Who's going to write the instructions?
Answer that before you hire an assistant, because it decides whether you're paying from $800 a month or up to $2,200.
If you're writing them, you need a VA. They start at around $800 a month.
If they're writing them, you need an EA. Expect $1,000 to $2,200 a month.
Get it backwards and you'll either pay EA money for inbox cleanup, or pay VA money and still end up running everything yourself.
The Assistant Blur
Founders use VA, EA, and admin as if they're one job. I call it the Assistant Blur, and it usually starts with the job post.
You're buried, so you list everything you want off your plate: inbox, calendar, travel, chasing your team, running projects. Then you post it under whichever title sounds like relief.
Look at that list again.
Half of it needs someone who can follow a checklist. The other half needs someone who can make calls without you.
Those are two different hires at two different prices, and our assistant cost guide breaks down what moves the number.
What each one actually does
You write them: hire a VA. Our rule of thumb is under three years' experience. Inbox cleanup, scheduling, data entry, travel booking, anything with a clear checklist. Watch a good VA here.
They write them: hire an EA. Three years or more. They decide what reaches you, prep you before meetings, chase your team, and own projects without being asked. Watch a good EA here.
What each seat costs
Seat | US median per year | Overseas per month | Overseas per year | Saved per year |
VA | $47,540 | From $800 | From $9,600 | Up to $37,940 |
EA | $76,590 | $1,000 to $2,200 | $12,000 to $26,400 | $50,190 to $64,590 |
Pay only, before benefits. US figures are BLS medians for administrative assistants and executive assistants, May 2025. VA is our published starting rate. The EA range runs from what we've quoted founders to the top quote above.
At either level, you can have this person in your hours and on your calls. South Africa and Latin America both overlap the US workday.
"Can't I hire a VA and grow them into an EA?"
Sometimes, and it's great when it works. But judgment comes from years in the seat, and you'll be the one paying for those years with your own time.
If that's your plan, say so in the job post and budget the raise.
If you need someone running things by February, hire the EA (ask about our managed EA service if this sounds like you).
And if your job is half and half like that founder's, hire for the harder half.
What it looks like when the seat is right
Picture Monday morning with your week already sorted, the right people already chased, and nothing in your inbox that someone else could've handled.
If this sounds like your situation, reply to this email or book a call. We'll tell you which seat you actually need.
>>>> Book Your Free Call <<<<
Until next time,
The Go Carpathian Team
PS: Something's coming Thursday. Check your passport's expiration date.
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