In Florida’s most affluent neighborhoods, especially in places like Palm Beach, housekeepers are no longer just household helpers—they’re becoming some of the best-paid workers in the area. As average home values in Palm Beach are projected to soar past $2 million in 2024, the demand for top-tier domestic staff has exploded. Staffing agencies across the region are scrambling to meet this demand, and the competition is driving wages to jaw-dropping levels, with some housekeepers now making well over $100,000 annually.
This may come as a shock to many, but there are solid reasons behind this trend. The migration of wealthy individuals to Florida from high-tax states like New York and California has contributed significantly to the surge. These affluent transplants are bringing their wealth—and their expectations—with them. They want the same quality of domestic support they had up north, and they’re willing to pay handsomely for it. That’s where skilled housekeepers, nannies, chefs, and even private security specialists come into the picture. These jobs are no longer just support roles—they’re highly specialized positions that command premium salaries.
According to a report from CNBC, it’s not uncommon for housekeepers in South Florida to earn more than $100,000 annually. And in some cases, fierce bidding wars among elite homeowners are pushing salaries to $150,000 and beyond. The competition to secure experienced staff is intense, especially in exclusive communities like Palm Beach and Miami. Families aren’t just hiring help—they’re investing in professionalism, discretion, and expertise.
April Berube, the founder of The Wellington Agency, a staffing company that provides domestic workers to upscale clients in Florida, says she’s never seen anything like this in her 30 years in the business. “The demand is just off the charts,” she explained. “We’ve had clients raise their offers multiple times to secure the right person.” Berube attributes the surge not only to population shifts but also to the rising value of real estate. According to Zillow, the average home in Palm Beach now exceeds $2 million, and that number continues to rise. Naturally, homeowners are willing to invest more to maintain their properties and lifestyle at an equally high standard.
What’s more, the competition for domestic staff isn’t limited to private homes. Luxury hotels and vacation properties are also seeking top talent, further driving up wages. Berube noted that many housekeepers are now earning between $40 and $50 an hour, a dramatic increase from the $25 hourly rate seen just a few years ago in 2020. The wage hike reflects not just inflation, but the increasing scarcity of skilled professionals who can meet the high expectations of wealthy employers.
But it’s not just about cleaning and tidying. Housekeepers in these roles are expected to have specialized knowledge and experience, from caring for high-end finishes to managing smart home systems and coordinating with other staff members. “It takes years to develop the level of skill needed to work in these homes,” Berube said. “Clients are paying for more than just labor—they’re paying for peace of mind and expertise.”
Melissa Psitos, founder of Lily Pond Services, another top staffing agency in Florida, echoed those sentiments. She’s seen some housekeepers earn as much as $250,000 a year. “It sounds unbelievable, but it’s real,” Psitos said. In one instance, a client who initially offered $75,000 for a full-time housekeeper ended up boosting their offer to $110,000 after seeing how competitive the market was. “There just aren’t enough qualified housekeepers to go around,” she added.
While some homeowners initially balk at the high salary expectations, most eventually come around. As Berube pointed out, “Clients will say, ‘There’s no way I’m paying that,’ but once they understand the level of skill and professionalism they’re getting, they usually change their minds.” The truth is, in high-end households, having the right staff can make a world of difference in day-to-day living. And for those who can afford it, the price is worth the comfort and consistency.
In the end, what’s happening in Florida could be a preview of what’s to come in other wealthy enclaves around the country. As wealth continues to concentrate and property values climb, the need for skilled household staff will likely grow in tandem. Housekeeping, once considered a low-paying job, is becoming a lucrative career path in areas like Palm Beach, where the demand far outweighs the supply. For those with the right experience and skills, the opportunities are endless—and the paychecks are nothing short of remarkable.
