Staffing agencies in cities such as Palm Beach, Florida — where the average home price in 2024 is more than $2 million — say they are in desperate need of experienced household staff
In some parts of Florida, housekeepers are cashing in, bringing home over $100,000 annually. This might sound surprising, but there are some solid reasons behind this trend.
Housekeepers in affluent areas like Palm Beach, where homes average over $2 million, are in high demand. Agencies are scrambling to find experienced staff for homeowners who are ready to pay top dollar for the best services.
The migration of wealthy individuals from states with high taxes like New York to Florida is a big part of this trend. They bring their wealth and their need for high-quality household help with them.
According to CNBC, housekeepers, along with nannies, chefs, and private security professionals in South Florida, routinely earn over $100,000 a year. In many cases, salaries go beyond $150,000, fueled by bidding wars among wealthy homeowners. For context, this is due to the competitive nature of securing the “best of the best” workers.
April Berube, founder of The Wellington Agency operating in affluent areas like Palm Beach and Miami, mentions, “I’ve been placing staff for 30 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. The wealth migration to Florida has driven a huge demand for household staff.”
The average home in Palm Beach is over $2 million, according to Zillow, with prices climbing steadily year over year. This trend is intensifying the need for quality household workers. For housekeepers, this means higher wages due to the competition between private residences and hotels desperate to fill roles.
But it’s not just about money. Berube explains, “Being a housekeeper for the wealthy requires specific skills and tools, which take time to hone. This further pushes demand for experienced professionals.”
Berube points out the significant increase in hourly wages, from about $25 per hour in 2020 to up to $50 per hour in 2024. This dramatic increase reflects the supply shortages and high demand for skilled housekeepers.
Melissa Psitos, founder of Lily Pond Services, shares that some housekeepers she knows make up to $250,000 annually. She also noted that offers for housekeepers have skyrocketed. One client, originally offering $75,000, ended up increasing the offer to $110,000 to keep up with the market.
“There simply aren’t enough qualified housekeepers to meet the demand,” Psitos adds.
As salaries inflate, some homeowners initially balk at high wage expectations. Berube recounts how clients are often shocked by current salary demands. “‘No way I’m paying that,’ they say. But eventually, they see the value in skilled, experienced help and come around.”
In conclusion, the booming demand for housekeepers in Florida is a result of increasing wealth migration, spiking home prices, and fierce competition for skilled workers. For those experienced in household management, this translates to unprecedented salary opportunities, making household service a lucrative career choice in these areas.
