The Domestic Staff Salary Guide for London, Surrey and the UK
Understanding current salary expectations is an essential part of both hiring and job searching. This guide outlines typical salary ranges for private household staff, helping clients and candidates navigate the market with clarity and confidence. Please note that the information below is a guide and not definitive salary information.
Housekeeper Salaries
Private housekeeper salaries in London and the UK vary depending on experience, responsibilities and whether the role is live-in or live-out.
- Part-time housekeepers: from £20+ per hour (gross)
- Full-time housekeepers: £35,000 – £50,000 per annum
- Senior or Executive Housekeepers: £50,000 – £65,000+ per annum
Housekeepers with experience in formal households, wardrobe management or staff supervision will typically command higher salaries.
Nanny Salaries
Professional nannies remain in high demand, particularly across London and Surrey.
- Live-out nannies: £40,000 – £70,000+ per annum
- Live-in nannies: £30,000 – £50,000+ per annum
- Rota nannies: £60,000 – £90,000+ per annum
Salaries depend on qualifications, flexibility, travel requirements and the number of children.
Private Chef Salaries
A private chef offers a highly personalised service, often tailored to specific dietary and lifestyle requirements.
- Part-time or daily chefs: £250 – £500+ per day
- Hourly rates: £30 – £60 per hour
- Full-time private chefs: £50,000 – £90,000+ per annum
Private chefs with fine dining backgrounds or experience within UHNW households may command premium salaries, particularly in London and the Home Counties.
Chauffeur Salaries
A professional chauffeur provides both driving expertise and a high level of personal service.
- Chauffeurs: £40,000 – £70,000+ per annum
Salaries may increase depending on hours, flexibility and additional responsibilities such as security awareness or vehicle management.
House Manager Salaries
A house manager oversees the day-to-day running of a private household, often managing staff and ensuring smooth operations.
- House Managers: £50,000 – £90,000+ per annum
- Senior House Managers: £80,000 – £120,000+ per annum
Higher salaries are typically seen in London and the Home Counties, particularly in larger or more complex households.
Estate Manager Salaries
An estate manager is responsible for the management of large private estates or multiple properties, overseeing operations, staff and long-term planning.
- Estate Managers: £70,000 – £120,000+ per annum
- Senior Estate Managers: £120,000 – £180,000+ per annum
These roles often involve significant responsibility, including budgets, contractors and multi-property oversight.
Butler Salaries
A butler provides a refined level of service within a private household, often overseeing front-of-house operations and formal service.
- Butlers: £40,000 – £70,000+ per annum
- Senior or Head Butlers: £70,000 – £100,000+ per annum
Butlers with silver service training, wine knowledge and experience in formal households will typically command higher salaries.
Domestic Couple Salaries
Domestic couples are highly sought after for larger homes and private estates.
- Domestic couples: £60,000 – £120,000+ combined salary
Packages often include accommodation and utilities, making these roles attractive for both clients and candidates.
What Influences Domestic Staff Salaries
Several factors can impact salary levels within private households:
- Location, with London typically commanding higher salaries
- Live-in versus live-out arrangements
- Size and complexity of the property
- Level of experience and longevity
- Number of staff within the household
- Travel requirements and flexibility
- Additional responsibilities such as management, service or childcare
Salary Calculator
For a more detailed breakdown of net and gross salaries, we recommend using a dedicated salary calculator such as www.stafftax.co.uk
