Housekeepers in Palm Beach and South Florida are seeing a surge in demand, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 and bidding wars between mansion owners becoming common. The mass wealth migration to Florida from high-tax states has created record demand for household staff in elite Florida enclaves, particularly Palm Beach. The demand for butlers, nannies, chefs, drivers, and personal security staff has also increased, but the shortage of housekeepers has created the biggest challenge for wealthy homeowners. Pay for housekeepers has skyrocketed from about $25 an hour in 2020 to $45 or $50 an hour today.
According to staffing agencies, the demand for household staff in Palm Beach and Miami has reached unprecedented levels, with experienced housekeepers in wealthy homes making between $120,000 and $150,000 a year. Executive housekeepers, who oversee other household staff, can make even more. Despite the high pay, there is still a significant shortage of qualified candidates, leading to bidding wars between wealthy homeowners. Staffing agencies are struggling to find enough skilled housekeepers, with clients often expressing shock at the high salaries but ultimately realizing the value of experienced staff.
Staffing agencies in Palm Beach are posting “Help Wanted” ads all over the web and throughout West Palm Beach in an effort to attract more qualified candidates. There is a growing frustration among clients who initially balk at the high salaries but eventually recognize the importance of hiring experienced housekeepers. The specific skills required for working in fine homes, such as moving quietly, cleaning antiques and fine art, and properly caring for linens, require specialized training and experience.
Melissa Psitos, founder of Lily Pond Services, shared a story of a client who initially wanted to hire a housekeeper for $75,000 a year but ended up paying $110,000 due to market conditions. Psitos also mentioned a head housekeeper in Palm Beach who earns $250,000 a year and travels with the family to their various homes. Despite the challenges of finding qualified candidates, some staffing agencies are considering launching schools to teach high-end housekeeping skills and generate more housekeepers to meet the demand.
April Berube, founder of The Wellington Agency, which places household staff in Palm Beach, Miami, New York, and other locations, expressed astonishment at the current demand for housekeepers. She has been placing staff for 30 years but has never seen anything like the spike in demand for housekeepers in elite Florida enclaves. With pay for housekeepers exceeding $45 or $50 an hour and experienced housekeepers earning salaries of $120,000 to $150,000 a year, the shortage of qualified candidates remains a significant challenge for wealthy homeowners. Despite the obstacles, staffing agencies are working to meet the demand and find skilled housekeepers for their clients.
