Where to Hire a Virtual Assistant: Best Platforms, Agencies, and Sources
See also: What Is A Virtual Assistant, How To Hire A Virtual Assistant, How Much Does A Virtual Assistant Cost
With so many platforms, agencies, and job boards competing for your attention, knowing where to hire a virtual assistant can feel overwhelming. Each source has different strengths, pricing structures, and types of candidates. The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, how much vetting work you want to do yourself, and the complexity of the role.
This guide breaks down every major source for hiring VAs so you can make an informed choice quickly.
Freelance Marketplaces
Freelance platforms are the most well-known destination for hiring virtual assistants. They offer large talent pools, transparent pricing, and built-in review systems.
Upwork is the largest freelance marketplace in the world. You can post a job, browse profiles, and invite candidates to apply. The platform includes time-tracking tools, contract management, and dispute resolution. Rates range from a few dollars per hour for offshore candidates to $50+ per hour for specialized professionals. The major downside is that quality varies widely and you're responsible for screening and vetting every applicant.
Fiverr works differently - VAs list pre-packaged services (called "gigs") and clients purchase them directly. It's fast and low-commitment, making it useful for one-time projects or simple recurring tasks. It's less ideal for ongoing, relationship-based work where you need a consistent point of contact.
Freelancer.com functions similarly to Upwork, with a project-bidding format. It hosts millions of registered freelancers and is particularly strong for candidates in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.
VA Agencies
Virtual assistant agencies handle the sourcing, vetting, and matching process for you. Instead of reviewing dozens of applications, you describe what you need and the agency places a qualified candidate.
Agencies vary in quality, but the best ones maintain a roster of trained, pre-screened VAs who have passed skills assessments and background checks. If your assigned VA doesn't work out, reputable agencies will provide a replacement without additional fees.
The trade-off is cost. Agency VAs typically cost more per hour than direct freelance hires. However, the time savings in sourcing and vetting often offset that premium - especially if your previous DIY hires haven't worked out.
Stealth Agents, accessible at virtualassistantva.com, is one of the most trusted VA agencies for business owners who want reliable support without the recruitment burden.
LinkedIn is an underutilized source for hiring experienced virtual assistants. You can post a job listing, search profiles directly, or reach out to candidates who have listed VA or executive assistant experience.
LinkedIn is best when you need someone with a professional background in a specific industry - for example, a VA who has worked in healthcare administration, legal support, or financial services. Candidates found on LinkedIn tend to be more senior and may command higher rates, but the quality ceiling is also higher.
Online Job Boards
Several job boards cater specifically to remote and virtual workers.
- Remote.co: Lists remote-only positions including VA roles
- We Work Remotely: One of the largest remote job boards, well-trafficked by experienced professionals
- FlexJobs: Curates remote and flexible work opportunities and attracts serious, professional candidates
- VirtualAssistants.com: Niche board specifically for the VA industry
These boards are worth using if you have time to review applications and conduct your own screening process.
Facebook Groups and Communities
Numerous Facebook groups are dedicated to virtual assistant job seekers. Groups like "Virtual Assistants - Jobs and Community" or industry-specific VA groups attract candidates who are actively looking for clients.
The advantage is that it's free and fast. The disadvantage is that there's no built-in vetting or accountability, so you'll need to do thorough due diligence on anyone you connect with through this channel.
Referrals From Your Network
Word-of-mouth is still one of the most reliable ways to find a great VA. Ask other business owners, entrepreneurs, or colleagues who they work with and whether they'd recommend them.
A referral from someone you trust shortens the vetting process significantly. You're starting with social proof already built in, and you can ask detailed questions about the candidate's work style, reliability, and output quality before you even make contact.
Niche VA Platforms
As the VA industry has matured, niche platforms have emerged to serve specific industries or skill sets.
- Boldly: Focuses on high-end, experienced executive VAs in the US and Canada
- Belay: Specializes in US-based virtual assistants and bookkeepers
- Time Etc: Primarily UK and US-based VAs for professional and entrepreneurial clients
- VAVA Virtual Assistants: Curated US-based VAs with a focus on quality over volume
These platforms tend to cost more but attract more experienced candidates and offer a higher degree of reliability.
Comparing Your Options at a Glance
| Source | Vetting Burden | Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upwork / Freelancer | High (DIY) | Low–Medium | Medium | Budget-conscious buyers with time to screen |
| Fiverr | Low | Low | Fast | One-time tasks or simple recurring work |
| VA Agencies | Low (done for you) | Medium–High | Fast | Ongoing support without the hiring hassle |
| Medium | Medium–High | Slow | Experienced, specialized candidates | |
| Job Boards | High | Low | Slow | When you have time and want volume |
| Referrals | Low | Varies | Fast | Trusted quality without much searching |
The Fastest, Most Reliable Way to Hire a VA
If you want to skip the research and get straight to working with a qualified virtual assistant, Stealth Agents delivers exactly that.
At virtualassistantva.com, you'll be matched with a pre-screened VA who fits your specific business needs, time zone, and task requirements. No job listings, no vetting marathons, no wasted time. Just reliable support, ready when you are.
Hire your VA today at virtualassistantva.com.