Many Switching to Virtual Assistant Roles: Here's the Salary and Capital Required
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The profession of virtual assistant (VA) is increasingly being eyed as a flexible work alternative in the digital era. Not a few workers are starting to switch to this field, either as a main job or a side gig, as it is considered to have attractive income potential.
This industry is also continuing to grow in line with the increasing needs of companies for remote workers. The trend towards remote and flexible work has caused demand for VA services to surge in recent years.
According to World Metrics data, the global virtual assistant market value is projected to reach US$44.25 billion in 2027 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.3%. Insidea reports note that VA demand increased by 35% throughout 2024, in line with the growing trend of flexible and remote work.
It is currently estimated that there are around 40 million VAs worldwide, with significant contributions from Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
How Much Capital?
To start a career as a virtual assistant, the required capital is relatively affordable and varies depending on the level of training. Like Umi, who began pursuing this profession in February 2025.
She chose to take an online course costing Rp2.7 million to learn the basics of remote work, familiarise herself with the tools used, and understand the most in-demand VA services in the global market.
“The cost was around Rp2.7 million. From there, I started to understand remote work methods, the tools used, high-in-demand services, popular and profitable niches, and how to communicate with international clients,” Umi told CNBC Indonesia.
On the other hand, there are also more comprehensive training programmes like the “Premium VA Training Program” offered for SGD 885 or around Rp11 million.
Such training is designed to help participants not only understand VA basics but also to be ready to compete for global clients after graduation.
Global VA Income
Globally, VA income varies greatly depending on location and skill level. Based on data from MyOutDesk and Truelist, VAs in the United States can earn an average of US$50,749 per year, even reaching US$70,000 for specialist positions. Meanwhile, in Asia, rates start from US$5 per hour, making workers from this region highly competitive in the global market.