The Cost of Hiring Household Staff in Los Angeles
You love your home and lifestyle. Hiring exceptional household staff to keep them running flawlessly is a truly wise investment. If you wish to employ top-flight staff in Los Angeles, it’s essential to understand the full cost of hiring these sought-after professionals. To attract candidates of the highest caliber, begin with competitive hourly rates and account for additional expenses like taxes, benefits, and legal considerations. If your executive household is in need of seamless support, offering a comprehensive compensation package will help you hire and retain professionals who love your home as much as you do.
1. The cost of hiring household staff in Los Angeles
The cost of hiring household staff in Los Angeles varies depending on a given individual’s role, experience level, and specific responsibilities. Family assistants’ salaries start at $30 per hour, while a proficient housekeeper can reasonably expect up to $45 per hour. Highly experienced staff with specialized skills command higher rates that reflect their proven expertise in managing complex household needs.
Key factors that influence hiring costs include:
Roles and responsibilities: Specialized positions with an expanded portfolio of duties, such as estate management and formal service, typically command higher pay.
Experience and qualifications: Staff with extensive experience or specialized certifications (in CPR, culinary training, or executive housekeeping skills, for instance) earn higher wages.
Employment status: Live-in staff may receive lower wages but require on-site accommodation, while part-time staff typically command higher hourly rates.
Location and market demand: The higher cost of living and competition for superior talent in Los Angeles can increase household staff’s average salaries.
2. Beyond salary: the hidden costs of hiring household staff
In addition to a set salary, the cost of household staff includes mandatory expenses as well as benefits designed to enhance job satisfaction and employee retention. Keep in mind that these benefits are not legally required. They’re standard, however, if you wish to attract top-tier talent.
Mandatory expenses you should factor into your household staff cost include:
Payroll taxes (Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance)
Workers' compensation insurance
Overtime remuneration
Depending on the requirements of the role you seek to fill, you may also need to budget for liability insurance and costs incurred by complying with health and safety regulations.
Elite household staff are in high demand, and extra perks can draw their attention to certain positions. When drafting a remuneration package for your household’s opening, we encourage you to consider offering the following benefits:
Paid vacation time
Paid sick days and holidays
A health insurance stipend or contribution
Mileage reimbursement for on-the-job transportation
Retirement plan contributions
Bonuses or annual performance incentives
Flexible work hours or schedule adjustments
Professional development opportunities or training reimbursement
Wilshire Agency can help streamline this nuanced process for you. For more than two decades, we have expertly advised families on industry standards and best practices regarding competitive compensation packages. We welcome the chance to partner with you.
3. Why household staff are a smart investment
Hiring household staff is an investment in your family’s well-being and way of life. Cutting corners on compensation packages may prolong the recruitment process or lead to high (and highly disruptive) staff turnover.
A superior staff member can save you time, minimize your stress, and ensure your home is effortlessly maintained. By providing exemplary service and anticipating your needs, professional household staff will give you the ultimate luxury: the freedom to focus on what truly matters.
When you entrust your household staff needs to Wilshire Agency, you’ll enjoy access to a carefully vetted pool of candidates who meet the highest standards of professionalism. Indeed, only 4% of applicants pass our rigorous screening process. Please know that every individual we recommend is truly exceptional and will perfectly align with the dynamics of your home.
Welcome to Wilshire Agency, a premier household staff agency specializing in cultivating seamless, high-caliber household teams. We provide Los Angeles' most discerning households with first-rate meal prep chefs, estate managers, housekeepers, family assistants, and more, each devoted to delivering unparalleled service tailored to the unique needs of our esteemed clientele.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also be interested in ‘How can I tell if a household staff member is a good fit?'
If you’re looking for distinguished household staff who will exceed your expectations, schedule a consultation here.
If you’re an exceptional professional looking for a prestigious placement, learn more about partnering with Wilshire Agency.