What a virtual assistant actually costs in Australia.
A transparently modelled benchmark of VA cost versus a loaded local hire, by tier and by state. The on-cost maths is rigorous and sourced; the rates are published, not invented. See exactly how it is built.
Reviewed by Jenn Yang · Director, DotVA · 48+ AU placements managed · Last checked 12 June 2026
Indicative modelled figures for general information only, not financial, tax or legal advice. Local market rates vary and on-costs depend on your state, industry and circumstances. Model your own numbers and confirm anything you rely on with your adviser.
VA cost vs a loaded local hire, by tier
Monthly figures assume 20 hours a week. "Local, all-in" loads the base wage with super, workers comp and paid leave (the maths is on the methodology page). Excludes payroll tax, which most small businesses sit under, plus recruitment and the downtime you pay a local for between tasks.
| Tier | VA rate (AUD/hr) | Local base (indicative) | Local, all-in | VA / month | Local / month | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admin / reception VAvs Local admin / receptionist | $12-17 | ~$30/hr | ~$38/hr | ~$1,256 | ~$3,279 | ~62% |
| Specialist VAvs Local coordinator / EA | $18-25 | ~$40/hr | ~$50/hr | ~$1,862 | ~$4,372 | ~57% |
| Bookkeeping VAvs Local bookkeeper | $25-35 | ~$45/hr | ~$57/hr | ~$2,598 | ~$4,918 | ~47% |
| Online business managervs Local operations manager | $25-40 | ~$55/hr | ~$69/hr | ~$2,815 | ~$6,011 | ~53% |
Why a local hire costs more than the wage
The hourly rate on a job ad is not what a local employee costs you. Three loadings sit on top of every base wage, and they are the reason an offshore VA at a lower headline rate is still cheaper once everything is counted:
+12%
Superannuation guarantee
Compulsory on ordinary earnings, from 1 July 2025, on the first dollar.
~+1-2%
Workers compensation
State scheme premium; lower for low-risk office work, higher for trades.
~+13%
Paid leave
Four weeks annual plus personal leave and public holidays: paid time not worked.
A DotVA placement carries none of these: you pay one hourly rate for hours worked, on a single AUD service invoice, with no super, no workers comp, no leave and no payroll tax on the engagement.
The on-costs of a local hire, by state (2025-26)
Payroll tax applies only above the threshold, so most small businesses do not pay it; super and workers comp apply from the first dollar. Figures are indicative and current for FY2025-26.
| State | Super | Workers comp scheme | Payroll tax | Threshold | Timezone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 12% | icare (NSW Nominal Insurer) | 5.45% | $1.2M | AEST / AEDT |
| VIC | 12% | WorkCover (WorkSafe Victoria) | 4.85% | $1M | AEST / AEDT |
| QLD | 12% | WorkCover Queensland | 4.75% | $1.3M | AEST (no daylight saving) |
| WA | 12% | WorkCover WA (licensed insurers) | 5.5% | $1M | AWST (UTC+8) |
| SA | 12% | ReturnToWorkSA | 4.95% | $1.5M | ACST / ACDT (UTC+9:30) |
| ACT | 12% | Private insurers (ACT default insurance fund) | 6.85% | $2M | AEST / AEDT |
| TAS | 12% | WorkCover Tasmania (licensed insurers) | 4% | $1.3M | AEST / AEDT |
| NT | 12% | Private insurers (NT WorkSafe regulated) | 5.5% | $1.5M | ACST (UTC+9:30) |
Model it for your own role
This benchmark is the market picture. To put your exact hours and tier against a local hire, run the calculator, or read how the benchmark is built before you cite it.