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Virtual Assistant vs Full-Time Employee:
Which Is Right for Your Business?

A virtual assistant costs 60-70% less than a full-time employee, starts in 48 hours, and scales with your needs. Here's the full comparison.

Side-by-Side Comparison

The Full Breakdown

Feature Virtual Assistant (Staff Glide) Full-Time Employee
Monthly Cost ✓ $1,200 - $3,000 ✗ $4,000 - $6,000+
Benefits / Overhead ✓ None ✗ Healthcare, 401k, taxes (30-40% extra)
Start Time ✓ 48 hours ✗ 2-8 weeks hiring
Commitment ✓ Month-to-month ✗ Long-term
Training ✓ Pre-trained, managed ✗ You train and manage
Replacement ✓ Free, immediate ✗ Start hiring again
Scalability ✓ Add VAs instantly ✗ Months to hire
Working Hours ✓ Flexible, any timezone ✗ Fixed schedule
Office Space ✓ None needed ✗ Desk, equipment
Supervision ✓ Staff Glide manages ✗ You manage

✅ When a VA Makes Sense

  • Your admin tasks take 10-30 hours per week
  • You need flexibility -- seasonal, project-based, or variable workloads
  • You want to focus on revenue-generating work instead of admin
  • You're a solo agent or small team (1-10 people)
  • You need help but can't justify a full salary plus benefits

🏢 When Full-Time Makes Sense

  • You need someone physically present in your office every day
  • The role requires deep institutional knowledge built over years
  • You have consistent 40+ hours per week of highly specialized work

The Staff Glide Advantage

We pre-vet, train, and manage your VA. If they're not the right fit, we replace them free within 7 days. No contracts, no overhead, no hassle.

🔎

Pre-Vetted Talent

Rigorous screening so you get top-tier VAs only

🛠

Fully Managed

Daily progress reports and dedicated account manager

🔄

Free Replacement

Not the right fit? We swap them out at no cost

Common Questions

Comparison FAQ

How much does a virtual assistant cost compared to a full-time employee? +
A virtual assistant from Staff Glide costs $1,200-$3,000 per month with no additional overhead. A full-time employee costs $4,000-$6,000+ per month plus 30-40% extra for healthcare, 401k, payroll taxes, and other benefits. VAs save businesses 60-70% on staffing costs.
How quickly can I start working with a virtual assistant? +
Staff Glide matches you with a pre-trained, vetted VA within 48 hours. Hiring a full-time employee typically takes 2-8 weeks including posting the job, interviewing, background checks, and onboarding.
What happens if my virtual assistant isn't a good fit? +
Staff Glide offers free, immediate replacement if your VA isn't the right fit within the first 7 days. With a full-time employee, you'd need to go through the entire hiring process again, costing weeks and thousands of dollars.
Can a virtual assistant work during my business hours? +
Yes. Staff Glide VAs work flexible hours in any timezone. We match you with VAs whose schedules align with your business hours, whether you need full-time, part-time, or project-based support.
Do I need to train and manage the virtual assistant myself? +
No. Staff Glide VAs come pre-trained on common business tools and processes. Staff Glide handles ongoing supervision, daily progress reports, and performance management through a dedicated account manager.

Ready to Save 60-70% on Staffing?

Book a free 30-minute consultation. We'll match you with the right VA within 48 hours.

Book a Free Consultation →