Household Staff Salaries

Annual Report 2025/26: Executive Summary

This report draws from our database of over 200,000 candidates and thousands of placements across the US, UK, Europe, and Middle East from January 2024 through October 2025. The data shows record demand, global mobility, and serious talent shortages.

Six Key Findings:

  • America and Switzerland dominate pay. The US offers the highest salaries for 60% of roles we track. Private chefs earn up to $300,000 there. Switzerland pays the most for childcare. Nannies make $144,024 and governesses earn $156,026.
  • Certain roles in specific locations are very difficult to fill. In France, 21% of our clients over the past year want domestic couples but can’t find them. Clients looking to hire an estate manager make up 10% of our US requests as families buy more properties, yet candidates with the right mix of security, technical, and management skills barely exist.
  • Privacy adds 15-20% to salaries. Staff who maintain confidentiality earn more. In our Los Angeles agency, 77% of PA jobs we have placed require NDAs. Executive assistants make $120,000 to $250,000 in the US because they protect both business and personal secrets. Private chefs now recreate Michelin dining at home so celebrities avoid restaurants and photographers.
  • Three years is the new twenty. Staff used to stay decades. Now they average three years per job, matching how often principals move between homes. But good matches last. In LA, 92% of our placed PAs stay two years or more. In Dubai, 92% of nanny placements become multi-year contracts.
  • Brexit and geography squeeze supply. EU citizens can’t easily work in UK households anymore because they require a visa, pushing London salaries up. Remote places like Uzbekistan must pay large premiums for Western staff with strong passports. The US and UAE see the fiercest competition, making them both the hardest and best-paying markets.
  • Privacy costs extra. Staff who sign NDAs and follow security rules earn 15-20% more. In Los Angeles, 77% of personal assistant jobs we have placed require confidentiality agreements. Some households make staff leave phones at the door.
Download the report using the button below or scroll down for an overview. 

Our Data Sources and Methodology

We analyzed our own successful household staff placements and market data from 2024-2025.

• Salaries can exceed typical ranges for celebrity staff (like TV chefs), rare skill combinations (celiac-safe cooking plus keto knowledge), or remote locations where staff sacrifice city conveniences.

• All figures converted to USD using 2025 average rates (January – November 2025): GBP $1.32, EUR $1.12, AED $0.272, SAR $0.267, CHF $1.20.

• Our custom-built recruitment system tracks 200,000+ pre-screened candidates globally, spotting talent shortages as they develop.

• We post 70-200 job ads monthly across specialist boards in the US, UK, UAE, France, and Switzerland.

• Weekly interviews with recruiters capture real market conditions beyond the numbers.

The Global Wealth Effect: Multi-property Ownership and Staffing Complexity

Key Points:

  • Private household staffing demand is strong because wealthy families are buying multiple properties globally as safe havens, driven by loose monetary policy and geopolitical instability.
  • High-net-worth clients are relocating from Europe to Florida, Dubai, and Switzerland for tax benefits. The UK’s abolition of non-dom status accelerated this shift.
  • Managing multiple properties requires expensive specialists like estate managers, now one of our top five requested roles in the US.
  • Average job tenure dropped from 20 years to three years as staff became as mobile as employers. Good matches still last – 92% of placements in LA and Dubai exceed two years.
  • Brexit continues to block EU workers from UK households, driving London salaries up. Remote locations pay premium wages to attract Western staff because local talent pools are too small.

Staffing Challenges by Market and Economic Factors

FactorStaffing ImpactKey Data Point
Monetary and Geopolitical ExpansionIncreased demand for staff for new, acquired assets (safe havens).Driving unprecedented need for staff in newly purchased properties.
Tax Residency Migration (e.g., UK to Dubai/US)Requires agencies to offer global placement and support across jurisdictions.Clients requested M&M open regional offices to follow their migration.
Multi-Property OwnershipDrives demand for executive-tier roles (estate manager) and mobile staff (ROTA).Estate manager is a Top 5 request in the US (10% of requests).
Brexit Effect (UK Market)Creates severe talent shortages, particularly in the London market.Pushes salaries up due to far fewer EU nationals being available.
Declining Staff TenureRequires more frequent recruitment cycles and relationship building with new staff.Average tenure has dropped from 20 years to approximately 3 years in 2025.
Proven Experience ScarcityForces selective assignments acceptance; some remote/low-salary placements declined.All M&M placements must have verifiable, proven experience. Wages at record highs globally.

Global Compensation Index

Key Points:

  • Extreme shortage of specialized staff: Ultra-wealthy families can’t find staff with the specific skills they need. Morgan & Mallet specializes in finding these rare candidates.
  • Passport restrictions: Families need staff who can travel to multiple properties worldwide. They mostly hire EU, UK, or North American passport holders, excluding qualified candidates from other countries.
  • Domestic couples most wanted: In France, 21% of requests are for couples. Clients get two full-time workers for the price of housing one couple.
  • Traveling nannies are hard to find: Only 2.36% of nannies can do rotational work. Just 4.82% can travel regularly.
  • Remote locations struggle more: Places like Uzbekistan have very little local senior staff, forcing significant salaries.
  • Candidates hold the power: Top staff won’t wait for slow offers. UAE pays traveling nannies up to $163,200, the world’s highest.

Best Paying Country by Profession (Gross Yearly Salary Maximum - Converted to USD)

RankProfessionCountry with Highest Max SalaryMaximum Gross Salary (Local Currency)Maximum Gross Salary (USD Equivalent)
1Private ChefUSA (USD)$300,000$300,000
1Chief of StaffUSA (USD)$300,000$300,000
3Personal AssistantUSA (USD)$250,000$250,000
3Estate ManagerUSA (USD)$250,000$250,000
3Domestic/Caretaker CoupleUSA (USD)$250,000$250,000
3Executive AssistantUSA (USD)$250,000$250,000
7Maternity NurseSwitzerland (CHF)CHF 155,000$186,031
8ButlerUSA (USD)$180,000$180,000
8House/Household ManagerUSA (USD)$180,000$180,000
10Travelling NannyUAE (AED)AED 600,000$163,200
11HousekeeperUSA (USD)$160,000$160,000
12GovernessSwitzerland (CHF)CHF 130,000$156,026
13Private Security/BodyguardUSA (USD)$150,000$150,000
13Head HousekeeperUSA (USD)$150,000$150,000
15Personal CoachMonaco (EUR)€130,000$145,600
16NannySwitzerland (CHF)CHF 120,000$144,024
16CaregiverSwitzerland (CHF)CHF 120,000$144,024
16Private Chauffeur/DriverSwitzerland (CHF)CHF 120,000$144,024
16Family CookSwitzerland (CHF)CHF 120,000$144,024
20Head GardenerSwitzerland (CHF)CHF 110,000$132,022
21Housekeeper/CookUSA (USD)$130,000$130,000
22Nanny/HousekeeperUSA (USD)$120,000$120,000
22Property Guardian/ConciergeUSA (USD)$120,000$120,000
22Pet SitterUSA (USD)$120,000$120,000
25LaundressUK (GBP)£90,000$118,800
26GardenerSwitzerland (CHF)CHF 95,000$114,019
27CompanionUSA (USD)$100,000$100,000
28HousemanUSA (USD)$90,000+$90,000

Where the highest salaries are paid worldwide

Our placement data from working in these countries shows clear salary leaders for different household positions.

The USA pays the most for 17 out of 28 roles we track. American families offer the highest salaries for private chefs, chiefs of staff, personal assistants, estate managers, executive assistants, and private security/bodyguards. It’s the top-paying country for experienced household staff.

Switzerland comes second, paying the most for eight positions. Swiss families lead in specialized childcare and skilled service roles. They pay top dollar for maternity nurses, governesses, nannies, caregivers, and head gardeners. High living costs and demand for quality staff drive these salaries.

The UAE offers tax-free income and competitive pay but only leads globally in one role. Traveling nannies earn the most there at $163,200. Families pay extra for mobile childcare professionals who can travel frequently.

The UK still pays the most for laundresses, showing how British families value expert garment care. Monaco offers the highest salaries for personal coaches, beating both the US and UAE in this wellness category.

Global Market Dominance: Percentage Breakdown

Based on the analysis of the maximum gross yearly salaries for all 28 professions.
The data reveals that the USA and Switzerland collectively offer the highest compensation for 89% of the roles analyzed.

RankCountry# of Professions with Highest Salary% of TotalTop Roles Include
1USA1760.7%Chief of Staff, Estate Manager, Private Chef, Butler, Housekeeper
2Switzerland828.6%Maternity Nurse, Governess, Nanny, Head Gardener, Chauffeur
3UAE13.6%Travelling Nanny
3United Kingdom13.6%Laundress
3Monaco13.6%Personal Coach

The Discretion Premium: Confidentiality and Compensation

Key Points:

  • Privacy pays: Maintaining confidentiality can add 15-20% to salaries in high-net-worth recruitment. Mentioning a previous employer’s name during interviews often ends a candidate’s chances.
  • Executive assistant salaries reflect trust: EAs earn $120,000-$250,000 in the USA and $92,400-$158,400 (£70,000 – £120,000) in the UK because they protect both corporate and private information. In Los Angeles, 92% of placed personal assistants stay in their roles for two years or longer.
  • NDAs are everywhere: In Los Angeles, 77% of PA placements require Non-Disclosure Agreements. In Miami, 79% of PAs have experience working with security teams in privacy-focused environments.
  • Social media bans are common: Many contracts prohibit social media use on property. Staff at some high-profile estates must surrender phones at security checkpoints. One Manhattan billionaire only hired a butler who had never worked on the East Coast to avoid overlapping social circles.
  • Private dining boom: Ultra-wealthy families now hire Michelin-starred chefs for home service, avoiding photographers and public attention. Some VVIP placements happen under such strict secrecy that even recruiters never learn the client’s name.

The Talent Shortage Scorecard: Bridging the Gap in Ultra-Specialized Roles

Key Points:

  • Extreme shortage of specialized staff: Ultra-wealthy families can’t find staff with the specific skills they need. Morgan & Mallet specializes in finding these rare candidates.
  • Passport restrictions: Families need staff who can travel to multiple properties worldwide. They mostly hire EU, UK, or North American passport holders, excluding qualified candidates from other countries.
  • Domestic couples most wanted: In France, 21% of requests are for couples. Clients get two full-time workers for the price of housing one couple.
  • Traveling nannies are hard to find: Only 2.36% of nannies can do rotational work. Just 4.82% can travel regularly.
  • Remote locations struggle more: Places like Uzbekistan have very little local senior staff, forcing significant salaries.
  • Candidates hold the power: Top staff won’t wait for slow offers. UAE pays traveling nannies up to $163,200, the world’s highest.

The Butler Role in 2025/26

Key Points: 

  • In-Demand Skills: Modern butlers mix traditional service skills with management, administration, and technical knowledge, including running smart home systems and digital scheduling across multiple properties.
  • Global Demand: Demand is high in the US and Middle East, while declining in Europe.
  • Top Salary: The highest gross salary for a candidate we have placed is in the USA, was $180,000. Other high-paying countries include Switzerland (up to $156,026) and Monaco (up to $134,400).
  • Client Preference: 22% of our clients specifically request a traditional English butler certified by a recognized school.
  • Candidate Profile: Clients typically seek mature candidates, often aged 50 to 60 for formal roles. The most important qualities are discretion, confidentiality, and trustworthiness.
  • Candidate Statistics: Butlers make up about 5% of our total registered profiles, with a 96% placement success rate and an average experience of seven years. Globally, 9% of our butlers are female.
RankCountry/RegionGross Yearly Salary (Local Currency)Gross Yearly Salary (USD Equivalent)
1USA$90,000 – $180,000$180,000
2SwitzerlandCHF 110,000 - CHF 130,000$156,026
3Monaco€90,000 - €120,000$134,400
4UK£50,000 – £100,000$132,000
5Saudi ArabiaSAR 120,000 – 300,000$80,100
6Belgium€50,000 – €80,000$80,000
7France€45,000 – €60,000$67,200
8UAEAED 120,000 – 200,000$54,400
Top Five Paying Countries for Butlers
MetricDetail
Placement Success Rate96%
Average Experience7 years
Total ProfilesAround 5% of total registered profiles are butlers
Gender Split (Global)9% are female butlers

The Private Chef: Skill Requirements, Salary Trends, and Demand Hotspots

Key Points:

  • Role Status: The private chef is the center of the modern luxury household and is consistently one of the most requested roles globally.
  • Client Demand: Clients demand highly qualified, five-star caliber chefs, often with Michelin training, to replicate the high-end restaurant experience at home with complete discretion.
  • Top Salary: The highest gross yearly salaries are found in the USA (up to $300,000), followed by the UK (up to $264,000).
  • Key Skill: Clients strongly favor chefs who are adaptable and can switch between French, Italian, Japanese, and Arabic cuisine without an ego-driven signature style.
  • Specialized Knowledge: Specialized nutritional knowledge is a top client demand, including macro balancing, keto protocols, and working alongside personal trainers or doctors. In Los Angeles, 41% of our placed chefs hold dual certifications in nutrition and culinary arts.
  • Regional Demand: The highest demand for private chefs comes from the United States (35% of global requests), the UAE and Middle East (20%), and France and Monaco (20%).
  • Yacht Chef Distinction: Yacht chef roles are fundamentally different from land-based positions, requiring a mandatory STCW 95 Diploma and commanding a compensation premium due to complex logistics and challenging work environments.
  • Market Standards: The market no longer hires “cooks.” UHNW clients demand highly qualified, five-star caliber chefs, often with Michelin training. Morgan & Mallet’s (M&M) registered private chefs average eight years of experience. 
  • Retention Rates: 91% of New York placements by M&M complete a full annual contract or longer, 89% in Dubai, and 81% in Miami.

Breakdown of Demand for Private Chefs by Region

The following data reflects the private chef requests received by M&M from key markets.

  • United States: Accounts for 35% of private chef requests globally.
  • UAE and Middle East: Accounts for 20% of private chef requests globally.
  • France and Monaco: Accounts for 20% of private chef requests globally.
  • Switzerland: Accounts for 15% of private chef requests globally.
  • United Kingdom: Accounts for 10% of private chef requests globally.

Gross Yearly Salary: Top Paying Countries For Private Chefs (2025)

The table below provides the salary ranges for the highest-paying countries, with a conversion to USD for comparison.

The exchange rate used was the average rate throughout 2025.

RankCountry/RegionGross Yearly Salary (Local Currency)Gross Yearly Salary (USD Equivalent)
1USA$100,000 – $300,000$300,000
2UK£80,000 – £200,000$264,000
3SwitzerlandCHF 110,000 - CHF 130,000$156,026
4Saudi ArabiaSAR 180,000 – SAR 500,000$133,500
5Belgium€80,000 – €120,000$134,400
6Monaco€90,000 - €110,000$123,200
7UAEAED 180,000 - AED 360,000$97,920
8France€45,000 – €60,000$67,200

The Childcare Sector: Nanny, Governess, Travelling Nanny and Maternity Nurse Profile

The childcare industry for High-Net-Worth (HNW) and Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) families demands candidates who are highly professional, culturally fluent, and possess specialized skills that extend beyond basic care. 

The roles of nanny, travelling nanny, and governess each require distinct expertise, while the maternity nurse role addresses critical, short-term needs.

The Nanny: A Blend of Care, Education, and Household Coordination

Key Insights:

  • Switzerland leads global nanny salaries of our placements at $144,024 while the USA follows at $120,000. Location drives compensation more than experience alone.
  • UK families request nannies most frequently, representing 24% of all our nanny positions. Dubai/Riyadh follows at 22%, making childcare the second most sought-after role in this region.
  • 96% placement success rate shows the industry’s maturity. Candidates average six years experience, with First Aid certification required for all positions.
  • 86% of nannies we have placed in Los Angeles in multi-staffed estates. Most speak multiple languages (68%) and know specialized teaching methods like Montessori or Waldorf (73%).
  • Specialized skills vary by location: Miami nannies we have placed focus on water safety (66%), San Francisco candidates know STEM education (76%), and London nannies prepare children for elite schools (74%).
Top Five Paying Countries for Nannies
Nanny Role Demand by Region - Ranking and Percentage of All Roles

Full Gross Yearly Salary Guide (2026) 

The table below provides the annual gross salary ranges from our placement data for nanny roles across the highest-paying markets. 

Salaries are converted to their USD equivalent for easy comparison, using the average 2025 exchange rates.

RankCountry/RegionGross Yearly Salary (Local Currency)Gross Yearly Salary (USD Equivalent)
1SwitzerlandCHF 80,000 - CHF 120,000$144,024
2USA$60,000 – $120,000$120,000
3UK£50,000 – £80,000$105,600
4Saudi ArabiaSAR 250,000 – SAR 340,000$90,780
5UAEAED 216,000 - AED 300,000$81,600
6France€45,000 – €60,000$67,200
7Belgium€45,000 – €60,000$67,200
8Monaco€52,000 - €57,000$63,840

The Governess

Key Insights 

The governess, or nanny-tutor hybrid, sits at the center of a UHNW child’s education. She manages extra tutoring and weekend activities for children aged 5 to 12.

  • Role Distribution: Governesses make up 3.71% of all registered childcare specialists.
  • Dual Duties: 39.91% of childcare specialists also perform housekeeping duties.
  • Tutor Experience: 10.56% of childcare specialists have documented tutor experience.
  • Skill Premium: Clients favor the “old European way to educate people” and European candidates in general.
  • Key Demand: The demand for governesses is very high in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, especially within royal families.

Full Gross Yearly Salary Guide (2026) 

The table below provides the annual gross salary ranges from our placement data for governess roles across the highest-paying markets. 

Salaries are converted to their USD equivalent for easy comparison, using the average 2025 exchange rates.

RankCountry/RegionGross Yearly Salary (Local Currency)Gross Yearly Salary (USD Equivalent)
1SwitzerlandCHF 90,000 - CHF 130,000$156,026
2Monaco€80,000 - €120,000$134,400
3UK£55,000 – £100,000$132,000
4USA$70,000 – $130,000$130,000
5Saudi ArabiaSAR 250,000 – SAR 340,000$90,780
6UAEAED 180,000 – AED 300,000$81,600
7Belgium€45,000 – €70,000$78,400
8France€45,000 – €60,000$67,200

Travel Nannies Take Off as Wealthy Families Go Global

Key Insights

The demand for traveling nannies has seen a significant increase, driven by UHNW families’ frequent, multi-property, and global mobility.

  • Role Demand: 4.82% of all M&M’s childcare specialists registered are traveling nannies.
  • Compensation Premium: The demand has led to increased wages for these positions due to the high flexibility and specific requirements.
  • Crossover Roles: The ROTA nanny role is highly in demand and typically lasts 6 to 12 months, with many evolving into a governess or hybrid role.
  • Candidate Profile: Traveling nannies must be 100% flexible and possess strong passports (US, European, UK) that allow for ease of international travel.
  • Los Angeles leads in travel readiness: 82% of LA-based candidates offer domestic and international travel services, including private jet experience.
  • Career progression opportunities: Most ROTA placements last 6-12 months before transitioning into permanent governess or hybrid positions.

Gross Yearly Salary: Top Paying Countries For Travelling Nannies (2025 Data)

RankCountry/RegionGross Yearly Salary (Local Currency)Gross Yearly Salary (USD Equivalent)
1UAEAED 300,000 – AED 600,000$163,200
2USA$70,000 – $150,000$150,000
3UK£55,000 – £110,000$145,200
4SwitzerlandCHF 70,000 – CHF 110,000$132,022
5Monaco€70,000 – €100,000$112,000
6Saudi ArabiaSAR 250,000 – SAR 400,000$106,800
7France€60,000 – €90,000$100,800
8Belgium€45,000 – €60,000$67,200

The Vital Role of Executive and Personal Assistants

The Personal Assistant Role

Personal assistants run the private lives of ultra-wealthy individuals. The job is personal, relies on trust, and has no real off hours.

Key Insights

  • Salary differences between locations are significant. USA positions reach $250,000, UAE roles hit $244,800, while Saudi Arabia caps around $32,040, the UK, Switzerland, and Belgium complete the top five paying markets.
  • Dubai has the highest language requirements. Three quarters of M&M’s PAs (75%) speak Arabic, English, French or Russian. Most work for international families who need someone who understands cultural protocols.
  • In Los Angeles nearly all PAs  (92%) remain with their employers for two years or more. Almost half speak multiple languages, usually Spanish, French and Mandarin. Most (84%) have worked with families worth $30 million or above.
  • New York PAs need school knowledge. Most Manhattan assistants (91%) handle private school applications and children’s schedules. They manage penthouses and Hamptons properties while juggling international time zones.
  • Tech shapes San Francisco jobs. Most PAs (83%) support venture capital or biotech principals. They use app scheduling and smart home technology, with 78% of clients requesting help with sustainable living choices.

Global Annual Salary Comparison for Personal Assistants

 This table lists top gross annual salaries for personal assistants across eight markets. Figures are shown in local currency with USD conversions, ranked from highest to lowest pay.

RankCountry/RegionGross Yearly Salary (Local Currency)Gross Yearly Salary (USD Equivalent)
1USA$80,000 – $250,000$250,000
2UAEAED 300,000 – AED 900,000$244,800
3SwitzerlandCHF 90,000 - CHF 130,000$156,026
4UK£60,000 – £135,000$178,200
5Belgium€70,000 – €120,000$134,400
6Monaco€70,000 - €100,000$112,000
7France€45,000 – €60,000$67,200
8Saudi ArabiaSAR 72,000 – SAR 120,000$32,040

The Executive Assistant Role

Key Insights 

  • Executive assistants work within corporate structures with set hours and boundaries. Personal assistants manage private lives with no real off-time. The EA answers to the company, the PA to the individual.
  • USA leads EA salaries at $250,000, followed by Switzerland at $180,030 and UAE at $163,200. The top three markets pay significantly more than other regions.
  • Technical skills and corporate knowledge matter more for EAs than PAs. They need to understand board schedules, financial calendars, and how to navigate large organizations without disrupting workflow.

 

Global Annual Salary Comparison for Executive Assistants

 

This table shows maximum gross annual salaries for executive assistants across eight countries. Salaries are ranked highest to lowest, with figures in local currency and USD equivalents for comparison.

RankCountry/RegionGross Yearly Salary (Local Currency)Gross Yearly Salary (USD Equivalent)
1USA$120,000 – $250,000$250,000
2SwitzerlandCHF 110,000 – CHF 150,000$180,030
3UAEAED 240,000 – AED 600,000$163,200
4UK£70,000 – £120,000$158,400
5France€70,000 – €110,000$123,200
6Monaco€70,000 – €110,000$123,200
7Saudi ArabiaSAR 270,000 – SAR 450,000$120,150
8Belgium€60,000 – €90,000$100,800

Ultra-High-Net-Worth Housekeepers: The Invisible Backbone of Luxury Estates

Key Insights:

  • Consistent demand: Housekeepers rank as one of our top five most requested position in major UHNW markets, including the US, UK, UAE, France, Monaco, and Switzerland.
  • Highest salaries in the USA: American households pay the most, with compensation reaching $160,000 annually for experienced professionals.
  • Switzerland ranks second: Salaries climb to $144,024 USD equivalent, reflecting the premium placed on expertise in luxury household management.
  • Experienced professionals dominate: Almost half of M&M candidates (45.5%) are head housekeepers, indicating strong demand for managerial and senior-level household care.
  • M&M only recruits housekeepers with at least three years of experience. The average experience level among our housekeeper placements is three to five years.

Global Annual Salary Comparison for Housekeepers

This table presents top gross annual salaries for housekeepers across eight regions. Pay is ranked highest to lowest, showing both local currency and USD equivalents.

RankCountry/RegionGross Yearly Salary (Local Currency)Gross Yearly Salary (USD Equivalent)
1USA$90,000 – $160,000$160,000
2SwitzerlandCHF 80,000 - CHF 120,000$144,024
3Saudi ArabiaSAR 300,000 – SAR 450,000$120,150
4UK£50,000 – £80,000$105,600
5UAEAED 180,000 – AED 300,000$81,600
6France€45,000 – €60,000$67,200
7Belgium€45,000 – €60,000$67,200
8Monaco€45,000 - €55,000$61,600

Chauffeurs in Ultra-High-Net-Worth Households

Key Insights:

  • Switzerland pays the highest: Our chauffeurs earn up to $144,024 annually, making it the highest-paying country for private driving professionals worldwide.
  • Tech sector creates unique needs: 74% of chauffeurs we’ve placed in San Francisco navigate Silicon Valley campuses with security clearances, serving entrepreneurs and investors in Pacific Heights and Atherton.
  • Language skills matter: 61% of our Dubai chauffeurs speak three or more languages, typically English, Arabic, and Hindi, reflecting the emirate’s multicultural household requirements.
  • Long-term retention is the norm: 88% of Los Angeles clients keep the chauffeurs we placed through multi-year contracts, showing that trust, once established, creates lasting professional relationships.
  • Multi-property coverage is standard: 91% of London principals with our chauffeurs require year-round availability for transfers between city residences, country estates, and European homes.

Global Annual Salary Comparison for Chauffeurs

This table displays maximum gross annual salaries for chauffeurs across eight countries. Figures appear in local currency with USD conversions, ordered from highest to lowest.

RankCountry/RegionGross Yearly Salary (Local Currency)Gross Yearly Salary (USD Equivalent)
1SwitzerlandCHF 90,000 - CHF 120,000$144,024
2USA$80,000 – $130,000$130,000
3UK£50,000 – £90,000$118,800
4Monaco€60,000 - €90,000$100,800
5France€45,000 – €60,000$67,200
6Belgium€45,000 – €60,000$67,200
7UAEAED 140,000 – AED 230,000$62,560
8Saudi ArabiaSAR 84,000 – SAR 144,000$38,448

The 'C-Suite' of the Household

The private staffing industry has changed dramatically. Running a wealthy household now looks more like running a company.

Gone are the days when managing a home meant basic housekeeping. Today’s ultra-wealthy households operate like businesses, complete with their own executive teams. The person in charge might be called an estate manager or chief of staff, and they oversee operations worth millions of dollars.

This trend is particularly strong in the US, where estate manager and chief of staff positions rank among the top five most requested jobs in private service.

Chief of Staff: The CEO of Private Life

Key Insights 

  • USA dominates demand for chief of staff roles, with the position ranking in the top five most requested jobs in American private service markets.
  • Salary gaps between markets are extreme. USA and Switzerland pay more than four times what France offers with top roles reaching $300,000 versus $67,200.
  • The role has shifted from operational to strategic. Modern chiefs of staff function as direct advisors managing global operations, not just household logistics.
  • Chiefs of staff manage other senior staff including estate managers and personal assistants, making them the highest executive position in household hierarchy.

Global Annual Salary Comparison for Chief of Staff

This table outlines maximum gross annual salaries for chief of staff positions across eight markets. Figures are ranked highest to lowest, with local currency and USD equivalents shown.

RankCountry/RegionGross Yearly Salary (Local Currency)Gross Yearly Salary (USD Equivalent)
1USA$150,000 – $300,000$300,000
2SwitzerlandCHF 150,000 – CHF 240,000$288,048
3UAEAED 480,000 – AED 900,000$244,800
4UK£90,000 – £180,000$237,600
5Belgium€90,000 – €160,000$179,200
6Monaco€90,000 – €150,000$168,000
7Saudi ArabiaSAR 300,000 – SAR 600,000$160,200
8France€45,000 – €60,000$67,200

Estate Manager: Executive Leadership, Asset Management, and Remuneration

Key Insights:

  • Comprehensive Operational Duties: Estate managers run everything from property maintenance to major construction projects. They manage dozens of staff members working across different time zones.
  • The “Real Estate” Boom Driver: Political uncertainty has wealthy Americans and Emirates residents buying more property as a safe investment. This creates immediate demand for managers to run these new portfolios.
  • High-Level Financial Accountability: These managers handle property sales, rentals, and million-dollar budgets. They report directly to family offices on all financial matters.
  • Multi-Property Oversight: Most estate managers run at least three properties at once, coordinating operations between locations.
  • Key Market Origin: Half of all estate manager jobs come from the United States, showing strong American demand for this role.

Global Annual Salary Comparison for Estate Managers

This table shows top gross annual salaries for estate managers across eight countries. Pay is listed highest to lowest, displaying both local currency and USD conversions.

RankCountry/RegionGross Yearly Salary (Local Currency)Gross Yearly Salary (USD Equivalent)
1USA$150,000 – $250,000$250,000
2SwitzerlandCHF 110,000 – CHF 150,000$180,030
3UK£75,000 – £120,000$158,400
4Monaco€80,000 – €130,000$145,600
5UAEAED 360,000 – AED 480,000$130,560
6Belgium€60,000 – €90,000$100,800
7Saudi ArabiaSAR 200,000 – SAR 360,000$96,120
8France€45,000 – €60,000$67,200

The House Manager Role: High Pay for Single Property Excellence

Key Insights

  • Single Property Focus: House managers oversee daily operations at one residence. They manage staff and property maintenance without the multi-property responsibilities of estate managers.
  • High Salary Ceiling: Top house managers earn significant salaries, especially in America. Pay rarely increases beyond a certain point unless the job expands to include more properties or financial duties.
  • US Market Leads: America pays the highest salaries for house managers globally. Switzerland and the UK also offer strong compensation packages.
  • Strong Demand Centers: Florida and California have the most house manager jobs. These states have many large properties that need dedicated management.
  • Core Responsibilities: The main job is running daily operations and managing staff. Success means maintaining the family’s lifestyle standards while protecting their property value.

Global Annual Salary Comparison for House Managers

This table presents maximum gross annual salaries for house managers across eight regions. Figures appear in local currency with USD equivalents, ranked from highest to lowest pay.

RankCountry/RegionGross Yearly Salary (Local Currency)Gross Yearly Salary (USD Equivalent)
1USA$100,000 – $180,000$180,000
2SwitzerlandCHF 100,000 – CHF 140,000$168,028
3UK£70,000 – £120,000$158,400
4UAEAED 240,000 – AED 480,000$130,560
5Saudi ArabiaSAR 180,000 – SAR 420,000$112,140
6Monaco€60,000 – €100,000$112,000
7Belgium€55,000 – €80,000$89,600
8France€45,000 – €60,000$67,200

Conclusion: Meeting the Challenge of Modern UHNW Staffing

UHNW household staffing has become too complex for traditional hiring. Families own properties in multiple countries. Staff often change jobs every three years. The best candidates need specific skills, strong passports, and security clearances.

Three factors drive this complexity. First, UHNW families often maintain three to five homes across different countries for tax and safety reasons. Second, highly specialized staff barely exist. Only 2.36% of nannies work rotational schedules. Chefs need both Michelin training and nutrition qualifications or experience. Third, staff must travel freely between countries, which excludes many qualified candidates from nations with passport restrictions.

Local agencies can struggle with visa rules across countries. General job boards can’t verify five-star experience or check references properly. Word-of-mouth misses the best candidates.

Over time, Morgan & Mallet has built the tools this market requires. Our internal systems organize candidates based on their travel documents, language abilities, and specific expertise. We regularly update these systems to follow local employment laws in each market. We stay current on where skilled professionals are working and moving. Having offices across five countries means we understand local regulations while maintaining relationships with families who live globally.

Our specialized job boards reach yacht crew and French household specialists. We place about 70 positions monthly, rising to 200 in busy seasons. This constant activity tells us exactly what’s happening with salaries and availability.

The results prove it works. We successfully place 96% of nannies and butlers. In LA, 92% of our PAs stay two years or longer. While other agencies may struggle with basic positions, we fill ultra-specific requests like “Arabic-speaking ROTA nanny with British curriculum training for Dubai-London rotation.”

 

The Future of Private Service: 2026 Predictions

Mobile staff are becoming more valuable. We’re seeing increases in requests from clients of 12-18% in the US and UAE markets. UAE traveling nanny salaries may reach $180,000 to $190,000. 

Families should plan recruitment 4-6 months ahead rather than the traditional 2-3 months due to the shortage of skilled staff available.

Specialized training matters more than years of experience. Chefs with nutrition qualifications and nannies with STEM education backgrounds are particularly sought after. 

In LA, 41% of the chefs we’ve placed hold nutrition certificates. This will likely become standard across major markets by mid-2026. Households looking to hire need to consider budgeting 15-20% above standard rates for these qualified specialists.

Privacy and security skills are becoming standard. NDAs are already part of 77% of LA personal assistant positions and this trend is spreading to other roles. 

In Miami, 79% of PAs coordinate with security teams. We expect housekeepers and drivers will increasingly need similar experience. Candidates who demonstrate discretion in previous roles typically earn 10-15% above market rates.

We anticipate UAE compensation reaching $120,000 to $140,000 as demand grows. UK salaries continue climbing due to limited access to EU workers post-Brexit.

Technology familiarity is becoming essential. Managing smart homes used to be a rare skill; now it’s often a standard requirement for household staff. 

San Francisco leads with 83% of positions we have recruited for in the last year requiring tech integration, and other major cities are following. Staff typically need 8-12 weeks to become comfortable with new household systems.

What to Do Now

For Media:

Our leadership and regional directors can discuss:

  • 2026 market predictions
  • Regional salary differences
  • Talent shortage impacts
  • Privacy requirements
  • Multi-property logistics

Media contact: Benjamin@morganmallet.agency

We provide embargoed data, custom analysis, and anonymized case studies. 

Request to join our media distribution list for advance trend alerts.

For Principals and Family Offices:

Schedule a private consultation with one of our nearest regional offices. We’ll review your staffing structure, identify gaps, and show available candidates. No obligation.

Request a custom salary analysis for your location and needs. We’ll compare your current payroll to market rates and flag retention risks.

Preview pre-screened candidates before starting formal recruitment. See who’s available and set realistic timelines.

Regional offices:

  • United States: 260 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016​
  • United Kingdom: Level 1, Devonshire House One Mayfair Place, London, W1J 8AJ
  • United Arab Emirates: 48 Burj Gate, Dubai Mall Metro Station, Level 20, Downtown Dubai, P.O. Box 36615
  • France: 10 Rue de Penthièvre, 75008 Paris
  • Switzerland: One Business Center, La Pièce 1, 1180 Rolle, Vaud

Appendix

2025/26 Gross Yearly Salary Guide for Household Staff Positions (local currency)

Comprehensive salary ranges for 28 household staff positions across 8 major markets (France, Switzerland, Monaco, Belgium, UK, USA, UAE, and Saudi Arabia), providing employers and candidates with current market rates for domestic and private service professionals.

EUR Countries Salary Comparison
ProfessionFrance (EUR)Monaco (EUR)Belgium (EUR)
Nanny€45,000 – €60,000€52,000 - €57,000€45,000 – €60,000
Housekeeper€45,000 – €60,000€45,000 - €55,000€45,000 – €60,000
Private Chef€45,000 – €60,000€90,000 - €110,000€80,000 – €120,000
Butler€45,000 – €60,000€90,000 - €120,000€50,000 – €80,000
Personal Assistant€45,000 – €60,000€70,000 - €100,000€70,000 – €120,000
Private Chauffeur/Driver€45,000 – €60,000€60,000 - €90,000€45,000 – €60,000
Governess€45,000 – €60,000€80,000 - €120,000€45,000 – €70,000
House/Household Manager€45,000 – €60,000€60,000 – €100,000€55,000 – €80,000
Estate Manager€45,000 – €60,000€80,000 – €130,000€60,000 – €90,000
Domestic/Caretaker Couple€45,000 – €60,000€80,000 – €115,000€80,000 – €110,000
Housekeeper/Cook€45,000 – €60,000€55,000 – €75,000€35,000 – €50,000
Laundress€45,000 – €60,000€45,000 – €65,000€40,000 – €55,000
Nanny/Housekeeper€45,000 – €60,000€45,000 – €70,000€40,000 – €55,000
Caregiver€45,000 – €60,000€60,000 – €90,000€40,000 – €55,000
Companion€45,000 – €60,000€35,000 – €55,000€40,000 – €55,000
Houseman€45,000 – €60,000€35,000 – €55,000€35,000 – €50,000
Chief of Staff€45,000 – €60,000€90,000 – €150,000€90,000 – €160,000
Private Security/Bodyguard€45,000 – €60,000€40,000 – €65,000€45,000 – €65,000
Maternity Nurse€95,000 – €130,000€100,000 – €130,000€85,000 – €105,000
Gardener€35,000 – €55,000€45,000 – €65,000€40,000 – €55,000
Head Housekeeper€55,000 – €80,000€70,000 – €90,000€60,000 – €80,000
Travelling Nanny€60,000 – €90,000€70,000 – €100,000€45,000 – €60,000
Personal Coach€60,000 – €100,000€65,000 – €130,000€50,000 – €70,000
Executive Assistant€70,000 – €110,000€70,000 – €110,000€60,000 – €90,000
Head Gardener€60,000 – €90,000€55,000 – €80,000€45,000 – €65,000
Property Guardian/Concierge€45,000 – €70,000€55,000 – €80,000€45,000 – €60,000
Family Cook€45,000 – €70,000€70,000 – €95,000€45,000 – €60,000
Pet Sitter€35,000 – €55,000€50,000 – €75,000€40,000 – €55,000
UK & Switzerland Salary Comparison
ProfessionUK (GBP)Switzerland (CHF)
Nanny£50,000 – £80,000CHF 80,000 - CHF 120,000
Housekeeper£50,000 – £80,000CHF 80,000 - CHF 120,000
Private Chef£80,000 – £200,000CHF 110,000 - CHF 130,000
Butler£50,000 – £100,000CHF 110,000 - CHF 130,000
Personal Assistant£60,000 – £135,000CHF 90,000 - CHF 130,000
Private Chauffeur/Driver£50,000 – £90,000CHF 90,000 - CHF 120,000
Governess£55,000 – £100,000CHF 90,000 - CHF 130,000
House/Household Manager£70,000 – £120,000CHF 100,000 – CHF 140,000
Estate Manager£75,000 – £120,000CHF 110,000 – CHF 150,000
Domestic/Caretaker Couple£70,000 – £120,000CHF 120,000 – CHF 160,000
Housekeeper/Cook£40,000 – £55,000CHF 80,000 – CHF 100,000
Laundress£55,000 – £90,000CHF 55,000 – CHF 70,000
Nanny/Housekeeper£45,000 – £70,000CHF 70,000 – CHF 90,000
Caregiver£40,000 – £65,000CHF 70,000 – CHF 120,000
Companion£40,000 – £65,000CHF 55,000 – CHF 75,000
Houseman£40,000 – £60,000CHF 55,000 – CHF 70,000
Chief of Staff£90,000 – £180,000CHF 150,000 – CHF 240,000
Private Security/Bodyguard£55,000 – £100,000CHF 70,000 – CHF 110,000
Maternity Nurse£80,000 – £125,000CHF 95,000 – CHF 155,000
Gardener£40,000 – £60,000CHF 70,000 – CHF 95,000
Head Housekeeper£60,000 – £90,000CHF 95,000 – CHF 120,000
Travelling Nanny£55,000 – £110,000CHF 70,000 – CHF 110,000
Personal Coach£60,000 – £90,000CHF 80,000 – CHF 120,000
Executive Assistant£70,000 – £120,000CHF 110,000 – CHF 150,000
Head Gardener£65,000 – £90,000CHF 80,000 – CHF 110,000
Property Guardian/Concierge£40,000 – £60,000CHF 70,000 – CHF 95,000
Family Cook£40,000 – £70,000CHF 80,000 – CHF 120,000
Pet Sitter£45,000 – £75,000CHF 50,000 – CHF 85,000
USA & Middle East Salary Comparison
ProfessionUSA (USD)UAE (AED)Saudi (SAR)
Nanny$60,000 – $120,000AED 216,000 - AED 300,000SAR 250,000 – SAR 340,000
Housekeeper$90,000 – $160,000AED 180,000 – AED 300,000SAR 300,000 – SAR 450,000
Private Chef$100,000 – $300,000AED 180,000 – AED 360,000SAR 180,000 – SAR 500,000
Butler$90,000 – $180,000AED 120,000 – AED 200,000SAR 120,000 – SAR 300,000
Personal Assistant$80,000 – $250,000AED 300,000 – AED 900,000SAR 72,000 – SAR 120,000
Private Chauffeur/Driver$80,000 – $130,000AED 140,000 – AED 230,000SAR 84,000 – SAR 144,000
Governess$70,000 – $130,000AED 180,000 – AED 300,000SAR 250,000 – SAR 340,000
House/Household Manager$100,000 – $180,000AED 240,000 – AED 480,000SAR 180,000 – SAR 420,000
Estate Manager$150,000 – $250,000AED 360,000 – AED 480,000SAR 200,000 – SAR 360,000
Domestic/Caretaker Couple$100,000 – $250,000AED 96,000 – AED 180,000SAR 216,000 – SAR 300,000
Housekeeper/Cook$95,000 – $130,000AED 96,000 – AED 120,000SAR 72,000 – SAR 144,000
Laundress$60,000 – $100,000AED 120,000 – AED 180,000SAR 120,000 – SAR 180,000
Nanny/Housekeeper$80,000 – $120,000AED 96,000 – AED 144,000SAR 120,000 – SAR 288,000
Caregiver$60,000 – $100,000AED 96,000 – AED 144,000SAR 120,000 – SAR 180,000
Companion$60,000 – $100,000AED 96,000 – AED 144,000SAR 120,000 – SAR 180,000
Houseman$55,000 – $90,000AED 96,000 – AED 144,000SAR 84,000 – SAR 144,000
Chief of Staff$150,000 – $300,000AED 480,000 – AED 900,000SAR 300,000 – SAR 600,000
Private Security/Bodyguard$90,000 – $150,000AED 120,000 – AED 240,000SAR 120,000 – SAR 200,000
Maternity Nurse$90,000 – $150,000AED 240,000 – AED 420,000SAR 180,000 – SAR 300,000
Gardener$60,000 – $110,000AED 100,000 – AED 140,000SAR 100,000 – SAR 140,000
Head Housekeeper$90,000 – $150,000AED 156,000 – AED 300,000SAR 180,000 – SAR 260,000
Travelling Nanny$70,000 – $150,000AED 300,000 – AED 600,000SAR 250,000 – SAR 400,000
Personal Coach$80,000 – $120,000AED 250,000 – AED 400,000SAR 130,000 – SAR 160,000
Executive Assistant$120,000 – $250,000AED 240,000 – AED 600,000SAR 270,000 – SAR 450,000
Head Gardener$70,000 – $100,000AED 120,000 – AED 180,000SAR 100,000 – SAR 160,000
Property Guardian/Concierge$70,000 – $120,000AED 120,000 – AED 180,000SAR 120,000 – SAR 180,000
Family Cook$70,000 – $120,000AED 120,000 – AED 240,000SAR 180,000 – SAR 240,000
Pet Sitter$60,000 – $120,000AED 100,000 – AED 180,000SAR 90,000 – SAR 150,000

2025/26 Gross Yearly Salary Guide for Household Staff Positions (USD)

EUR Countries - Salary Comparison (USD)
ProfessionFranceMonacoBelgium
Nanny$67,200$63,840$67,200
Housekeeper$67,200$61,600$67,200
Private Chef$67,200$123,200$134,400
Butler$67,200$134,400$89,600
Personal Assistant$67,200$112,000$134,400
Private Chauffeur/Driver$67,200$100,800$67,200
Governess$67,200$134,400$78,400
House/Household Manager$67,200$112,000$89,600
Estate Manager$67,200$145,600$100,800
Domestic/Caretaker Couple$67,200$128,800$123,200
Housekeeper/Cook$67,200$84,000$56,000
Laundress$67,200$72,800$61,600
Nanny/Housekeeper$67,200$78,400$61,600
Caregiver$67,200$100,800$61,600
Companion$67,200$61,600$61,600
Houseman$67,200$61,600$56,000
Chief of Staff$67,200$168,000$179,200
Private Security/Bodyguard$67,200$72,800$72,800
Maternity Nurse$145,600$145,600$117,600
Gardener$61,600$72,800$61,600
Head Housekeeper$89,600$100,800$89,600
Travelling Nanny$100,800$112,000$67,200
Personal Coach$112,000$145,600$78,400
Executive Assistant$123,200$123,200$100,800
Head Gardener$100,800$89,600$72,800
Property Guardian/Concierge$78,400$89,600$67,200
Family Cook$78,400$106,400$67,200
Pet Sitter$61,600$84,000$61,600
UK & Switzerland - Salary Comparison (USD)
ProfessionUKSwitzerland
Nanny$105,600$144,024
Housekeeper$105,600$144,024
Private Chef$264,000$156,026
Butler$132,000$156,026
Personal Assistant$178,200$156,026
Private Chauffeur/Driver$118,800$144,024
Governess$132,000$156,026
House/Household Manager$158,400$168,028
Estate Manager$158,400$180,030
Domestic/Caretaker Couple$158,400$192,032
Housekeeper/Cook$72,600$120,020
Laundress$118,800$84,014
Nanny/Housekeeper$92,400$108,018
Caregiver$85,800$144,024
Companion$85,800$90,015
Houseman$79,200$84,014
Chief of Staff$237,600$288,048
Private Security/Bodyguard$132,000$132,022
Maternity Nurse$165,000$186,031
Gardener$79,200$114,019
Head Housekeeper$118,800$144,024
Travelling Nanny$145,200$132,022
Personal Coach$118,800$144,024
Executive Assistant$158,400$180,030
Head Gardener$118,800$132,022
Property Guardian/Concierge$79,200$114,019
Family Cook$92,400$144,024
Pet Sitter$99,000$102,017
USA & Middle East - Salary Comparison (USD)
ProfessionUSAUAESaudi Arabia
Nanny$120,000$81,600$90,780
Housekeeper$160,000$81,600$120,150
Private Chef$300,000$97,920$133,500
Butler$180,000$54,400$80,100
Personal Assistant$250,000$244,800$32,040
Private Chauffeur/Driver$130,000$62,560$38,448
Governess$130,000$81,600$90,780
House/Household Manager$180,000$130,560$112,140
Estate Manager$250,000$130,560$96,120
Domestic/Caretaker Couple$250,000$48,960$80,100
Housekeeper/Cook$130,000$32,640$38,448
Laundress$100,000$48,960$48,060
Nanny/Housekeeper$120,000$39,168$76,896
Caregiver$100,000$39,168$48,060
Companion$100,000$39,168$48,060
Houseman$90,000$39,168$38,448
Chief of Staff$300,000$244,800$160,200
Private Security/Bodyguard$150,000$65,280$53,400
Maternity Nurse$150,000$114,240$80,100
Gardener$110,000$38,080$37,380
Head Housekeeper$150,000$81,600$69,420
Travelling Nanny$150,000$163,200$106,800
Personal Coach$120,000$108,800$42,720
Executive Assistant$250,000$163,200$120,150
Head Gardener$100,000$48,960$42,720
Property Guardian/Concierge$120,000$48,960$48,060
Family Cook$120,000$65,280$64,080
Pet Sitter$120,000$48,960$40,050
UHNW staff salaries and shortages around the world in 2025/26
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