Welcome to Extreme Investor Network, where we bring you the latest insights and trends in the high net worth investor and consumer world. Today, we are discussing the unprecedented demand for household staff in Palm Beach and South Florida, where salaries for housekeepers are soaring to over $150,000 a year.
The mass exodus of wealthy individuals from high-tax states like New York to Florida has led to a surge in demand for household staff in elite enclaves such as Palm Beach. Not only are mansion owners competing in bidding wars for top talent, but hotels, resorts, and businesses are also vying for cleaning staff, creating a shortage in the market.
According to staffing agencies, the shortage of housekeepers has caused typical pay rates to skyrocket from $25 an hour in 2020 to $45 or $50 an hour today. Housekeepers with experience in wealthy homes in Palm Beach are now making between $120,000 and $150,000 a year, along with benefits such as 401(k) plans, health care, and overtime.
Founder of The Wellington Agency, April Berube, stated, “I have been placing staff for 30 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. We’ve seen such a boom from people relocating, especially Palm Beach and Miami.” Executive housekeepers in Palm Beach can even make up to $250,000 a year, including overtime, and travel with the family to their various homes.
Bidding wars between wealthy homeowners have become common, and staffing agencies are struggling to find enough qualified candidates to meet the demand. Berube even mentioned the possibility of launching a school to teach high-end housekeeping skills and generate more housekeepers due to the shortage in the market.
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