:
- Hire Part-Time
If your needs do not require full-time hours, hiring part-time means you only pay for the support you need. This works well for businesses with a lighter or fluctuating workload. - Hire Interns
If you have an experienced team member who can supervise, hiring an intern or entry-level candidate can be a cost-effective way to get support. The first few months take investment but it can pay off over time. - Hire Freelancers
Freelancers are a good option for flexible, project-based support without a long-term commitment. - Hire Offshore
This is where many businesses are saving the most right now. You can partner with Arwana to hire experienced and dedicated virtual assistant based overseas, at a fraction of the cost of hiring locally, with no recruitment fees and no long-term contracts.
Conclusion
The cost of hiring a virtual assistant in the UK in 2026 goes beyond the salary. Location, experience level, type of hire, and additional employment costs all play a role in what you end up paying.
Doing your research before hiring rather than going in blind makes a significant difference. And if the numbers above do not fit your budget, Arwana connects UK businesses with dedicated remote virtual assistants from £699 a month.
