A local executive assistant costs salary plus payroll taxes, benefits, equipment, office space and recruiting time. US based virtual executive assistants usually bill by the hour at a premium. An offshore executive assistant through a provider is typically a flat monthly fee well below a local salary. The right choice depends on whether you need in person support, how many overlap hours you need and how much you value predictable cost.
Hiring an executive assistant is one of the best moves a busy founder can make. It is also one of the most confusing to price, because the options vary so widely. A local hire, a US based virtual EA and an offshore EA can all do excellent work, but the cost structures are completely different.
Here is how to compare them fairly.
Option one, a local hire
The salary is the number everyone looks at, but it is only part of the cost. Salaries for executive assistants vary a lot by city, industry and seniority, so check current local data from a source such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational data or recent local job postings rather than a national average.
On top of salary, add these.
- Employer payroll taxes
- Health insurance and other benefits
- Paid time off and holidays
- Equipment and software
- Office space, if you have one
- Recruiting time or fees
- Training time during the first months
These extras often add a meaningful share on top of base salary. Ask your accountant or payroll provider for the real figure in your state.
The big advantage of a local hire is presence. They can run your office, meet visitors and handle anything physical.
Option two, a US based virtual EA
Many experienced EAs work as independent contractors or through US agencies, billing by the hour or by monthly retainer for a block of hours. You avoid payroll taxes and benefits, and you get someone in your time zone with deep familiarity with US business norms.
Rates tend to be on the higher end because you are paying for experienced US talent. Retainers often cover a limited number of hours, so check what happens when you go over.
Option three, an offshore EA
An offshore executive assistant, often in the Philippines, works on your account full or part time through a provider or directly. Pricing is usually a flat monthly fee covering a full work schedule. Many work a shift that overlaps with US business hours.
The tradeoffs are distance and the need for clear written communication. The gains are cost and the ability to afford full time support where a local hire would be out of reach. Our offshore executive assistant playbook covers how to set one up.
Side by side
| Factor | Local hire | US virtual EA | Offshore EA | |---|---|---|---| | Pricing structure | Salary plus overhead | Hourly or retainer | Flat monthly | | Payroll taxes and benefits | Yours | Not yours | Handled by provider | | In person tasks | Yes | No | No | | Time zone | Yours | Usually yours | Night shift to overlap | | Hours included | Full time | Often limited blocks | Full or part time | | Scaling up | New hire | More hours at rate | Add a plan |
Hidden costs to consider
Turnover
Replacing any EA is costly. You lose context and spend weeks hiring and training. A provider that handles replacements reduces this risk.
Management time
Every EA needs onboarding and a weekly check in. Remote EAs need clearer written processes. Budget a few hours a month regardless of the option.
Underuse
The most common hidden cost is paying for an EA you do not fully use. If you are not ready to hand over your inbox and calendar, you will not get the value. Our comparison of a virtual assistant vs executive assistant helps check which role you actually need.
A simple cost worksheet
Use this to compare options with your own numbers.
| Line | Local | US virtual | Offshore | |---|---|---|---| | Base pay or fee per month | | | | | Payroll taxes and benefits | | n/a | n/a | | Equipment and software | | | | | Office space | | n/a | n/a | | Recruiting cost spread over a year | | | | | Your management time | | | | | Monthly total | | | |
Fill in each column with real quotes. The difference is usually clear once overhead is included.
Offshore EA pricing at delegateit
Our pricing is flat and published. A full time Assistant starts at $1,500 a month for about 160 hours. A part time Assistant starts at $900 a month for about 80 hours. Specialist roles, which can include experienced executive support, start at $2,200 a month. See the pricing page. For a broader view of the comparison, read offshore staff vs a local hire.
Which option fits
Choose a local hire if you need someone physically present and can absorb the full cost.
Choose a US virtual EA if you need deep same time zone support for a limited number of hours a week.
Choose an offshore EA if you want full time, daily support at a predictable cost and are comfortable managing remotely.
Many founders mix options. An offshore EA handles inbox, calendar and travel, while a local office manager or part time helper covers physical tasks.
Getting value from any EA
Cost only matters relative to value. An EA earns their keep by protecting your time. Give them real ownership of your calendar and inbox, meet weekly and block the time they free for work only you can do. Our post on inbox management with a virtual assistant shows how to hand over email safely.
Questions to ask before deciding
- What share of my EA's work needs to be in person?
- How many hours of overlap with my day do I need?
- Can I afford full time locally, and would I use it fully?
- Am I ready to hand over my inbox and calendar?
- Who handles replacement if the EA leaves?
How cost changes over time
The cheapest option in month one is not always the cheapest over two years. Local hires usually get raises and benefits grow with tenure. Hourly contractors may raise rates as demand grows. Flat monthly plans can change too, so ask providers how pricing evolves and how often it is reviewed. Look at the likely total over the length of time you expect to work together.
Executive assistant cost questions
How much does an executive assistant cost per month?
It varies widely by option. Local hires carry salary plus overhead, US virtual EAs usually bill hourly and offshore EAs through a provider are typically a flat monthly fee.
Is an offshore EA as good as a local one?
Many are excellent. The main differences are time zone and in person availability, so choose based on the work you need done.
What hidden costs come with a local EA?
Payroll taxes, benefits, equipment, office space, recruiting and turnover.
Can I start part time?
Yes. Part time executive support is common, though many leaders find daily hours work best once trust is built.