The 7 Highest-Paying Virtual Assistant Platforms in 2025 (Ranked by Hourly Rate)
The virtual assistant industry has exploded in recent years, with more professionals seeking flexible remote work and businesses looking to optimize their operations. But not all VA platforms are created equal when it comes to compensation.
If you’re a skilled virtual assistant looking to maximize your earning potential in 2025, you need to know which platforms pay top dollar for your expertise. I’ve researched dozens of platforms and analyzed their payment structures to bring you this definitive ranking.
Let’s dive into the seven highest-paying virtual assistant platforms of 2025, ranked by their maximum hourly rates.
How We Ranked These Platforms
Before revealing the rankings, let’s clarify our methodology:
- We focused on hourly equivalent rates (even for platforms with monthly pricing)
- We prioritized platforms accessible to skilled professionals (not just agencies hiring VAs)
- We considered reliability of work and payment structures
- We verified rates through multiple sources including Forbes Advisor, platform websites, and user reports
Now, let’s get to the rankings!
The 7 Highest-Paying Virtual Assistant Platforms in 2025
1. Boldly — Up to $63/hour
Hourly Rate Range: $40-$63
Payment Structure: Monthly subscription model
Specializations: Executive assistance, marketing, project management
Boldly (formerly Worldwide101) tops our list as the highest-paying virtual assistant platform in 2025. The company positions itself as a premium subscription staffing service, connecting businesses with experienced executive assistants, many of whom have Fortune 500 backgrounds.
Why They Pay So Well:
- Boldly hires VAs as W2 employees (not contractors)
- They focus exclusively on U.S. and U.K.-based professionals
- They require at least 7 years of professional experience
- Their clients are primarily established businesses with substantial budgets
How to Get Accepted: Boldly has a notoriously selective application process with a reported acceptance rate of less than 5%. Successful applicants typically have extensive executive assistant experience, proficiency with business software, and excellent communication skills.
The Catch: While the pay is excellent, Boldly requires a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week, and you’ll need significant professional experience to qualify.
2. Zirtual — Up to $50/hour
Hourly Rate Range: $25-$50
Payment Structure: Monthly client retainers
Specializations: Email management, scheduling, research, travel arrangements
Zirtual comes in second on our list, offering rates up to $50 per hour for their most experienced virtual assistants. The platform exclusively hires U.S.-based college-educated professionals and serves entrepreneurs, small businesses, and professionals.
Why They Pay So Well:
- U.S.-only hiring policy (no overseas competition)
- College degree requirement
- Focus on higher-end clients and entrepreneurs
- Dedicated (not pooled) assistant model
How to Get Accepted: Zirtual looks for U.S.-based applicants with a bachelor’s degree, at least three years of administrative experience, and exceptional organizational skills. Their multi-stage interview process includes skills assessments and background checks.
The Catch: Work volume can be inconsistent, and you’ll need to manage multiple clients to create a full-time income.
3. BELAY — Up to $45/hour
Hourly Rate Range: $20-$45
Payment Structure: Hourly through client retainers
Specializations: Executive assistance, bookkeeping, social media management
BELAY ranks third on our list with top virtual assistants earning up to $45 per hour. The company has built a reputation for providing high-quality remote staffing solutions to businesses across the U.S.
Why They Pay So Well:
- Faith-based company with strong values
- U.S.-only hiring policy
- Rigorous vetting process (only3% of applicants are accepted)
- Specialized roles command premium rates
How to Get Accepted: BELAY looks for U.S.-based professionals with at least five years of relevant experience. Their application process includes multiple interviews, skills assessments, and reference checks. They particularly value prior remote work experience and self-motivation.
The Catch: BELAY requires a minimum availability of 10 hours per week, and their faith-based culture may not appeal to everyone.
4. Time Etc — Up to $38/hour
Hourly Rate Range: $18-$38
Payment Structure: Hourly Specializations: Administrative tasks, customer service, research
Time Etc secures fourth place with rates reaching up to $38 per hour for their most skilled virtual assistants. Founded in 2007, the platform has established itself as a reliable option for both VAs and clients.
Why They Pay So Well:
- Founded by a former VA who understands fair compensation
- Focus on quality over quantity
- Established client base of entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Performance-based advancement opportunities
How to Get Accepted: Time Etc seeks applicants with at least five years of professional experience. Their application process includes skills tests, interviews, and reference checks. They particularly value attention to detail and communication skills.
The Catch: Work volume can vary significantly, and building up to the highest pay rates takes time and consistent performance.
5. Toptal — Up to $35/hour
Hourly Rate Range: $25-$35
Payment Structure: Hourly or project-based
Specializations: Executive assistance, project management, specialized admin support
Toptal is known primarily for connecting businesses with top tech talent, but their virtual assistant division offers impressive rates up to $35 per hour. The platform prides itself on accepting only the “top 3%” of talent.
Why They Pay So Well:
- Rigorous screening process
- Focus on high-value skills
- Premium client base willing to pay for quality
- Global talent pool with emphasis on excellence
How to Get Accepted: Toptal has a five-step screening process that includes language and personality assessments, skill testing, live screening, test projects, and ongoing evaluation. They look for VAs with exceptional skills and specialized expertise.
The Catch: The application process is extremely competitive, and you’ll need to demonstrate specialized skills beyond basic administrative abilities.
6. Prialto — Up to $27/hour
Hourly Rate Range: $15-$27
Payment Structure: Monthly membership model
Specializations: Executive assistance, sales support, CRM management
Prialto offers a unique team-based approach to virtual assistance, with top VAs earning up to $27 per hour. The company provides managed virtual assistant services primarily to executives and sales professionals.
Why They Pay So Well:
- Team-based approach with dedicated managers
- Focus on long-term client relationships
- Specialized training in executive support
- Emphasis on professional development
How to Get Accepted: Prialto hires primarily in the Philippines, Guatemala, and the United States. They look for candidates with strong English skills, previous administrative experience, and excellent attention to detail. Their hiring process includes language assessments, skills tests, and multiple interviews.
The Catch: The team structure means less independence than some other platforms, and advancement can be slower.
7. Fancy Hands — Up to $25/hour
Hourly Rate Range: $12-$25
Payment Structure: Per-task payment Specializations: Short tasks, research, scheduling, phone calls
Fancy Hands rounds out our list with top earners making up to $25 per hour. Unlike other platforms on this list, Fancy Hands uses a task-based payment model rather than hourly rates.
Why They Pay So Well:
- Efficiency-based model rewards quick work
- Opportunity to become a task manager
- U.S.-based assistant pool
- Flexible work schedule with no minimum hours
How to Get Accepted: Fancy Hands looks for U.S.-based applicants with strong English skills and basic technical proficiency. Their application process includes a background check and sample tasks to assess your abilities.
The Catch: The task-based payment model can be unpredictable, and you’ll need to work efficiently to maximize your hourly equivalent rate.
Honorable Mentions
These platforms didn’t quite make our top seven but still offer competitive rates:
- WoodBows — Up to $22/hour
- Magic — Up to $20/hour
- Upwork (Premium VA Category) — Up to $50/hour (but highly variable)
- Fiverr Pro — Up to $45/hour (for top-rated Pro VAs)
Factors That Influence Virtual Assistant Pay in 2025
Several factors determine how much you can earn as a virtual assistant:
1. Specialization
General administrative VAs typically earn $15-$25/hour, while specialized VAs command much higher rates:
- Executive Assistance: $30-$63/hour
- Financial/Bookkeeping: $25-$50/hour
- Marketing Support: $25-$45/hour
- Project Management: $30-$55/hour
According to PayScale, specialization can increase your earning potential by 30-150%.
2. Experience Level
Experience significantly impacts earning potential:
- Entry-level (0-1 years): $12-$15/hour
- Mid-level (1-4 years): $15-$30/hour
- Expert (5+ years): $30-$63/hour
3. Location
In2025, location still matters even for remote work:
- U.S./Canada-based VAs: $19-$63/hour
- Western Europe-based VAs: $18-$50/hour
- Eastern Europe-based VAs: $15-$35/hour
- Latin America-based VAs: $8-$25/hour
- Asia-based VAs: $5-$20/hour
4. Technical Skills
VAs with technical skills earn substantially more:
- CRM expertise: +25% premium
- Advanced Excel/data analysis: +30% premium
- Graphic design abilities: +20% premium
- Social media management: +15% premium
Tips for Maximizing Your Income as a Virtual Assistant
To earn top dollar on these platforms:
- Develop a specialization that commands higher rates
- Build a strong profile with testimonials and work samples
- Continuously improve your skills through certifications and training
- Apply to multiple platforms to diversify your client base
- Focus on efficiency to increase your effective hourly rate
- Negotiate higher rates after proving your value
- Offer package deals for recurring services
The Future of Virtual Assistant Compensation
Looking beyond 2025, several trends will likely impact VA compensation:
- AI integration will eliminate basic tasks but increase demand for VAs who can work alongside AI
- Specialized knowledge will become even more valuable
- Global competition will continue to pressure rates for general VA services
- Industry-specific expertise will command significant premiums
Final Thoughts
The highest-paying virtual assistant platforms of 2025 offer exceptional earning opportunities for skilled professionals. While these platforms are more selective and demanding than general freelancing sites, the financial rewards make the extra effort worthwhile.
Remember that the key to maximizing your income as a virtual assistant is continuous skill development and specialization. By focusing on high-value services and targeting premium platforms, you can build a lucrative virtual assistant career in 2025 and beyond.
Have you worked with any of these platforms? Share your experience in the comments below!
