Hiring reliable household help is an important investment in your home and family life, but figuring out what “fair pay” looks like can feel tricky. Paying your employee fairly doesn’t just help attract the right person—it also ensures long-term success, reliability, and a great working relationship.
Let’s break it down.
Understand the Market Rates
Start by researching what household employees are earning in your area. Rates will vary based on your location, the scope of the role, and the employee’s experience. Generally, the starting rate for professional household employees working 15+ hours per week is $25/hour and up. For full-time positions, offering benefits like paid holidays or a guaranteed salary can also make your role more attractive.
Define the Role Clearly
Compensation depends heavily on the expectations of the job. Are you looking for someone to simply tidy up and do laundry, or are you expecting a candidate to meal prep, run errands, and manage the household calendar? The more responsibilities the role entails, the higher the pay range should be.
💡 Tip: Use a tool like the Master Task List to clearly outline what tasks you want this person to handle. A detailed list will help you define the role and set fair expectations—for both you and your employee.
Compensation Based on Experience and Skills
The candidate’s experience, certifications, and skills will play a big role in determining fair pay. For example:
Experienced Nannies with infant care expertise or CPR certifications typically command higher rates.
Household Managers or Personal Assistants skilled in scheduling, organizing, and vendor management also deserve premium pay.
Specialized Tasks like driving, tutoring, or cooking gourmet meals may push compensation toward the higher end of the scale.
Offer Consistent Hours
Employees seeking professional household roles are often looking for stable, reliable hours. Roles with fewer than 15 hours a week can be harder to fill with professional candidates.
💡 Tip: Looking for fewer than 15 hours a week? Adjust your expectations and consider alternative options, like hiring a neighbor or a high school student for smaller, simpler tasks. This can reduce costs but may come with less reliability or professionalism.
Fair Pay: Think Beyond the Hourly Rate
While hourly pay is important, benefits like flexibility, paid time off, or guaranteed hours (even if less work is required) can make your position more desirable. These added perks not only attract top-tier candidates but also help build loyalty and job satisfaction.
💡 Tip: Looking to ensure you’re paying your household employee fairly and in compliance with state laws? I partner with Rachel at Homework Solutions, a pro in household payroll and tax services. Schedule a free consultation with her today to ensure you’re set up for success.
Evaluate Your Budget
Once you’ve defined the role and researched rates, take a look at your household budget. Are you prepared to offer compensation that aligns with the market while meeting your needs? If your expectations don’t align with your budget, consider adjusting the scope of the role and hiring a neighbor or high school student.
Fair Pay Is the Foundation of Success
Offering fair compensation isn’t just about attracting great candidates—it’s about creating a win-win partnership. When your household employee feels valued, they’re more likely to stay long-term and bring their best to the role.
Hiring the right household help can feel overwhelming, but with clear expectations and fair compensation, you can find the perfect fit for your family.
Need More Support?
For step-by-step guidance on hiring, check out the DIY Hiring Guide. It’s packed with tips to streamline the process and ensure you attract the best candidate for your needs.
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