From CNBC: 2024-05-23 10:00:01

Housekeepers in Palm Beach and South Florida are in high demand, with salaries exceeding $150,000 and bidding wars erupting between mansion owners. The mass migration of wealthy individuals to Florida has created a shortage of household staff, causing wages for housekeepers to soar from $25 to $45-$50 an hour.

Staffing agencies have seen a surge in demand for butlers, nannies, chefs, drivers, and personal security in elite enclaves like Palm Beach. Housekeepers with experience in affluent homes in Palm Beach are earning between $120,000 and $150,000 annually, in addition to benefits and overtime pay. There is a severe shortage of qualified housekeeping staff in the area.

Recruiting agencies are posting “Help Wanted” ads online and around West Palm Beach in response to bidding wars between wealthy homeowners seeking household staff. Companies are paying top dollar for experienced housekeepers who possess the specific skills necessary to work in high-end homes.

Some clients are initially shocked by the high cost of hiring experienced housekeepers, but ultimately realize the value of paying for that expertise when dealing with less experienced candidates. Melissa Psitos, founder of Lily Pond Services, noted that executive housekeepers can earn up to $250,000 per year, including overtime.

There is a scarcity of qualified housekeeping candidates in Palm Beach, prompting some agencies to consider launching training programs to teach high-end housekeeping skills and address the shortage. April Berube, founder of The Wellington Agency, mentioned the need for special tools and skills to work in fine homes, such as cleaning antiques and fine art.

Despite the high demand for household staff in Palm Beach, some recruiting agencies are struggling to keep up with the need to find qualified candidates. Berube expressed interest in starting a school to teach high-end housekeeping skills to generate more housekeepers but cited time constraints as a challenge.



Read more at CNBC: Palm Beach housekeepers make $150,000 a year due to massive demand