Hiring household staff is one of the biggest investments you can make for your family. But understanding the true household staff cost is about so much more than a job title. Pay rates shift with geography, experience, and whether a role is live-in or live-out. Add placement fees, benefits, and payroll taxes on top, and the total picture can look very different from the base pay you see quoted online. This guide breaks down the real numbers so you can plan with confidence and build the right support system for your home.
Contact The Calendar Group to discuss staffing costs tailored to your household’s specific needs.
This guide breaks down what families across the United States actually pay for household staff in 2026. Every figure comes from current placement data and industry compensation benchmarks. Whether you are hiring your first nanny or building a full estate team, you will find the numbers you need below.
What Really Determines Household Staffing Costs?
Before looking at specific roles, it helps to understand the variables that push compensation up or down. Household staffing is not a standardized market. A housekeeper in rural Texas and a housekeeper in Manhattan occupy the same job title but live in different compensation universes.
The biggest cost drivers include:
- Location: Major metro areas like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami carry premiums of 20% to 40% over national medians. Seasonal markets like the Hamptons and Aspen often push even higher.
- Experience and specialization: A nanny with newborn care certification commands more than a general childcare provider. A private chef trained in formal entertaining earns more than a family cook.
- Live-in vs. live-out: Live-in positions typically come with a housing benefit valued at $25,000 to $45,000 per year, which offsets some of the cash salary.
- Number of properties: Staff managing multiple residences earn significantly more due to travel logistics, scheduling complexity, and the expectation of flexibility.
- Household size and complexity: A single-residence family with two children has different staffing needs (and costs) than a multi-generational estate with formal entertaining requirements.
- Hours and availability: Full-time, part-time, and on-call arrangements all carry different rate structures. Roles requiring weekend, holiday, or 24/7 availability cost more.
Experience and Seniority
A candidate’s background is one of the most significant drivers of their compensation expectations. Professionals with years of dedicated experience in private homes, glowing references, and specialized training will naturally command higher pay. For instance, a nanny with a newborn care certification is valued differently than a general childcare provider, just as a private chef skilled in formal entertaining has different compensation expectations than a family cook. Seniority isn’t just about the number of years worked; it’s about the quality of that experience. A history of supporting high-profile families or managing complex households demonstrates a proven ability to perform under pressure, making a candidate a more valuable asset to your home. When you hire private household staff, you are investing in this expertise.
Geographic Location
Where your property is located plays a massive role in determining compensation. The cost of living varies dramatically across the country, and pay rates reflect that reality. Professionals based in major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami often see compensation premiums of 20% to 40% above national medians. This is simply because the cost of housing, transportation, and daily life is significantly higher. The effect is even more pronounced in exclusive seasonal markets such as the Hamptons or Aspen, where demand for top-tier staff during peak times can push compensation even higher. Understanding your local market is key to offering a competitive package that attracts and retains the best talent for your household.
Domestic vs. International Rates
While this guide focuses on compensation within the United States, the core principles apply globally. The final cost of hiring staff always depends on the candidate’s experience, the specific duties of the role, and the location of the position. Rates for positions outside the US can vary widely due to different labor laws, cultural expectations, and local costs of living. For families with properties in other countries, it’s important to research the specific market to understand what constitutes a fair and competitive compensation package. The fundamental factors, however, remain the same no matter where your home is located.
Scope of Responsibilities
A job title only tells part of the story. The full scope of responsibilities is what truly defines a role and its corresponding compensation. For example, a family with two children living in a single residence has very different needs than a multi-generational family managing a large estate with frequent formal entertaining. Does the role require managing other staff members? Will the candidate be expected to travel between properties? A Household Assistant whose duties include event planning and vendor management will have higher compensation than one focused solely on errands and scheduling. The more complex the duties and the greater the level of responsibility, the higher the expected pay.
Live-In vs. Live-Out Arrangements
The choice between a live-in and live-out arrangement significantly impacts the structure of a compensation package. Live-in positions provide private accommodations as part of the employment terms. This housing benefit, often valued between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, typically includes utilities and sometimes meals. As a result, the direct cash portion of the compensation may be lower than for a live-out counterpart. However, the total value of the package is often quite similar. Live-out professionals are responsible for their own housing and commuting expenses, so their expected cash compensation is higher to account for these costs. Both arrangements have unique benefits depending on your family’s needs for flexibility and privacy.
What Should You Expect to Pay for Each Household Role?
The table below shows annual salary ranges for the most common household positions in the United States. These figures represent cash compensation at the senior experience level, based on 2026 placement data. Benefits such as housing, health insurance, paid time off, and vehicle use add 25% to 35% on top of base pay for many roles.
| Role | Median Salary (P50) | Upper Range (P75-P90) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estate Manager (Single Property) | $185,000 | $260,000 – $338,000 | NYC/Hamptons: $180,000 – $250,000 |
| Estate Manager (Multi-Property) | $280,000 | $400,000 – $520,000 | Salaries up 20-30% since 2022 |
| House Manager | $130,000 | $170,000 – $221,000 | 34% annual turnover rate |
| Executive Housekeeper | $115,000 | $160,000 – $200,000 | Benefits add 30-35% on average |
| Butler (Formal) | $150,000 | $200,000 – $260,000 | UHNW/celebrity: $150,000 – $250,000+ |
| Nanny (Live-In) | $97,500 | $140,000 – $175,000 | Housing valued at $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Private Chef (Family) | $120,000 | $165,000 – $210,000 | Formal entertaining: higher range |
| Chauffeur / Private Driver | $75,000 | $100,000 – $130,000 | Vehicle maintenance often included |
| Family Assistant | $85,000 | $110,000 – $145,000 | Combines PA and household duties |
| Personal / Executive Assistant | $95,000 | $130,000 – $170,000 | C-suite support: premium rates |
These numbers represent the salary line item only. Total cost of employment, which includes payroll taxes, benefits, insurance, and any housing or vehicle provisions, runs 25% to 40% higher than the base salary for most households.
Learn how The Calendar Group matches families with qualified household professionals who fit both the role and the culture of your home.
Governess
A governess is a specialized educator focused on the academic and social development of the children in a household. Unlike a nanny, whose primary role is childcare, a governess designs and implements a formal curriculum, often including languages, arts, and etiquette. This position requires a background in education and a high degree of professionalism, which is reflected in their compensation. A governess typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, though this can be higher for candidates with exceptional qualifications or for roles requiring extensive international travel. When you hire a private educator, you are investing in a tailored educational experience that goes far beyond standard schooling, preparing your children for a global stage.
Domestic Couple
For large properties and estates, a domestic couple offers a comprehensive and synergistic staffing solution. Typically, a couple will divide the household responsibilities, with one partner managing the interior (such as housekeeping, cooking, and laundry) and the other handling the exterior (including groundskeeping, maintenance, and driving). This integrated approach ensures seamless management of your home. The combined compensation for a domestic couple generally falls between $100,000 and $180,000 per year. This model is often more cost-effective than hiring two separate individuals and provides the added benefit of a team that is already accustomed to working together, ensuring consistency and reliability in the upkeep of your estate.
Houseman and Ladies Maid
In more formally structured households, the roles of a houseman and a lady’s maid remain essential for providing detailed and personalized service. A houseman is responsible for the heavy-duty cleaning, maintenance of fine surfaces, and often serves during meals and events. A lady’s maid, on the other hand, provides direct personal support to the lady of the house, managing her wardrobe, assisting with dressing, and handling personal appointments. These positions require discretion and a deep understanding of formal household etiquette. Compensation for a houseman or lady’s maid typically ranges from $70,000 to $125,000 annually, with additional considerations for uniforms and the specific demands of the role.
Housekeeping Staff
The term “housekeeping” covers a wide spectrum of roles, from part-time cleaners to full-time executive housekeepers who manage entire teams. The cost and responsibilities can vary dramatically, so it’s important to define your needs clearly. Are you looking for someone to maintain daily tidiness, or do you require a professional to oversee the care of fine art, antiques, and complex smart-home systems? A top-tier agency can help you distinguish between different levels of service and find a candidate whose skills match the unique requirements of your home. For instance, hiring an experienced Executive Housekeeper is a very different process than engaging a general cleaner for weekly service.
Executive Housekeeper vs. General Housekeeper
The distinction between an executive housekeeper and a general housekeeper is one of management versus execution. An executive housekeeper is a senior leader who manages all aspects of a home’s cleanliness and organization. They train and supervise other housekeeping staff, manage inventories of supplies, and create protocols for the care of valuable furnishings. Their compensation reflects this leadership, typically starting around $115,000. A general housekeeper, while also a skilled professional, is focused on the hands-on tasks of cleaning and tidying. Their compensation can range from an hourly rate, which averages around $21 per hour nationally, to full-time earnings between $70,000 and $125,000, depending on their experience and the home’s demands.
Common Pricing Models for Cleaning
When engaging housekeeping professionals who are not on a full-time compensation plan, you will find that they typically charge for their services in a few standard ways. Understanding these models helps you compare quotes and find a structure that aligns with your budget and needs. The most common approaches are hourly rates, flat fees, per-room charges, or pricing based on the square footage of your home. Each model has its own benefits, and the best choice often depends on the consistency and scope of the work you require.
Hourly Rates
Charging an hourly rate is common for part-time housekeepers or for jobs where the scope can change from week to week. This model offers flexibility for both you and the professional. If you need extra help preparing for an event one week but less the next, you only pay for the time used. The national average hourly rate provides a baseline, but this figure can increase significantly in major cities or for housekeepers with specialized skills, such as experience with delicate materials or non-toxic cleaning methods.
Flat Fees and Other Structures
For regularly scheduled cleanings with a consistent scope, many professionals prefer to charge a flat fee. This gives you a predictable cost for each visit, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. This fee is determined after an initial consultation where the housekeeper assesses your home’s size and condition. Other pricing structures include per-room or per-square-foot rates. These models are straightforward and make it easy to estimate the cost for a job, but they may not account for the specific level of detail required in each space.
Factors That Influence Cleaning Costs
Several key factors will influence the final cost of housekeeping services, regardless of the pricing model. The size and overall condition of your home are the most significant drivers; a larger or more cluttered space simply takes more time and effort to clean. Your geographic location also plays a major role, with rates in urban centers being considerably higher than in suburban or rural areas. The type of cleaning required, such as a deep clean versus a standard maintenance clean, will also affect the price. Finally, the experience and reputation of the housekeeper or agency are factored into their rates, as seasoned professionals with proven track records command higher compensation.
How Do Staffing Agency Placement Fees Work?
Most domestic staffing agencies charge a placement fee calculated as a percentage of the hire’s first-year gross salary. The industry standard ranges from 15% to 30%, depending on the complexity of the role, the seniority of the candidate, and the level of service the agency provides.
Here is how placement fees typically break down:
- Entry to mid-level household roles (housekeepers, nannies, drivers): 15% to 20% of first-year salary
- Senior household positions (house managers, executive housekeepers, private chefs): 20% to 25% of first-year salary
- Executive and highly specialized roles (estate managers, chiefs of staff, family office administrators): 25% to 30%+ of first-year salary
For a house manager earning $130,000, a 20% placement fee comes to $26,000. For a multi-property estate manager at $280,000, a 25% fee is $70,000. These are one-time costs, not recurring.
Premium agencies that offer thorough vetting, background checks, on-site consultations, and replacement guarantees tend to charge at the higher end of the range. That upfront cost often saves money in the long run. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, replacing a household employee can cost 50% to 200% of their annual salary when you factor in recruiting, training, and lost productivity. A bad hire at the estate manager level could cost $140,000 or more to replace.
What Is the True Cost of Employing Household Staff?
The salary you agree on with a household employee is not your total cost. Families also cover payroll taxes, insurance, and often a range of additional benefits. For household employees (as opposed to independent contractors), employers are responsible for several mandatory costs.
Beyond the base salary, expect to budget for:
- Employer payroll taxes: Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), federal unemployment (FUTA), and state unemployment taxes. Combined, these add roughly 8% to 10% on top of gross pay.
- Workers’ compensation insurance: Required in most states, typically 1% to 5% of wages depending on the role and state.
- Health insurance: Not legally required for household employers in most cases, but commonly offered for senior roles. Individual plans run $6,000 to $12,000 per year; family coverage can exceed $20,000.
- Paid time off: Industry standard for full-time household staff is 10 to 15 days of PTO plus paid holidays. The cost is built into the salary but represents time when you may need backup coverage.
- Housing (live-in roles): Private quarters on the property valued at $25,000 to $45,000 annually, depending on location.
- Vehicle use: Some roles include a vehicle or vehicle allowance, adding $5,000 to $15,000 per year.
- Year-end bonus: Customary in the private household sector. One to two weeks’ salary is standard; senior staff may receive one month’s salary or more.
A practical rule of thumb: multiply the base salary by 1.25 to 1.40 to estimate your true annual cost. For a live-in nanny earning $97,500 with housing and benefits, total annual cost to the family could reach $135,000 to $155,000.
Employer Taxes and Insurance
When you hire a household employee, you officially become an employer in the eyes of the government. This status comes with the responsibility of paying employer-side payroll taxes. These are not deducted from your employee’s paycheck; they are an additional cost you pay directly. The main components include Social Security (6.2% of wages), Medicare (1.45%), and both federal and state unemployment taxes. All together, these taxes typically add an extra 8% to 10% to your total payroll cost, on top of the gross salary you provide. It is a significant figure that should always be factored into your budget from the very beginning of your search.
A Note on Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who are injured on the job. For household employers, this is not just a good idea; it is a legal requirement in most states. This policy protects both you and your employee, shielding you from liability while ensuring your staff receives proper care if an accident occurs. The cost generally ranges from 1% to 5% of the employee’s total wages, with rates varying based on your state and the specific duties of the role. For example, coverage for a private chauffeur may differ from that for an executive housekeeper due to the different risks involved.
A Real-World Tax Example
To see how these costs add up, let’s use a practical example. A good rule of thumb for estimating the total annual cost of a household employee is to multiply their base salary by a factor of 1.25 to 1.40. This range accounts for taxes, insurance, and standard benefits. For instance, if you hire a live-in nanny with a base salary of $97,500, your actual annual expenditure will not be that figure. After including payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, a health insurance stipend, and a year-end bonus, the total cost to your family could easily fall between $135,000 and $155,000 per year, giving you a much clearer financial picture.
Overtime Pay Regulations
Understanding overtime laws is critical for compliance and fair compensation. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), most household employees are classified as non-exempt, which means they are entitled to overtime pay. You must pay these employees “time and a half,” or 1.5 times their regular hourly rate, for any hours they work beyond 40 in a single workweek. This applies to nearly all domestic roles, from a family assistant to a private chef. Accurately tracking hours and calculating overtime is essential for maintaining a positive working relationship and avoiding wage disputes or potential legal penalties down the road.
Considerations for Live-In Staff
Hiring live-in staff introduces unique compensation elements, most notably housing. Providing private, comfortable living quarters is a standard part of the arrangement for roles like a live-in nanny or estate manager. This housing is considered a significant non-cash benefit, typically valued between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on the property and location. While this value is not paid in cash, it forms a substantial part of the employee’s total compensation package. This arrangement can be mutually beneficial, as it often allows the employer to offer a slightly lower cash salary than a comparable live-out position while providing the employee with a major living expense covered.
The Sleep Time Deduction Rule
For live-in employees, particularly those in caregiving roles, there is a specific rule regarding sleep time that can affect total paid hours. Under certain conditions, you may be able to deduct a scheduled sleeping period of up to eight hours from an employee’s pay. For this to apply, the employee must be provided with a private, separate sleeping area and must receive at least five hours of uninterrupted sleep. If their sleep is interrupted for work duties, only the time spent working counts as paid hours. This rule is nuanced, so it is important to ensure all conditions are met before applying it to your payroll.
Payroll and Administrative Fees
Beyond the one-time placement fee paid to a staffing agency, you should also account for ongoing administrative costs. Managing household payroll, including tax withholdings, filings, and payments, can be complicated and time-consuming. Many families choose to partner with a specialized household payroll service to handle these tasks. These services ensure that all state and federal tax obligations are met correctly and on time, which provides peace of mind and protects you from compliance issues. The fees for these services are typically charged on a monthly or quarterly basis and represent a small but necessary part of your overall household employment budget.
What Does It Cost to Fully Staff a Home?
For families considering a full household team, costs scale quickly. The right configuration depends on the size of your property, your family’s daily routine, how often you entertain, and whether you travel between multiple homes.
Get a staffing consultation with The Calendar Group to build a household team matched to your lifestyle and budget.
Here are three common household staffing configurations with estimated annual costs:
Scenario 1: Staffing a Single-Family Home
- Nanny (live-out): $80,000 – $120,000
- Housekeeper (part-time): $35,000 – $55,000
- Estimated total with benefits and taxes: $155,000 – $245,000
Scenario 2: A Large Home with an Active Lifestyle
- Nanny (live-in): $97,500 – $140,000
- Executive housekeeper: $115,000 – $160,000
- Family assistant: $85,000 – $110,000
- Private driver (part-time): $45,000 – $65,000
- Estimated total with benefits, housing, and taxes: $475,000 – $700,000
Scenario 3: Managing a Formal Estate
- Estate manager: $185,000 – $280,000
- Butler: $150,000 – $200,000
- Private chef: $120,000 – $165,000
- Executive housekeeper: $115,000 – $160,000
- Nanny: $97,500 – $140,000
- Chauffeur: $75,000 – $100,000
- Household assistant: $65,000 – $85,000
- Estimated total with benefits, housing, and taxes: $1,100,000 – $1,700,000+
These estimates include a 30% to 35% markup for taxes, benefits, and housing where applicable. Placement fees are one-time costs on top of these annual figures.
Smart Ways to Manage Household Staffing Costs
Spending less does not have to mean settling for lower quality. There are practical strategies that high-net-worth families use to control costs while still building a reliable, professional household team.
- Hire multi-skilled staff. A family assistant who handles calendar management, errands, and light housekeeping can replace two separate hires. Similarly, a household manager with bookkeeping skills can reduce the need for a separate property accountant.
- Use part-time or seasonal staffing. Not every role needs to be full-time. If you spend summers in one location and winters in another, consider seasonal contracts rather than year-round employment at both properties.
- Invest in the right hire the first time. The cost of replacing a bad hire far exceeds the premium of working with a reputable staffing agency. A thorough vetting process, personality matching, and reference checks pay for themselves by reducing turnover.
- Structure competitive benefits packages. Housing, health insurance, and paid vacation often matter more to candidates than an extra $10,000 in salary. A well-structured benefits package can help you attract top talent at a lower cash outlay.
- Plan your staffing needs before hiring. Defining roles clearly with detailed household staff job descriptions prevents scope creep, reduces overlap between staff members, and sets clear expectations from day one.
Budgeting for Ancillary Costs
Beyond salary and taxes, your household budget needs to account for the daily operational costs required for your staff to perform their duties effectively. These ancillary costs can include mileage reimbursement for a family assistant running errands, a petty cash fund for groceries and household supplies, or even professional development courses for a private chef to stay current on culinary trends. While these individual expenses may seem small, they form a significant part of your total household operating budget. Factoring them in from the start prevents unexpected shortfalls and ensures your team has the resources they need to maintain your home to the highest standard without delay.
Supplies, Groceries, and Uniforms
The tools of the trade are a necessary and recurring expense. For a private chef, this means a fully stocked pantry and a budget for fresh, high-quality ingredients. For an executive housekeeper, it involves purchasing specific cleaning agents to care for delicate surfaces like marble or silver, as well as maintaining high-end appliances. If your home requires formal service, you will also need to budget for the purchase and professional upkeep of uniforms for staff such as butlers or chauffeurs. These items are essential for staff to meet your expectations and should be considered a direct investment in the smooth operation of your home.
Applying Business Budgeting Principles
To get a clear and realistic picture of your total financial commitment, it helps to apply a simple business principle. A reliable rule of thumb used by family offices is to multiply a household employee’s base salary by a factor of 1.25 to 1.40. This calculation provides a solid estimate of the true annual cost once you include payroll taxes, insurance, benefits, and other ancillary expenses. For example, a house manager with a $130,000 salary will likely represent a total annual cost of $162,500 to $182,000. Using this formula helps you budget with confidence and treat your household staffing with the same financial diligence you would apply to any other significant investment.
Creative Staffing Solutions
One of the most effective ways to manage costs is by hiring versatile professionals who can fulfill multiple functions. Instead of hiring two separate individuals, consider a single, highly capable candidate who can blend responsibilities. For instance, a skilled family assistant can often manage the children’s schedules, run household errands, and handle light housekeeping duties, providing comprehensive support. Similarly, a household manager with strong executive assistant skills can oversee the property while also managing a principal’s complex calendar and travel. This approach not only streamlines your household operations but also creates a more dynamic and valuable role for your employee.
Practical Ways to Reduce Housekeeping Expenses
When it comes to housekeeping, the most significant long-term savings come from hiring the right person from the outset. The upfront investment in a seasoned professional pays for itself by reducing turnover and protecting your valuable assets. An experienced executive housekeeper understands how to care for fine art, antiques, and delicate materials, preventing costly damage from improper cleaning methods. They also manage supply inventories efficiently, reducing waste and ensuring the right products are always on hand. While it may be tempting to cut corners, the cost of replacing a poor hire and repairing their mistakes far outweighs the premium of working with a reputable agency to secure a top-tier professional.
What Should You Expect from a Staffing Agency?
Not all staffing agencies provide the same level of service, and the differences matter when you are inviting someone into your home. When comparing agencies, pay attention to these factors:
- Vetting depth: Top agencies conduct multi-layer background checks, verify references thoroughly, and assess personality fit, not just skills. The best agencies visit your home before making recommendations.
- Replacement guarantees: Industry-leading agencies offer replacement guarantees of 60 to 180 days. This means if a placement does not work out within the guarantee period, the agency will find a replacement at no additional fee.
- Specialization: A general staffing firm and a luxury household staffing agency are not the same. Agencies that specialize in private household placements understand the nuances of confidentiality, discretion, and cultural fit that generic recruiters miss.
- Post-placement support: The relationship should not end when the hire starts. Ongoing check-ins, performance support, and availability for future staffing needs are signs of a quality agency.
- Consultative approach: The best agencies take time to understand your family, your lifestyle, and your household dynamics before presenting candidates. Hiring the right household staff requires more than matching a resume to a job description.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Agency Fee for Finding Childcare?
A full-time nanny in the United States typically earns $80,000 to $175,000 per year depending on experience, location, and whether the role is live-in or live-out. Staffing agency placement fees add 15% to 20% of the first-year salary as a one-time cost. Total first-year cost for a nanny earning $97,500 with a 17% placement fee and benefits would be approximately $150,000 to $170,000.
What Is the Typical Pay for a Household Manager?
House managers earn a median salary of $130,000, with the 75th to 90th percentile reaching $170,000 to $221,000. In high-cost markets like New York City ($120,000 to $180,000) and the Hamptons ($130,000 to $190,000), compensation trends toward the upper end. House managers overseeing larger operations with multiple staff typically earn more.
Are Household Staffing Agency Fees Worth It?
For families seeking experienced, vetted household professionals, agency fees are a sound investment. A failed hire can cost 50% to 200% of the position’s annual salary when you account for re-recruiting, training, and lost productivity. Agencies with thorough vetting processes and replacement guarantees significantly reduce that risk. For a role like an estate manager at $185,000, avoiding even one bad hire saves more than the placement fee.
What Benefits Should I Offer Household Staff?
Standard benefits for full-time household employees include 10 to 15 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, health insurance (especially for senior roles), and year-end bonuses equivalent to one to two weeks’ pay. Live-in roles typically include private quarters and meals. Senior positions often include vehicle use, a professional development allowance, and signing bonuses of $5,000 to $35,000 depending on the role.
How Do I Know What Household Staff I Need?
Start by listing your family’s daily needs: childcare, cooking, cleaning, property maintenance, driving, scheduling, and household administration. Then consider how many hours each category requires per week. Families with children, multiple properties, or active social calendars usually need at least two to three staff members. A staffing consultation can help you match roles to your specific lifestyle without overstaffing or creating role overlap.
Connect with The Calendar Group today to find household professionals who match your family’s standards and lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Look beyond base compensation: The true annual cost of a household employee is typically 25% to 40% higher than their gross pay after accounting for taxes, insurance, and benefits.
- Recognize what shapes pay rates: Compensation is not one-size-fits-all; it shifts based on your location, the candidate’s level of experience, and the specific duties of the role.
- Make strategic hiring decisions: Reduce long-term expenses by partnering with a quality agency to avoid costly turnover and by hiring versatile professionals who can cover multiple household duties.
Related Articles
- How Much Does Household Staffing Cost? 2026 Guide
- Household Staff Job Descriptions: Roles & Duties Guide
- Staffing Agency vs. Independent Hiring for Home Staff
About the Author
Nathalie Laitmon
Nathalie Laitmon is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of The Calendar Group, a premier staffing consultancy serving high-net-worth families, family offices, and C-suite executives since 2002. A Cornell University graduate (ILR School, Class of 1995), Nathalie began her career in human capital consulting at Deloitte, where she was selected for the elite Office of the Chairman, and at Ernst & Young, where she developed award-winning employer programs for Fortune 100 companies. With over 34 years of experience in recruitment and human capital strategy, she pioneered The Calendar Group's intuitive matching methodology, which pairs skilled household and executive professionals with families based on chemistry, cultural fit, and long-term compatibility. Her expertise has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Town & Country, and Luxury Daily. Nathalie is also a published author of contemporary fiction, represented by The Book Group literary agency.


