What Offshore Staff Leasing Costs Per Employee (2026)
By Abigail Jacobs, VP Global Marketing | Sourcefit
Key Takeaways
- Offshore staff leasing in the Philippines runs from about $980 to $4,800 per month, all-inclusive, depending on role and seniority.
- Rates depend on function, experience, certification, and pricing model, not on a single flat number.
- Cost-plus pricing shows the actual salary and one fee, so you can see what drives the cost per employee.
- The fully loaded onshore cost of the same role is often three to four times higher once benefits and overhead are counted.
The most common question about offshore staffing is deceptively simple: what does one person actually cost? The real answer is that it depends, and the providers who quote a single flat number are usually the ones hiding how it is built. A junior data-entry clerk and a CPA-qualified accountant are not the same line item, and pretending otherwise is how buyers get surprised.
Typical Monthly Cost by Role
These are indicative ranges for dedicated offshore staff in the Philippines, one of the most cost-effective markets. Rates vary by provider, seniority, and pricing model.
| Role | Typical Monthly Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Data entry / junior admin | $980 – $1,300 |
| Customer support agent | $980 – $1,300 |
| Bookkeeper / junior accountant | $1,260 – $1,700 |
| Mid-level accountant / analyst | $2,000 – $2,760 |
| Software developer | $2,000 – $4,800 |
| Senior / manager roles | $2,400 – $3,520 |
What Drives the Number
- Function and skill scarcity. Specialized or certified roles cost more.
- Seniority and experience. Years and track record raise the salary component.
- Certification. CPA, CMA, or technical certifications carry a premium.
- Location. The Philippines, South Africa, and the Dominican Republic differ on prevailing wage.
- Pricing model. Cost-plus shows salary plus fee; bundled models hide the split.
Why the Onshore Comparison Matters
A role that costs $1,500 a month offshore often carries a fully loaded onshore cost three to four times higher once salary, benefits, taxes, and overhead are counted. That gap is the reason offshore staff leasing exists. The point is not to chase the lowest possible rate, but to get a capable, dedicated person at a transparent cost you can defend to your CFO.
Sourcefit runs privately owned delivery centers in the Philippines, South Africa, the Dominican Republic, Armenia, and Madagascar, roughly 2,000 professionals, on transparent cost-plus pricing with no minimums. We are HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and PCI-DSS compliant, and after 17 years client retention runs above 97 percent.
When you compare quotes, ask for the salary and fee separately. A provider who will not split them is quoting you a number, not a cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does one offshore employee cost per month?
In the Philippines, dedicated offshore staff commonly range from about $980 per month for junior roles to about $4,800 for senior and specialized positions. The exact figure depends on function, seniority, certification, location, and pricing model.
Why do offshore staff costs vary so much?
Because a role is a combination of salary and provider fee, and the salary reflects skill, experience, and certification. A junior clerk and a CPA-qualified accountant sit at very different points on the range, so a single flat rate usually hides more than it reveals.
Is cost-plus cheaper than a flat per-seat rate?
Cost-plus is not always a lower headline number, but it is more transparent and often cheaper in total because there is no hidden margin. You see the actual salary and a single fee, which makes it easier to confirm you are not overpaying.
How much can I save versus hiring onshore?
The fully loaded cost of the same role onshore is often three to four times higher after benefits, taxes, and overhead. Most companies see substantial savings, though the exact figure depends on the role and your local labor market.
Are there costs beyond the monthly rate?
With transparent cost-plus pricing, the monthly fee should cover recruitment, HR, IT, and facilities. Watch for providers that add setup, recruitment, or replacement fees on top, and ask for everything in writing before you sign.
Learn more from Sourcefit on offshore staff leasing pricing, staff leasing services, and why Sourcefit.
To learn more about how Sourcefit prices dedicated offshore staff transparently on a cost-plus basis, visit sourcefit.com or contact our team for a consultation.
