If you’re thinking about becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA), you might have come across the term Associate. It’s a common starting point for many VAs, and it can be an excellent way to gain experience, earn some money, and build your confidence while you grow your business. But it’s important to understand exactly what this role involves – because being an associate VA is not a training position; it’s still running your own business, and you need to have an understanding of how to work with clients and the skillset required.
What is a Virtual Assistant Associate?
A Virtual Assistant Associate is a self-employed virtual assistant who works on behalf of another Virtual Assistant, often referred to as the Lead VA. The Lead VA contracts directly with clients and then subcontracts some or all of the work to their trusted team of associates.
As an associate, you sign the Lead VA’s contract – not with the end client. This means your relationship is solely with the Lead VA, and they are responsible for managing the client relationship. This does not make you an employee. You are still running your own business, with all the responsibilities that come with being a business owner – including paying your own taxes, managing your workload, and sourcing other clients. The contract signed by you makes it clear that you are not an employee, in line with IR35 regulations. To find out more about IR35, read this information here.
How Much Do Associates Get Paid?
One of the key differences between working directly with your own clients and working as an associate is the rate of pay. Since the Lead VA is responsible for bringing in the client, managing the relationship, and ensuring quality control, they take a percentage of the fee. As an associate, you typically earn between 50-70% of the Lead VA’s charge-out rate.
According to the UK VA Survey 2024, the average associate rate this year was £22 per hour. This is lower than the average rate for VAs who work directly with clients, which stood at £32.35 per hour in 2024.
Associate work is not a training role
One common misconception is that working as an associate is a form of training or mentorship. While you may pick up valuable skills and insights along the way, it is not a training role. You are expected to be competent and capable from the start. Lead VAs rely on associates to deliver work to a high standard without requiring constant supervision.
IR35 and Your Associate Work
Because you are self-employed, you need to be mindful of IR35 rules. If you only work for one Lead VA and have no other clients, you could be seen by HMRC as a ‘disguised employee’ rather than a genuine business. To stay compliant, you should aim to work with at least one other client or another Lead VA. This demonstrates that you are a genuine independent business, rather than simply a worker disguised as a contractor. Find out more about IR35 here.
How to Find Associate Work
If you are interested in working as an associate, get yourself into Virtual Assistant social media groups or network at industry events. Many Lead VAs prefer to recruit associates from within trusted VA communities where they can see first-hand how professional and reliable you are. Building relationships within the industry can open doors to associate work and other collaborative opportunities.
Career Options – Flexibility at Its Best
One of the great advantages of the virtual assistant industry is its flexibility. Some virtual assistants choose to work only as associates, enjoying the freedom of not having to find their own clients or do their own marketing. Others start as associates to gain confidence and income before moving on to build their own client base. And some VAs never work as associates at all, preferring to secure their own clients from the outset.
There’s no right or wrong path – just the one that works best for you and your business goals.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re working directly with clients or as an Associate, you are still a business owner. This comes with responsibilities – but also with huge rewards. Being an associate can be a fantastic way to start your Virtual Assistant career, but it’s crucial to go in with your eyes open, understanding the financials, legal obligations, and professional expectations.
And – as a top tip – working with a Lead VA is the same as working directly with a client when it comes to communication – it is key in making the relationship work. Weekly check-ins, regular updates and clear, concise communication (from both sides) is the only way a virtual working relationship works.
Final Thoughts
If you’d like to learn more about associate work, pricing, and what’s happening in the UK VA industry right now, check out the full UK VA Survey 2024 from the Society of Virtual Assistants.