Housekeepers in Palm Beach and South Florida are experiencing a significant surge in salaries, often exceeding $150,000, due to intense competition among mansion owners, according to staffing companies. This boom is driven primarily by the influx of wealthy individuals relocating to Florida from high-tax states like New York, creating unprecedented demand for household staff in upscale Florida neighborhoods, especially Palm Beach. The demand extends beyond housekeepers to include butlers (now often termed "hospitality managers" or "estate managers"), nannies, chefs, drivers, and personal security personnel.

The most acute shortage is in housekeepers, creating a challenging situation for affluent homeowners. These new Florida residents have purchased large homes and require staff to maintain them. Simultaneously, hotels, resorts, and other businesses are also competing for cleaning staff. Consequently, the average pay for housekeepers has skyrocketed from about $25 per hour in 2020 to $45 or $50 per hour today, according to various agencies.

April Berube, founder of The Wellington Agency, which provides household staff in locations such as Palm Beach, Miami, and New York, remarked, “I have been placing staff for 30 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this.” She attributes the surge to the relocation boom, particularly in Palm Beach and Miami.

In Palm Beach, housekeepers with experience in high-end homes are earning between $120,000 and $150,000 annually, along with benefits such as 401(k) plans, health care, and overtime pay. Berube noted, “For housekeepers it’s wonderful. For us, it’s extremely difficult. It’s a severe shortage.”

Melissa Psitos, founder of Lily Pond Services, shared a recent case where a client in Florida initially sought to hire a housekeeper for $75,000 a year but ended up paying $110,000 due to market rates. Psitos mentioned that executive housekeepers, who manage other housekeepers and laundresses, can earn even more. One head housekeeper in Palm Beach reportedly earns $250,000 a year, including overtime, and travels with the family to their multiple homes.

The shortage has led to bidding wars among wealthy homeowners. Staffing agencies are extensively posting "Help Wanted" ads online and across West Palm Beach, with clients growing increasingly frustrated. “At first they’re in shock, and they say, ‘No way I’m paying that,’” Berube explained. “It’s even uncomfortable for me to give them the numbers. But when they try to hire someone for less, with less experience, they almost always come back to us and say, ‘I learned my lesson. We are willing to pay for the experience.’”

Housekeepers for affluent families require specialized skills, such as moving discreetly within the house, carefully cleaning antiques, flatware, and fine art, and properly washing and pressing fine linens. “There are specific tools and skills you need to work in fine homes,” Berube added.

Given the scarcity of qualified candidates, Berube is contemplating starting a school to teach high-end housekeeping skills and produce more housekeepers. “I would love to do it, but I don’t have the time, since we’re busy trying to find staff,” she said.

The situation is compounded by the broader economic impacts of wealth migration and the evolving labor market dynamics in luxury home management. The influx of affluent individuals has not only increased the demand for housekeepers but also for other household staff, pushing salaries higher across the board. For example, personal chefs in the area are now commanding salaries of $100,000 to $200,000, depending on their experience and the specific requirements of the household.

Personal security personnel, including bodyguards, are also in high demand, with salaries ranging from $150,000 to $300,000. These roles are critical for high-profile individuals who require protection for themselves and their families. The rise in demand for these positions has led to a competitive market where only the most experienced and highly skilled candidates are considered.

Furthermore, the need for specialized household staff, such as estate managers, has grown. These professionals are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of large estates, including managing other staff, coordinating events, and maintaining the property. Salaries for estate managers in Palm Beach can range from $200,000 to $350,000, reflecting the high level of responsibility and expertise required for the role.

The broader economic implications of this trend are significant. As salaries for household staff continue to rise, the cost of living in these affluent areas is also increasing. This has a ripple effect on local businesses and services, which must also adjust their pricing to accommodate the higher wages paid to their employees. The increased demand for luxury services has led to a boom in the local economy, but it also presents challenges for businesses trying to keep up with the rapidly changing market.