Wealthy Households Now Pay Staff Six-Figure Salaries

Household staffing has become a lucrative career path, with wealthy families now paying top talent salaries that rival corporate executives. A new report from luxury staffing agency Morgan & Mallet International shows demand for experienced chefs, butlers, nannies and estate managers has hit record levels as affluent households expand their real estate holdings and juggle increasingly complex family needs. The resulting talent shortage has fueled a bidding war, driving up pay and encouraging frequent job-hopping among staff.

Chefs and Nannies Command Premium Pay

Private chefs can now earn as much as $300,000 a year, particularly those skilled in specialized diets such as vegan, gluten-free or ketogenic cooking. Wealthy families increasingly prefer private dining over restaurant visits, boosting demand for in-home culinary talent. Childcare roles are booming too: multilingual nannies and those trained to work with children who have special needs are especially sought after, with traveling nannies earning up to $163,000.

Personal Assistants Are the Most In-Demand Hire

Despite the chef and nanny boom, personal and executive assistants remain the most requested hires among wealthy U.S. clients, with salaries reaching $250,000. House managers, who often oversee multiple properties across countries, are seeing the fastest salary growth, typically earning between $150,000 and $250,000.

The report, based on data from over 200,000 household staff across the U.S., UK, Europe and the Middle East, also highlights shifting workplace norms. Average staff tenure has dropped to roughly three years, and employers increasingly prioritize discretion, adaptability and tech skills. Nondisclosure agreements are now standard for many roles — most personal assistants hired in Los Angeles have signed one — and staff who comply with strict privacy and security protocols reportedly earn 15-20% more than their peers.