Private Housekeeper and Household Staff Cost Guide
A private housekeeper in the US is typically paid about US$15 to US$40 per hour, with full-time wages commonly in the range of US$18,000 to US$35,000 a year, while a house manager is paid around US$60,000 to US$95,000. These are wage figures. The full cost of employing someone also includes payroll taxes, paid leave and sometimes accommodation.
Pay for household staff depends on the market, the size of the home and the range of duties. A housekeeper in a resort town or a major city earns more than one in a small market, and a role that includes laundry, wardrobe care, guest preparation or cooking pays more than basic cleaning.
Use the ranges below to see whether a role is priced in a sensible range, not as a price list. High-net-worth households and large estates pay well above these ranges for experienced staff, and live-in roles add the value of accommodation and meals.
Typical price ranges
- Independent private housekeeper (US)US$15 to US$40 per hour
Wage or rate for an individual housekeeper not working through a company; larger cities and experienced staff sit higher.
- Full-time housekeeper (US)US$18,000 to US$35,000 per year
Wages for a typical full-time housekeeper, before payroll taxes and benefits.
- House manager or household manager (US)US$60,000 to US$95,000 per year
Typical annual pay for a private house manager; large estates and senior roles run well above this.
- Housekeeper wage (Canada)C$18 to C$29 per hour
Wage range for housekeeping roles in Ontario and Québec; employer payroll costs are extra.
Typical 2025-2026 wage figures compiled from published sources, including HomeGuide, Payscale, Salary.com, Care.com, a Salary.com household manager survey, Payscale house manager data, the Government of Canada Job Bank and Oysterlink. These are what workers earn, not what any agency charges; sources differ, and local pay varies with city, duties and experience.
What drives the cost
- Hours and schedule
- A few mornings a week costs far less than a full week, and evenings, weekends and on-call time raise the cost.
- Size and complexity of the home
- More rooms, floors and fine finishes call for more experienced staff, who are paid more.
- Duties beyond cleaning
- Laundry, wardrobe care, cooking, childcare, guest preparation or driving each widen the role and raise pay.
- Live-in or live-out
- Live-in staff receive accommodation, and sometimes meals, as part of pay, and the rules on how that is counted vary by state and province.
- Local market
- Resort towns and large cities pay more because experienced staff are scarce and living costs are high.
- Employer costs
- Payroll taxes, paid leave, insurance and any benefits add to the wage.
- Agency or placement fees
- If staff are found through an agency, ask whether there is a fee, how it is calculated and when it is due.
- Number of residences
- Covering several homes, or opening and closing seasonal residences, adds travel and coordination.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Start with a written brief of duties so you pay for the work you need and not a broader role.
- Consider part-time or shared arrangements if a full week is more than the home needs.
- Compare total cost, including payroll taxes and accommodation, instead of the wage alone.
- Plan seasonal openings and closings ahead so they are done once, not in a rush.
- Ask in advance about fees and notice periods so a placement does not bring surprises.
Cost questions
How much does a full-time private housekeeper cost?
Wage data points to roughly US$18,000 to US$35,000 a year for a typical full-time housekeeper in the US, with higher pay in expensive cities and for experienced staff. Payroll taxes and benefits come on top.
How much does a house manager earn?
Published figures put typical private house manager pay at about US$60,000 to US$95,000 a year in the US. Senior estate managers with larger responsibilities are paid more.
Is live-in help cheaper than live-out?
Not necessarily. Accommodation and meals are a cost to the household, and employment rules for live-in staff add obligations. Compare the total package.
Do household staff placements charge a fee?
Many do, but structures vary from a percentage of first-year pay to flat fees or hourly arrangements. Ask for the terms in writing before agreeing.
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