Domestic Staffing Job Titles, Descriptions & Salaries in 2023
Here is a list of the roles that we place in households, and please keep in mind that there is no one, true way to define these jobs. The salary ranges vary based on level of experience, education, location, and market conditions.
Executive Personal Assistant
Executive PA duties
An EPA is usually the title for the person who is in the number-one position: the right-hand to the principal (CEO, celebrity, family patriarch, etc.). The Executive Personal Assistant is usually in charge of other subordinate assistants, maids, nannies, chefs, drivers, security personnel and so on.
The term “personal” as opposed to “administrative” in the title is just as it suggests, it is a very personal kind of situation. If you work for an A-list celebrity, for example, that person is going to have agents, publicists, business managers, lawyers, and stylists. The EPA is the only one that spends extended periods of time with the celebrity. All of the other professionals just interact with intermittent phone calls and the occasional face-to-face meeting.
You can view an in-depth pay scale for low, medium and high-range assistants HERE, or CONTACT US about hiring an Executive Personal Assistant.
The term “personal” as opposed to “administrative” in the title is just as it suggests, it is a very personal kind of situation. If you work for an A-list celebrity, for example, that person is going to have agents, publicists, business managers, lawyers, and stylists. The EPA is the only one that spends extended periods of time with the celebrity. All of the other professionals just interact with intermittent phone calls and the occasional face-to-face meeting.
You can view an in-depth pay scale for low, medium and high-range assistants HERE, or CONTACT US about hiring an Executive Personal Assistant.
Personal Assistant (PA)
Personal assistant duties
Depending on how high-profile the principal is, they can have numerous PAs. The Personal Assistant's job can range from picking up laundry to booking airline tickets. Any PA position, even at the EPA level, covers a myriad of all things from A-Z. Doing Personal Assistant work is an obvious first step to moving up to becoming an Executive PA.
Depending on how high-profile the VIP is (and how many estates they have), there could be many personal assistants, all of which will report to the Executive Personal Assistant, Estate Manager or Chief of Staff (depending on how the hierarchy is structured in the household).
CONTACT US about hiring a Personal Assistant.
Depending on how high-profile the VIP is (and how many estates they have), there could be many personal assistants, all of which will report to the Executive Personal Assistant, Estate Manager or Chief of Staff (depending on how the hierarchy is structured in the household).
CONTACT US about hiring a Personal Assistant.
Executive Administrative Assistant
Executive assistant duties
An EAA (also called an Executive Assistant) usually works in an office. In many ways they are the opposite of an Executive Personal Assistant. They work exclusively in a business setting or Family Office. A four-year degree is almost always required. Although a four-year degree is preferred with an EPA position, one can obtain employment in that field without one.
An Executive Administrative Assistant must also know how to type and be completely fluent in programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (MS Office Suite). Like the EPA position, an EAA is usually in charge of multiple subordinate assistants.
There are now "hybrid positions" in the industry where the EPA and EAA has duties at the office and in the estate of the VIP. Hybrid positions are becoming more common in the industry.
CONTACT US about hiring an Executive Assistant.
An Executive Administrative Assistant must also know how to type and be completely fluent in programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (MS Office Suite). Like the EPA position, an EAA is usually in charge of multiple subordinate assistants.
There are now "hybrid positions" in the industry where the EPA and EAA has duties at the office and in the estate of the VIP. Hybrid positions are becoming more common in the industry.
CONTACT US about hiring an Executive Assistant.
Family Assistant
Family assistant duties
A Family Assistant, essentially, is like an extension of the patriarch or matriarch. It's a very demanding yet rewarding role in the household. A Family Assistant is a hybrid role, which can comprise many hats: PA, EA, nanny and even housekeeper.
You can view an in-depth Family Assistant job description, or CONTACT US about hiring one.
You can view an in-depth Family Assistant job description, or CONTACT US about hiring one.
Personal Concierge (PC): aka Lifestyle Manager
Lifestyle manager duties
The term PC is sometimes used when a Personal Assistant is contracted for a short-term traveling assistant position. It is still a PA position. I have often seen this term interchanged with “Lifestyle Manager” when it’s a full-time position. So, the Personal Concierge duties would pertain mainly to how the VIP will travel, what hotels they will stay in, and what activities they will participate in while on vacation.
You can view a more-detailed Lifestyle Manager description, or CONTACT US about hiring a Lifestyle Manager.
You can view a more-detailed Lifestyle Manager description, or CONTACT US about hiring a Lifestyle Manager.
Virtual Assistant (VA)
VAs for celebrities
It's becoming more and more popular to hire Virtual Assistants. While traditional PAs and Executive Assistants will always be needed for face-to-face interactions, VAs are becoming more common to handle calendars and social media updates.
You can read more about virtual assistant duties or CONTACT US about hiring a Virtual Assistant.
You can read more about virtual assistant duties or CONTACT US about hiring a Virtual Assistant.
Estate Manager (EM)
Estate manager duties
An EM (also called a Household Manager) oversees everything involved in the home of the principal: hiring gardeners, auto detailers, plumbers, etc. Sometimes the Executive Personal Assistant takes on this role. However, if the workload is enormous, a dedicated Estate Manager is hired. Usually in ultra-large mansions were butlers and maids are employed full-time.
You can view an extended Estate Manager job description or CONTACT US about hiring an Estate Manager.
You can view an extended Estate Manager job description or CONTACT US about hiring an Estate Manager.
Butler
Butler duties
These days, a Butler can be male or female and can have a number of responsibilities, but most often they serve guests. They usually take the lead role of the other servants. Depending on the size of the estate and the number of employees, the butler can also act as the House Manager as well.
Because each estate is run differently, job titles and responsibilities are often blurred. Hybrid positions are very popular now, and the butler could also have some driving responsibilities (but so could a Personal Assistant).
Some of the other interchangeable titles are Butler Administrator, Staff Manager, Majordomo, Staff Captain, or Head of Household Staff.
CONTACT US about hiring a Butler.
Because each estate is run differently, job titles and responsibilities are often blurred. Hybrid positions are very popular now, and the butler could also have some driving responsibilities (but so could a Personal Assistant).
Some of the other interchangeable titles are Butler Administrator, Staff Manager, Majordomo, Staff Captain, or Head of Household Staff.
CONTACT US about hiring a Butler.
Nanny or Governess (Tutor)
Nanny description
A Nanny is exclusively in charge of children. In the past, this role was primarily handled by women. Men are now in the game and are referred to as “mannies.”
Again, I would like to stress that these are only guidelines for the titles; others may define them differently. Some of these positions are even “live in,” which means you actually stay in the home of the employer. There are, of course, all kinds of hybrid positions in the domestic staffing industry and titles as well.
For nannies that are also professional educators, a Governess may be employed. They can supplement a child's learning and work with the primary school teacher, or the Governess may "home school" the children entirely by herself.
You can view a more detailed description of a Nanny or CONTACT US about hiring a Nanny.
Again, I would like to stress that these are only guidelines for the titles; others may define them differently. Some of these positions are even “live in,” which means you actually stay in the home of the employer. There are, of course, all kinds of hybrid positions in the domestic staffing industry and titles as well.
For nannies that are also professional educators, a Governess may be employed. They can supplement a child's learning and work with the primary school teacher, or the Governess may "home school" the children entirely by herself.
You can view a more detailed description of a Nanny or CONTACT US about hiring a Nanny.
Personal Chef
Chef description
While personal assistants, nannies and butlers can do light meal preparation, it would be customary in a large estate to hire a full-time Private Chef. These types of positions often require that the chef have both professional training and prior experience in luxury hotels and resorts.
Depending on the contractual arrangement, the chef could have a number of responsibilities during breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner -- and these responsibilities can include weekends and holidays. High-net-worth families often take a private chef with them to other estates or even on vacation.
The chef will often work hand in hand with the butler, executive personal assistant, and estate manager for a variety of reasons. Candidates in this category need to be well-versed in a variety of cuisines with knowledge of fine wines. Some chefs, butlers, and estate managers may even be a sommelier.
CONTACT US about hiring a Personal Chef.
Depending on the contractual arrangement, the chef could have a number of responsibilities during breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner -- and these responsibilities can include weekends and holidays. High-net-worth families often take a private chef with them to other estates or even on vacation.
The chef will often work hand in hand with the butler, executive personal assistant, and estate manager for a variety of reasons. Candidates in this category need to be well-versed in a variety of cuisines with knowledge of fine wines. Some chefs, butlers, and estate managers may even be a sommelier.
CONTACT US about hiring a Personal Chef.
Housekeeper/Laundress
Housekeeper description
Depending on the size of the estate, there could be several housekeepers who are led by a Senior Housekeeper (or Executive Housekeeper). Essentially, the housekeeping staff operate in a similar way to a five-star hotel. The cleaning regimen is highly systematized, and the housekeepers are trained to meet the individualized needs of the VIPs they work for.
A Laundress would specifically be responsible for laundry, ironing, and accessories -- to name a few things. She would also oversee packing and unpacking for holidays, as well as storing seasonal clothing. It would be customary for a person in this role to have specialized training and come from a luxury hospitality background.
CONTACT US about hiring a Housekeeper, Executive Housekeeper or Laundress.
A Laundress would specifically be responsible for laundry, ironing, and accessories -- to name a few things. She would also oversee packing and unpacking for holidays, as well as storing seasonal clothing. It would be customary for a person in this role to have specialized training and come from a luxury hospitality background.
CONTACT US about hiring a Housekeeper, Executive Housekeeper or Laundress.
Private Security (aka Bodyguard, Close Protection Officer, or Executive Protection)
Private security description
Outside of the mega-estate domain, when we hear the word "security," we think of "rent-a-cop" types walking around a shopping mall. In the world of the ultra-high net worth, personal security is quite different. Think Secret Service and military types.
Former State Department officers are the types that protect the super-rich. They are also called Close Protection Officers or Executive Protection. Billionaires can spend as much as 25 million dollars a year on personal security that is 24/7/365 (depending on how many estates, private jets and yachts they have).
CONTACT US about hiring Executive Protection or Private Security.
Former State Department officers are the types that protect the super-rich. They are also called Close Protection Officers or Executive Protection. Billionaires can spend as much as 25 million dollars a year on personal security that is 24/7/365 (depending on how many estates, private jets and yachts they have).
CONTACT US about hiring Executive Protection or Private Security.
Super-yacht Staff
Yacht staff description
For ultra-high net worth individuals, billionaires and royal families, having a mega-yacht is common. A Chief of Staff will have to be familiar with managing yacht crews as part of his/her purview.
Visit here for a detailed list of yacht staff and crew descriptions or CONTACT US about hiring Yacht Crew.
Visit here for a detailed list of yacht staff and crew descriptions or CONTACT US about hiring Yacht Crew.
Private Family Office Staff
Family office description
A Private Family Office (aka Family Office) is an organization of advisory experts in staffing, finance, and philanthropy -- among other things. Some ultra-high net worth families elect to employ a board of subject-matter experts that are essentially captive agents working for the Trust and other business entities.
View a more descriptive outline of a Family Office or CONTACT US about hiring Family Office staff.
View a more descriptive outline of a Family Office or CONTACT US about hiring Family Office staff.
Chief of Staff (COS)
Chief of staff description
The Chief of Staff is going to be running the entire operation. If the VIP has multiple estates, then the COS is responsible for all employees at every property.
Essentially, the Chief of Staff is like the Chairman for all of the employees, which could be in the hundreds for ultra-high net worth families and billionaires. This position is sometimes called the Director of Residences.
Go here for an in-depth Chief of Staff job description or CONTACT US about hiring a COS.
Essentially, the Chief of Staff is like the Chairman for all of the employees, which could be in the hundreds for ultra-high net worth families and billionaires. This position is sometimes called the Director of Residences.
Go here for an in-depth Chief of Staff job description or CONTACT US about hiring a COS.
Palace Manager
Palace manager description
A Palace Manager typically works in Europe, Asia or the Middle East. They often have backgrounds in hospitality and have managed estates exceeding 20,000 square feet. Since palaces often exceed 40,000 square feet, the Palace Manager is tasked with managing all the domestic staff and ensuring the day-to-day operations of the household. Larger palaces have dozens of departments and hundreds of employees that the PM oversees.
Go here if an in-depth job description or CONTACT US about hiring a Palace Manager.
Go here if an in-depth job description or CONTACT US about hiring a Palace Manager.
Driver/Chauffeur (Hybrid PA-Security)
Personal driver description
Depending on the size of the estate and schedule of the principal, a full-time driver may be employed. This is often a hybrid position as the driver can double as a Personal Assistant as well. Further, many UHNW individuals are now hiring hybrid driver-security agents.
And to take it even one more step, billionaires are even hiring female driver-security agents who are essentially undercover bodyguards. The idea behind this is to be inconspicuous. If, for example, an UHNWI is walking around with three gigantic bodyguards, they are basically advertising to the world that they are someone who should be kidnapped. Essentially, it's better not to have a target on your back.
CONTACT US about hiring a Driver.
And to take it even one more step, billionaires are even hiring female driver-security agents who are essentially undercover bodyguards. The idea behind this is to be inconspicuous. If, for example, an UHNWI is walking around with three gigantic bodyguards, they are basically advertising to the world that they are someone who should be kidnapped. Essentially, it's better not to have a target on your back.
CONTACT US about hiring a Driver.
Maintenance Tech or Groundskeeper (Houseman)
Maintenance Tech description
For sprawling mega-estates, a full-time maintenance man will usually be hired. Essentially, this role is a very glorified "handyman" because they will be a sort of electrical engineer in charge of the estate's smart systems, interior and exterior lighting, and entertainment systems -- just to name a few things.
They will use detailed checklists as a five-star hotel would: daily, monthly, quarterly, and yearly "to-do" items. The Maintenance Tech will work closely with the Estate Manager and Security Team to ensure that all systems are operating at 100%, 365 days a year. When needed, the MT will hire and supervise third-party contractors to maintain or repair highly advanced equipment.
CONTACT US about hiring a Maintenance Tech, Groundskeeper or Houseman.
They will use detailed checklists as a five-star hotel would: daily, monthly, quarterly, and yearly "to-do" items. The Maintenance Tech will work closely with the Estate Manager and Security Team to ensure that all systems are operating at 100%, 365 days a year. When needed, the MT will hire and supervise third-party contractors to maintain or repair highly advanced equipment.
CONTACT US about hiring a Maintenance Tech, Groundskeeper or Houseman.
Companion/Caregiver
Companion vs. Caregiver
There many different reasons that someone might want a Companion; but in the private service industry, some high-net-worth individuals who are elderly and unmarried like to hire a companion.
As with other types of domestic staffing roles, these positions can be hybrid with a personal assistant, for example. A companion role can be split into one of two categories: a travel companion or a (caregiver) companion.
CONTACT US about hiring a Companion.
As with other types of domestic staffing roles, these positions can be hybrid with a personal assistant, for example. A companion role can be split into one of two categories: a travel companion or a (caregiver) companion.
CONTACT US about hiring a Companion.
Sober Coach
Hire a trusted advisor
Individuals who have a high profile because of wealth or celebrity status have different problems than the average person. Because of that, they sometimes have substance abuse problems.
When that happens, a Sober Coach (or Sober Companion) is hired to make sure they don't transgress. Ask us how we can assist affluent families deal with their unique problems.
CONTACT US about hiring a Sober Coach.
When that happens, a Sober Coach (or Sober Companion) is hired to make sure they don't transgress. Ask us how we can assist affluent families deal with their unique problems.
CONTACT US about hiring a Sober Coach.
Domestic Couples
Description of domestic couple
Domestic Couples are typically a husband-and-wife team who share job responsibilities inside the private estates of high-net-worth families. Typical duties split between them are cooking, cleaning, estate management and maintenance.
While it traditional for certain duties to be exclusive for men or women, it's not always the case.
CONTACT US about hiring a domestic couple.
While it traditional for certain duties to be exclusive for men or women, it's not always the case.
CONTACT US about hiring a domestic couple.
Social Media Assistant
Social media assistant description
With the rise of celebrity social media influencers, there is also a need for assistance in running the campaigns.
Reality stars, especially, have exploded in popularity, so they need small armies of assistants to travel with them around the world to document their lives. We've seen a strong uptick in requests for Social Media Managers because it's a full-time job to post several times a day on multiple platforms.
CONTACT US about hiring a Social Media Assistant.
Reality stars, especially, have exploded in popularity, so they need small armies of assistants to travel with them around the world to document their lives. We've seen a strong uptick in requests for Social Media Managers because it's a full-time job to post several times a day on multiple platforms.
CONTACT US about hiring a Social Media Assistant.
Exotic Car Fleet Manager
Most billionaires have an exotic car fleet collection to go along with their superyachts and mega-mansions, and someone needs to keep the cars cleaned and maintained.
That person is an Exotic Car Fleet Manager. What does that position entail? Usually there will be a schedule for auto detailing, restoration, maintenance, and keeping up with the insurance paperwork. The best part, though, is the supercars need to be "exercised," or the engines will become faulty if the car just sits for too long.
CONTACT US about hiring an Exotic Car Fleet Manager.
That person is an Exotic Car Fleet Manager. What does that position entail? Usually there will be a schedule for auto detailing, restoration, maintenance, and keeping up with the insurance paperwork. The best part, though, is the supercars need to be "exercised," or the engines will become faulty if the car just sits for too long.
CONTACT US about hiring an Exotic Car Fleet Manager.
Updated in 2023
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