If you’re running a small business or startup, you know how valuable your time is. But when it comes to hiring support, cost is often the biggest question. That’s why so many entrepreneurs are now exploring remote administrative assistants (RAAs), especially those based in the Philippines.
So, how much do they really cost in 2025 compared to hiring someone locally in the U.S.? Let’s break it down.
The Cost of Hiring an Administrative Assistant in the U.S.
In 2025, hiring an administrative assistant in the U.S. is far from cheap. Depending on the source, the average pay looks like this:
- Indeed reports about $20.35 per hour, or roughly $40K–$42K annually (Indeed, 2025).
- Glassdoor shows an average of $51,662 annually, or around $25/hour (Glassdoor, 2025).
- PayScale lists typical ranges from $31K to $58K per year (PayScale, 2025).
- Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide pegs the range at $41,250–$51,750 (Robert Half, 2025).
But remember, that’s just base pay. Once you add benefits, payroll taxes, and overhead (like equipment and software), the true annual cost often lands between $55,000–$65,000.
For many startups and small businesses, that’s a significant financial stretch.
The Cost of Hiring a Remote Administrative Assistant from the Philippines
Now let’s look at the alternative. A Filipino remote administrative assistant in 2025 is significantly more affordable:
- HireTalent.ph reports average salaries of US$863–$1,426 per month, or about $10,356–$17,112 annually (HireTalent, 2025).
- WorkStaff360 lists freelance VA rates at ₱20,000–₱35,000 per month (~US$355–$625), while fully managed services range from ₱35,000–₱60,000/month (~US$625–$1,070) (WorkStaff360, 2025).
- For more specialized roles, DDIY.co notes Filipino VAs charge $10–$15/hour, or around $1,600–$2,400/month (DDIY, 2025).
Even with extras like performance bonuses, internet stipends, or software access, the total cost remains much lower than a U.S.-based hire.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Type of Hire | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost (2025) |
| U.S. Administrative Assistant | $3,400–$5,400+ | $41,000–$65,000+ |
| Filipino Remote Admin Assistant | $900–$1,500 (average) | $10,000–$18,000 |
| Freelance Filipino VA | $355–$625 | $4,200–$7,500 |
| Specialized Filipino VA | $1,600–$2,400 | $19,000–$29,000 |
That’s up to 70% savings—without sacrificing quality.
Why Businesses Choose Filipino Remote Administrative Assistants
The affordability is attractive, but cost isn’t the only reason U.S. entrepreneurs hire in the Philippines. Filipino RAAs also bring:
- Excellent English fluency → Clear communication with U.S. teams and clients
- Strong cultural alignment → Adaptability to Western business practices
- Proven reliability → Known for commitment and consistency
- Flexible schedules → Many work U.S. hours to stay aligned with your day
It’s why so many U.S. SMBs and startups are turning to the Philippines as a trusted talent hub.
In conclusion
Hiring help in the U.S. can be expensive, sometimes prohibitively so for small businesses. In 2025, Filipino remote administrative assistants offer a cost-effective and reliable alternative, allowing entrepreneurs to get high-quality support while keeping overhead low.
For the price of one U.S.-based hire, you could potentially build a small team of RAAs in the Philippines. That’s more hands, more support, and more freedom to focus on what matters most: growing your business.