How Much Does a Virtual Assistant or Fractional Support Cost?

The cost of a virtual assistant or fractional support depends on the level of expertise, the type of work, and the amount of support needed.

Fractional support is typically less expensive than hiring full-time while providing more flexibility and lower risk.

There is no single flat rate because needs vary.

Why Pricing for Fractional Support Varies

Fractional support is customized.

Cost varies based on:

• Type of role needed
  
  
• Level of experience required
  
  
• Hours of support per month
  
  
• Scope and complexity of work
  
  
• Whether support is executive, operational, or financial
  
  

More responsibility requires more expertise.
More expertise affects cost.

Virtual Assistant Cost Considerations

Virtual assistant pricing is influenced by:

• Executive-level vs administrative support
  
  
• Proactive responsibility vs task execution
  
  
• Communication and decision-making requirements
  
  

An executive-level assistant costs more than basic task support because the role involves judgment, prioritization, and discretion.

Fractional Financial Support Cost Considerations

Financial support pricing depends on:

• Bookkeeping vs accounting vs CFO-level leadership
  
  
• Transaction volume and complexity
  
  
• Reporting and forecasting needs
  
  
• Strategic involvement
  
  

Bookkeeping is typically the lowest cost tier.
Fractional CFO support is higher because it involves leadership and planning.

Fractional Support vs Full-Time Cost Comparison

A full-time hire typically includes:

• Salary
  
  
• Benefits
  
  
• Payroll taxes
  
  
• Equipment and overhead
  
  
• Long-term commitment
  
  

Fractional support typically:

• Costs less overall
  
  
• Avoids fixed overhead
  
  
• Scales up or down
  
  
• Aligns cost with actual need
  
  

The comparison is about total cost, not hourly rates.

Why Hourly Comparisons Miss the Point

Comparing hourly rates can be misleading.

Hourly comparisons ignore:

• Speed to impact
  
  
• Experience level
  
  
• Management time required
  
  
• Risk of mis-hire
  
  
• Flexibility as needs change
  
  

The right question is not cost per hour.
It’s cost per outcome.

What You’re Actually Paying For

With fractional support, you’re paying for:

• Experience
  
  
• Reliability
  
  
• Judgment
  
  
• Consistency
  
  
• Reduced management burden
  
  

Lower-cost options often require more oversight, which adds hidden cost.

How Subscription Models Affect Cost

Subscription-based staffing:

• Creates predictable monthly costs
  
  
• Allows adjustments as needs evolve
  
  
• Avoids long-term employment risk
  
  
• Supports ongoing alignment and performance
  
  

This model works well for growing organizations with changing priorities.

How BELAY Approaches Pricing for Fractional Support

BELAY uses a subscription-based staffing model that aligns cost with actual business needs rather than fixed roles.

Pricing reflects:

• The level of expertise required
  
  
• The scope of responsibility
  
  
• The amount of monthly support
  
  

This approach allows organizations to access experienced support without committing to full-time overhead.

Is Fractional Support Affordable for Small or Growing Businesses?

Yes.

Fractional support is often chosen because:

• Full-time hiring is premature
  
  
• Needs are uneven
  
  
• Cash flow matters
  
  
• Flexibility is required
  
  

Fractional models exist to bridge the gap between DIY and full-time teams.

How to Think About ROI, Not Just Cost

Fractional support delivers value through:

• Time reclaimed by leadership
  
  
• Faster execution
  
  
• Fewer errors
  
  
• Better decisions
  
  
• Reduced stress and overload
  
  

The return often comes from what leaders stop doing, not just what gets done.

In One Sentence, How Much Does Fractional Support Cost?

Fractional support costs less than hiring full-time and varies based on role, expertise, and scope, with pricing designed to match actual business needs.