If you’re researching the cost of a Virtual Marketing Assistant (Marketing VA) in 2026, you’ve probably run into wildly different numbers. Rates vary based on location, experience, and whether you’re hiring a freelancer, an agency-supported assistant, or an employee.

This guide gives you a transparent, realistic look at what you should expect to pay this year.

What a Virtual Marketing Assistant Does in 2026

Businesses now expect VAs to support both traditional marketing and basic AI-enabled workflows. Typical responsibilities include:

• Social media posting + repurposing

• Email marketing (newsletter, drips)

• Long and short-form video edits 

• CRM/data hygiene

• Reporting + dashboards

• Website updates (content + visuals)

• Content formatting

• Inbox management

• Lead follow-up tasks

• Basic AI prompt execution

• Graphic Design

• Basic SEO

• Advertising & Sponsorships

• Events...

Your cost depends heavily on whether you hire an individual or a supported marketing assistant with training and structure behind them. 

Virtual Marketing Assistant Pricing in 2026: The 4 Main Options

1. U.S.-Based Marketing Freelancers ($40–$70/hr)

These independent professionals work on hourly retainers or small monthly packages.

Pros: Strong communication, often more familiar with U.S. platforms.

Cons: No backup support, no structured training, can get expensive.

Typical Monthly Cost (50 hrs/mo): $1,520–$2,800

2. Overseas Marketing VAs ($9–$28/hr)

Well-known for affordability, but skill level varies widely.

Pros: Budget-friendly, good for execution-heavy tasks.

Cons: Inconsistent reliability, no ongoing training, limited oversight.

Typical Monthly Cost (40 hrs/mo): $360–$1,120

3. Full-Time Marketing Employees ($48k–$70k/year)

Still the most expensive route for small businesses.

Pros: Full immersion in your business.

Cons: Salary + benefits + training + management.

Typical Monthly Cost: $4,000–$5,800

4. Agency-Supported Marketing Assistants ($950–$2,000/month)

A growing category for businesses that want a dependable assistant without the price of an employee.

Pros: Ongoing training, built-in support team, higher quality control, faster onboarding.

Cons: Higher cost than DIY freelancers, lower than full-time hires.

This model continues gaining traction in 2026 as companies adopt hybrid teams and AI tools.

The Realistic 2026 Budget for a Small Business

Most small businesses (3–15 employees) need approximately 40–60 hours of monthly marketing execution.

The sweet spot for reliable support in 2026 is:

👉 $1,100–$1,700/month for a structured, capable, part-time marketing assistant.

This level gives you consistency without the high cost of a full-time hire.

Where MyMarketer Fits in the 2026 Pricing Landscape

Many business owners feel forced to choose between:

• Low-cost freelancers they have to train and manage

• Full-time hires they can’t yet afford

MyMarketer bridges that gap by providing trained, supported, and dependable marketing assistants at a predictable flat rate.

MyMarketer 2026 Pricing: $1,250/month

You get:

• 50 hours/month of dedicated support

• A trained Marketing Assistant

• Weekly workshops in marketing + AI

• Behind-the-scenes support from a U.S.-based team

• Guided placement process

• No long-term contracts

It provides the stability of an employee with the affordability and flexibility of a contractor.

If You’re Still Unsure What Level of Support You Need…

Most small businesses need about 40–60 hours of work monthly.

If that’s you, a part-time, trained Marketing Assistant is likely the perfect fit and shouldn’t exceed $1,500–$1,600/month.

If you want help assessing your workload, MyMarketer offers short discovery calls to guide you.