How to become a virtual assistant in Australia | Pay & salary

The side hustle that became a six-figure career could be yours sooner than you think

Virtual assistants in Australia are quietly building some of the country’s most enviable careers, working with exciting clients whilst never setting foot in a traditional office. What started as a way for busy entrepreneurs to outsource admin tasks has become a legitimate profession with strong earning potential and career progression. 

This guide will show you exactly how to become a virtual assistant in Australia, including the skills employers want most, the typical virtual assistant pay and why having the right qualifications from Swinburne Open can boost your rates.

What is a Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant is someone who does administrative or tech work for businesses remotely instead of while sitting in their office. They usually work freelance to support businesses that may not need someone full-time and require the kind of support that can be done fully remotely with digital communication tools. 

VAs generally work as independent contractors rather than as employees. That means they can work with several clients and set their own hours instead of being tied to one particular employer and their schedule. They use project management apps and video calls to collaborate with multiple clients at a time, no matter where everyone’s located.

The biggest difference between VAs and traditional office assistants is that VAs work more independently and juggle multiple clients at once. This is very popular because businesses can get help without committing to a full-time employee, whilst VAs get location freedom and can help as many or as few businesses as they’d like.

What does a Virtual Assistant do?

A virtual assistant provides admin, tech and creative support to businesses and entrepreneurs from their home office or wherever they choose to work from. They handle tasks that would normally require an in-house employee, but do it all remotely using digital tools and communication platforms. The role has taken off in Australia as businesses embrace flexible working arrangements, with more than a third of employed Australians now working remote jobs.

What makes virtual assistant work so exciting is the sheer variety of what you’ll do. One morning, you might be managing emails for a Melbourne startup, then booking travel for a Brisbane consultant in the afternoon and then updating social media for a Perth retailer in the evening. This keeps things interesting and helps you build skills that make you more valuable to clients. Some VAs eventually focus on specific areas like social media or bookkeeping, whilst others love being the go-to person who can tackle whatever gets thrown their way.

Core VA tasks 

Virtual assistants handle all kinds of responsibilities that keep businesses ticking along smoothly. What you end up doing will depend on your clients and skills, but most VAs find themselves doing one or more of the following tasks:

• Providing admin support: You’ll wrangle emails, create documents, organise files and handle all the general office tasks that keep businesses running. 

• Managing calendars and scheduling: Juggling meetings, managing appointments, sorting travel bookings and making sure everyone’s showing up where they’re supposed to be.

• Doing basic bookkeeping: Processing invoices, tracking expenses, chasing payments and handling the simple financial transactions that small business owners tend to put off until it’s tax time.

• Handling customer support: Being the friendly voice that responds to inquiries, manages live chat, handles social media messages and makes customers feel heard and valued.

• Creating content: Writing blog posts, creating social media content, designing basic graphics and creating marketing materials that help businesses get noticed online.

Why Australian businesses hire VAs

The virtual assistant model has become an obvious choice for Australian businesses, especially as remote work went mainstream and companies started looking for smarter ways to grow without breaking the bank. With 1.1 million independent contractors making up 7.5% of Australia’s workforce, businesses are getting comfortable with flexible arrangements that give them access to specialised skills without all the employment headaches. 

Small businesses are loving VAs because of:

• Serious cost savings: No office space, no equipment costs, no super contributions, no leave entitlements, but still get access to skilled professionals who know what they’re doing.

• Flexibility that works for everyone: Scale up support when you’re busy, dial it back during quiet periods, hire for one-off projects, or access specific skills only when needed.

• Access to specialised talent: VAs bring experience from multiple industries and can provide expertise that would cost a fortune to hire as permanent staff.

• Right-sized for their business: With 97.2% of Australian businesses having fewer than 20 employees, VAs are perfect for getting professional help without onboarding another full-time member.

Virtual Assistant pay & salary in Australia 

The virtual assistant career path has an excellent earning potential with many ways to grow your income over time. You can start with basic administrative tasks and gradually move into specialised areas like digital marketing or project management that command premium rates. Many VAs begin as generalists before discovering their strengths and developing the expertise that makes them indispensable to clients.

Average VA hourly rate 

Virtual assistant pay in Australia varies considerably based on experience level, with clear progression as you develop your skills:

• Entry-level VAs: Start around $24.95 per hour or approximately $50,000 annually, making it a solid starting place for those just starting their careers. 

• Experienced VAs: People with 5–9 years of experience can earn around $33.13 per hour or $81,000 annually, thanks to a proven track record and refined expertise.

• Top-tier VAs: The highest 10% of earners take home $46.64 per hour or $95,000+ annually, usually specialising in high-value services like strategic consulting or complex project management.

Monthly and annual salary ranges 

The employment structure you choose will have a big impact on how much money you can make. Employee positions offer predictable income but typically lower rates, whilst freelance work provides higher earning potential with greater variability.

Virtual assistants working as full-time employees enjoy steady pay cheques and benefits. Australian tax data shows the median employee income reached $58,260 in 2022, providing the financial security many professionals value. 

Freelance VAs face a lot more income variability but can also command higher rates. The same tax data shows that freelancers earned a median of just $11,553 annually, but this reflects a wide range of commitment levels. Successful freelance VAs who treat their work seriously and work with multiple clients can earn substantially more by charging premium rates.

Factors that affect VA pay 

The most important factors that determine earning potential for VAs are:

• Specialised skills: Mastering specific software or technical abilities lets you command higher rates than those doing general admin work.

• Professional qualifications: Certificates and training demonstrate expertise, whilst building client confidence and justifying premium pricing.

• Niche expertise: Focusing on particular industries allows VAs to develop deep knowledge that clients value highly.

• Client quality: Working with established businesses pays better than supporting startups with limited budgets and volatile needs.

How having a Certificate IV in Business Admin or Finance can boost your rates and client trust

Having a professional qualification can immediately set you apart in a crowded marketplace where many competitors lack formal training. A Certificate IV demonstrates commitment to professional development and provides structured knowledge that clients recognise and value. Years of experience help you command top rates, but having a Certificate IV lets you start at a much higher level and build from a stronger foundation.

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Can you become a VA with no experience?

You can absolutely become a virtual assistant without prior VA experience, but you’ll need to leverage existing skills and present yourself professionally to compete in today’s market. The VA field is one of the most common careers without prior experience because many core skills transfer beautifully from other roles and even secondary education.

However, with remote job searches now 450% higher than pre-2020 levels, there’s a lot of competition for entry-level positions. The secret to landing your first VA gig is highlighting relevant experience whilst building credibility by presenting yourself professionally and acquiring certifications.

Transferable skills

Most people already have valuable skills that are perfect for virtual assistant work. These are some of the VA skills you might already have:

• Communication skills: Experience with emails, phone calls, customer service, or team coordination shows your ability to interact professionally with clients.

• Organisational abilities: Managing schedules, coordinating events, handling multiple projects, or keeping detailed records show you can juggle competing priorities.

• Digital literacy: Basic computer skills or social media experience prove you can adapt to new digital tools and platforms.

• Problem-solving experience: Troubleshooting issues or finding creative solutions on your own is very helpful for VA work.

• Administrative background: Any office work or data entry experience is great for VA responsibilities.

• Industry knowledge: Previous work in specific sectors can make you incredibly valuable to clients in those industries.

Why formal training helps

Professional credentials will give you immediate credibility in a competitive market where clients need to trust remote workers they’ve never met. Statistics show that Australians with formal qualifications have an employment rate of 79%, compared to 58% for those without. That shows how powerful certificates can be at improving your odds of landing a job. 

Step-by-step guide to becoming a VA

Starting your virtual assistant career doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you break it down into manageable steps. If you follow the right strategy, you could land your first VA gig in just a few months. 

1. Develop VA skills with Swinburne Open Education courses

Start by building credible skills through recognised training. This will give you a significant advantage in the competitive VA market. Swinburne Open offers two excellent pathways that directly address what clients need most:

• Certificate IV in Business Administration: This 18-month online course will help you acquire the business skills that make VAs indispensable. You’ll learn about operations management, project management, digital collaboration and relationship management.

• Certificate IV in Business Finance: This specialised course will open the door to higher-paying financial administration work. You’ll earn skills in financial reporting, payroll systems and business tax that many small businesses desperately need.

2. Choose your niche

Specialising in a specific niche will help you stand out and charge premium rates as you increase your expertise. These are some of the most popular VA niches:

• Admin support: Manage emails and coordinate calendars for busy execs.

• Bookkeeping and finance: Process invoices, track expenses and help small businesses with payroll.

• Social media management: Create content, post consistently and build an online community.

• Executive assistance: Provide high-level support, including project coordination and strategic planning.

3. Set up a professional presence

Create a polished LinkedIn profile showing your skills and training, or build a simple website using WordPress to present your services and portfolio. Include sample documents even if they’re practice projects from your studies.  You could also set up demo accounts with business tools like Xero or Canva to show potential clients that you’re familiar with them. 

4. Find clients

Getting your very first client is usually the toughest, so it’s important to cast a wide net. Try these strategies for finding VA jobs:

• Using Australian freelance platforms: Airtasker, Upwork and Freelancer.com are great places to find clients looking for VA services.

• Professional networking: Join Australian VA Facebook groups and attend local business networking events to pitch your services.

• Referral systems: Ask contacts about businesses needing admin support and always request referrals from satisfied clients.

5. Pricing, invoicing & contracts

Start with competitive hourly rates whilst building experience, then transition to package pricing. You’ll need an Australian Business Number (ABN) to work as a freelance VA and must charge Goods and services tax (GST) for anything over $75,000 annually. Use invoicing software like Xero to look professional and always use written contracts outlining scope, payment terms and policies.

Australian-specific VA Setup

To become a virtual assistant in Australia, you’ll first have to handle some legal matters and understand how the market works. Getting these basics sorted from day one will save you from many hassles later on and help you look professional whilst earning what you’re worth.

Legal requirements

You’ll need an Australian Business Number (ABN) to work as a freelance VA, which is free to get through the Australian Business Register. This lets you send proper invoices and claim business expenses on your tax return.

GST kicks in once you earn over $75,000 annually, but lots of VAs register earlier because it makes them look more established to clients who are considering hiring you. Keep track of all your income and business expenses like training costs, software subscriptions and home office gear. Using accounting software like Xero or MYOB makes you look professional and keeps the ATO happy.

Best Australian job boards and networks for VAs

These are the best places for finding your first VA gig in Australia:

• Airtasker is great for local freelance work and usually has plenty of admin tasks posted by Australian businesses. 

• SEEK and Indeed are also good for jobs, but those tend to be full-time.

• Facebook groups specifically for VAs in Australia are great sources for job leads and networking with other VAs. 

• LinkedIn is still your best bet for finding higher-paying clients who take their business seriously.

• Upwork and Freelancer.com have plenty of opportunities, but you’ll be competing with VAs from all over the world.

Typical VA pay scales in Australian companies vs. freelance market

Employee VAs earn around $50,000 per year plus super and leave entitlements. That’s steady money but not much room to grow your income. 

Freelance VAs, on the other hand, earn as much as they’re willing to work and can find work. Experienced freelance VAs can charge $30–$60 per hour and can easily exceed $80,000 per year if they’re good at what they do.

Why employers and clients value a nationally recognised qualification

Australian employers understand what Certificate IV qualifications mean because they’re familiar with our training system. Having one from Swinburne shows you’ve learned proper business practices and aren’t just winging it. A formal qualification will let you charge more and stand out against other VAs, even if it’s your first time looking for a VA job.

FAQs: Pay, pathways & potential

What qualifications do you need to be a virtual assistant?

You don’t need specific qualifications to become a VA, but a Certificate IV in Business Administration or Finance will significantly improve your earning potential and make it easier to land your first job.

What is the best niche for a virtual assistant?

Bookkeeping and financial administration tend to pay the highest rates, followed by executive assistance and social media management.

What are the disadvantages of being a virtual assistant?

One of the biggest disadvantages of being a VA is that income can be unpredictable, especially when you’re starting out. You’ll also need to handle your own taxes and work alone without office colleagues or benefits.

Can a virtual assistant be a side hustle?

Absolutely. Many VAs start part-time whilst keeping their day jobs. You can work evenings and weekends at first, then transition to full-time once you’ve built a steady client base.

Can a stay-at-home mom be a virtual assistant?

Yes, VA work is perfect for parents who need flexible schedules. You can work around school hours and family commitments whilst building professional skills and earning money.

Your virtual assistant career starts with the right foundation

The virtual assistant opportunities in Australia have never been stronger. If you want to be strategic, then it’s always a good idea to invest in proper training before jumping in. A Certificate IV from Swinburne Open gives you the credibility to charge professional rates from day one. Explore our course catalogue and start building your VA career today.

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