Virtual Assistants: Philippines vs. US – What’s the Difference?

If you’re a business owner or executive who wants to save time and reduce costs so you can focus more on growing your revenue and your business—you will need virtual assistants.

Having virtual assistants for your business offers numerous benefits, including significant cost savings, increased productivity, and access to a diverse talent pool. By delegating routine tasks to virtual assistants, business owners can focus on strategic activities that drive growth and revenue. 

If your business is based in the U.S., you’re probably wondering whether you should hire U.S.-based virtual assistants or hire virtual assistants from the Philippines, which is now recognized as the business process outsourcing (BPO) capital of the world.

What’s the difference between the two? Where should you hire from? How do you find the right virtual assistant for your business?

You’ve come to the right place, as this guide shows you how. 

First, we’ll discuss what virtual assistants are and how they can help your business achieve your goals. Then we’ll explain the differences in hiring U.S.-based and Philippine-based virtual assistants. We’ll wrap it up with tips for finding the right virtual assistant for your business

If you want to go directly to a specific topic, just click on any of the topics below:

What is a virtual assistant?

A virtual assistant (VA) is a professional who provides administrative, technical, or creative support to clients remotely from a home office or other remote location. 

VAs leverage technology such as email, instant messaging, and video conferencing to communicate and collaborate with clients. Their responsibilities can range from managing emails, scheduling appointments, and handling social media accounts to conducting research, bookkeeping, customer service, and providing information technology (IT) services.

Virtual assistants are commonly employed by entrepreneurs, small businesses, and professionals to help manage their tasks and workload without hiring a full-time, in-house employee. 

With virtual assistants, businesses can adjust their support based on current needs without incurring the extra costs related to traditional employees, such as benefits, equipment, and office space. Virtual assistants offer flexible support, enabling businesses to adjust operations based on demand. 

This enhances efficiency and keeps businesses agile in a competitive market. Additionally, virtual assistants bring specialized skills that can boost areas like customer service and digital marketing.

Watch MyOutDesk’s founder, Daniel Ramsey, explain how virtual assistants benefit CEOs below.

Virtual assistants and the evolution of remote work

Virtual assistants (VAs) have significantly evolved. Initially based in the U.S., they provided administrative support to businesses. With internet technology, VAs can now offer diverse services remotely from anywhere in the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of remote work. Prior to the pandemic, only 17% of U.S. employees worked from home five days or more per week. 

During the pandemic, remote work rose to 44% as businesses adapted to lockdowns. It proved productive and efficient, reshaping business operations. This led to higher demand for virtual assistants to manage remote operations cost-effectively.

How many virtual assistants are there in the US and in the Philippines?

Based on the latest data, it is estimated that there are around 25,000 virtual assistants in the United States. Meanwhile, the Philippines is estimated to have more than a million. 

Why not hire in-house?

For businesses still looking to understand the hidden costs of hiring in-house within the US, it is very important to consider factors primarily related to cost and flexibility. 

On top of salaries, employers have to deal with extra costs like benefits, office space, and equipment, which can add up quickly. Plus, in-house employees usually expect higher pay because of the higher cost of living in the US. 

Traditional employment offers less flexibility than engaging virtual assistants or gig workers, which can pose challenges for businesses in adjusting their workforce size according to demand.

To get a detailed cost comparison between hiring in-house or hiring virtual assistants, you can use our cost calculator on our pricing page.

Cost comparison: virtual assistants in the US vs. the Philippines

When it comes to cost, there is a significant difference between hiring Filipino VAs and US-based VAs. 

A VA in the Philippines typically charges between $5 and $15 per hour, offering a massive cost advantage, especially for startups or small businesses looking to make the most of their budget.  

In contrast, the US rate for virtual assistants averages $24 per hour. US virtual assistants tend to have higher rates due to the higher cost of living in the United States. The average cost of living in the Philippines is 75% less expensive than in the United States.

Skillsets: Filipino VAs’ unique touch

Filipino virtual assistants are renowned for their exceptional customer service and support skills. 

The Philippines has a high level of English proficiency, which facilitates clear communication with global clients. Additionally, Filipino VAs are known for their cultural adaptability, strong work ethic, and dedication to providing top-notch service. 

These qualities make Filipino virtual assistants particularly well-suited for people-facing roles such as those in customer support, where they can manage inquiries, resolve issues, and contribute to improved customer satisfaction.

Watch Stephani Masterson, one of MyOutDesk’s happy clients, rave about her “lifesaver” of a Filipino virtual assistant below.

In contrast, US-based VAs may have a different skill set, often focusing on specialized tasks such as content creation, social media management, and technical support (which, by the way, can also be done by Philippine-based virtual assistants). 

While they are highly skilled, the personal touch and hospitality that Filipino VAs bring to customer service roles can be more challenging to find in the US.

Gig Economy and US VAs

The gig economy has transformed the way businesses operate, with many US-based virtual assistants working on a freelance or contract basis. 

The gig economy is all about short-term, freelance, or contract work, usually through digital platforms. This setup gives both workers and employers flexibility but might not have the long-term commitment and consistency of regular jobs.

This arrangement offers flexibility for both the VA and the employer, allowing for short-term, project-based work. However, this transactional nature of the gig economy can sometimes lead to a lack of long-term commitment and consistency.

The transactional nature of the gig economy is characterized by short-term, project-based engagements that prioritize flexibility and immediate results over long-term relationships. 

This model offers both workers and employers the ability to quickly adapt to changing needs and to scale operations up or down as required. However, the lack of long-term commitment can lead to challenges in maintaining consistency and fostering a deep understanding of the business. 

While it allows for a diverse range of skills to be tapped into on a need basis, the absence of stable, ongoing employment relationships can sometimes result in a lack of loyalty and continuity, which are essential for roles requiring a lasting, personal touch.

Filipino VAs, on the other hand, often seek long-term employment and are more likely to form lasting relationships with their clients. This stability can be beneficial for businesses looking for reliable support over an extended period. 

Additionally, US-based VAs tend to be more independent when it comes to work hours and time management, which can be advantageous for certain tasks but may require more coordination for roles that demand real-time interaction.

For example, if your business primarily serves a US-based clientele or market, like legal services, which requires your virtual assistants to be very familiar with US laws and regulations and real-time interactions with your staff and clients within your office hours, then hiring US-based virtual assistants may be more advantageous. 

However, if the services you require from a virtual assistant do not require these specialized skills and conditions, you might be better off hiring from the Philippines.

Time zones: navigating the challenges

One of the challenges of hiring Filipino VAs, though, is managing the time zone difference. The Philippines operates on Philippine Standard Time (PST/PHT), which is GMT+8. 

This means that there can be a significant time difference between the Philippines and the United States. For example, when it is 9 AM in New York (EST), it is already 10 PM in Manila (PHT).

While MyOutDesk supports any time zone, it can be more challenging to find Filipino workers who can work during Philippine nighttime (US daytime) without assistance. 

This is why MyOutDesk goes beyond hiring by providing training and support for its virtual assistants. It also has a Client Success Team in place to make sure that both its clients and virtual professionals are successful.

Still, it is crucial to communicate effectively with your virtual assistant (VA) and set a schedule that works for both parties. Some businesses prefer their Filipino VA to work during their operating hours, while others opt for a flexible schedule with some overlapping time for real-time communication.

US or Philippine VA: which one is right for your business?

Deciding between hiring a virtual assistant (VA) from the US or the Philippines can feel like navigating a maze. Let’s wrap it up with handy tips and guidelines to help you make the best choice for your business.

First off, consider the nature of the tasks you need help with. If your tasks require specific knowledge of US laws and regulations or you need real-time interaction within US working hours, then a US-based VA might be your go-to. They’re generally more familiar with the local market and can easily sync with your schedule without the hassle of managing time zone differences.

However, if your tasks do not demand such specialized knowledge, hiring a VA from the Philippines could be a fantastic and cost-effective option. Filipino VAs are known for their exceptional customer service skills, strong work ethic, and cultural adaptability. They can handle a variety of tasks, from administrative support to customer service to social media management, often at a more affordable rate compared to US-based VAs.

Time zones are another important factor to consider. The significant time difference between the Philippines and the US can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can be challenging to coordinate if you need your VA’s immediate response during your business hours. On the other hand, if managed well, it can mean your business is operational 24/7. You could have your Filipino VA working on tasks while you sleep, ready for your review by the time you start your day.

Communication is key when working across different time zones. Make sure to establish clear expectations and regular check-ins to ensure everything runs smoothly. Tools like Slack, Zoom, and Trello can facilitate seamless communication and project management regardless of where your VA is located.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to your specific business needs, budget, and preference for either long-term stability with Filipino VAs or the flexibility and specialized skills that US-based VAs often bring to the table. Weigh these factors carefully to make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Assess your unique situation, communicate openly with potential VAs, and you’ll find the perfect fit for your team. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.

Here are also more resources on how virtual assistants can help you with your business:

• How to Hire a Virtual assistant: A Complete Guide
• Hiring Virtual Assistants Ultimate Guide: Expert Tips for Success for Business Owners
• MyOutDesk case studies
• MyOutDesk reviews
• MyOutDesk podcasts and webinars

Sign up for your free consultation with MyOutDesk today.