AdminThe United States domestic service sector continues to offer employment opportunities for international workers seeking positions in private households, estates, and residential care settings with $110,000 to $200,000 or more per year. While domestic work visa sponsorship is more limited and complex than other sectors, certain pathways exist for qualified professionals in specialized domestic roles, particularly those with extensive experience, specialized training, or unique skills. This comprehensive guide explores domestic employment opportunities available to migrants, detailing visa options, salary expectations, benefits packages, working conditions, and the realities of pursuing domestic work in America as an international worker.
Private Chef/Personal Chef
Annual Wages: Private chefs earn between $42,000 and $180,000 annually depending on experience, employer wealth, location, and arrangements. Standard full-time positions pay $60,000 to $95,000, while elite private chefs with exceptional credentials working for high-net-worth individuals can earn $110,000 to $200,000 or more per year.
Private chefs work in affluent households preparing customized meals for families, handling all aspects of meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, cooking, and kitchen management according to family preferences, dietary requirements, and nutritional goals. These culinary professionals create diverse menus accommodating various dietary restrictions including gluten-free, vegan, kosher, halal, or allergy-specific requirements, prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals, coordinate special events and dinner parties, manage kitchen inventory and budgeting, maintain impeccable kitchen hygiene standards, and often accommodate complex schedules with family members eating at different times. Private chefs may work live-in or live-out arrangements, serve single families or split time between multiple households, and sometimes travel with families to vacation homes or international destinations. The most viable visa pathway for international private chefs is typically the EB-3 visa for skilled workers, though sponsorship is rare, or in limited cases, accompanying ultra-high-net-worth families relocating to the US on investor or executive visas. US families seeking private chefs from overseas typically require candidates with formal culinary training (culinary school degrees or apprenticeships), substantial professional experience in fine dining restaurants or previous private service, specialized cuisine expertise, impeccable references, background checks, food safety certifications, and often additional skills such as wine knowledge, nutrition expertise, or experience with specific cultural cuisines.
Monthly Wages: Entry-level or part-time private chefs earn approximately $3,500 to $5,000 per month, experienced full-time private chefs earn $5,500 to $8,000 monthly, while highly experienced chefs working for ultra-wealthy families or celebrities can command $9,000 to $15,000 per month or higher, particularly in major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.
Benefits: Live-in arrangements typically include private accommodation (separate apartment or quarters) with utilities covered; meals provided or generous food allowances; health insurance coverage (though quality varies significantly by employer); paid time off ranging from 2-4 weeks annually with some employers offering more; occasional travel opportunities to family vacation properties (sometimes international); year-end bonuses typically 5-15% of annual salary; use of household vehicles for work-related errands; retirement contributions in some cases (though less common than corporate employment); professional development allowances for culinary courses or certifications; and for those on sponsored visas, immigration legal support including visa processing fees.
Nanny/Childcare Provider
Nannies provide comprehensive childcare in private homes, caring for children from infancy through school age, handling all aspects of child supervision, educational activities, meal preparation, transportation, and developmental support according to parents’ philosophies and family routines. These childcare professionals create age-appropriate activities and educational play, prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children, manage children’s schedules including school, activities, and appointments, provide transportation to school and extracurricular activities, assist with homework and educational development, maintain children’s rooms and play areas, communicate regularly with parents about children’s development and daily activities, and sometimes provide light housekeeping related to children’s needs. Nannies may work live-in or live-out, full-time or part-time, and positions range from sole-charge (complete responsibility) to shared care with stay-at-home parents. The J-1 Au Pair visa program provides the primary legal pathway for young international workers (ages 18-26) to work in American childcare for up to two years, offering cultural exchange rather than permanent immigration. For professional nannies seeking work beyond au pair programs, visa sponsorship is extremely rare and typically requires extraordinary qualifications or accompanying families relocating to the US. American families seeking international nannies typically require previous childcare experience (minimum 2-3 years), childcare qualifications or certifications (CPR, First Aid, Child Development Associate credentials), excellent English language skills, clean driving records, comprehensive background checks, verifiable references, and specific skills such as newborn care, special needs experience, or additional languages.
Monthly Wages: Au pairs under J-1 programs earn approximately $850 to $950 per month as weekly stipend (set by program regulations), live-out nannies earn $2,500 to $4,000 monthly depending on location and hours, experienced live-in nannies earn $2,800 to $4,500 monthly, while highly qualified professional nannies with specialized credentials can command $5,000 to $7,500 per month or higher in expensive metropolitan areas.
Annual Wages: Au pairs earn approximately $10,200 to $11,400 annually (plus room, board, and education allowance of $500 per year), professional nannies earn between $35,000 and $90,000 annually depending on qualifications, location, and arrangement. Standard full-time nanny positions pay $38,000 to $55,000, experienced nannies in major cities earn $60,000 to $75,000, while elite nannies with extensive credentials working for wealthy families can earn $80,000 to $100,000 or more per year.
Benefits: Live-in arrangements include private bedroom (private bathroom in better positions) with utilities covered; meals provided or food allowances; au pairs receive $500 annual education allowance and required educational credits; health insurance (au pairs receive mandated coverage, professional nannies’ coverage varies by employer); paid vacation typically 2 weeks for au pairs (mandated) and 2-4 weeks for professional nannies; sick leave provisions; use of household vehicles for work-related duties; travel opportunities when families vacation; professional development support for childcare certifications; year-end bonuses in many cases (5-15% of annual salary); and for au pairs, cultural exchange activities and local coordinator support.
Estate Manager/House Manager
Estate managers oversee all operations of large private residences, estates, or multiple properties for wealthy individuals and families, managing household staff, coordinating maintenance and repairs, overseeing vendors and contractors, managing household budgets, ensuring security protocols, and serving as the primary point of contact for all household matters. These experienced professionals hire, train, supervise, and evaluate household staff including housekeepers, chefs, gardeners, and security personnel, develop and manage household budgets and expenditures, coordinate property maintenance and renovation projects, manage vendor relationships and service contracts, oversee inventory management for household supplies, coordinate family travel and event planning, ensure household security and privacy protection, maintain household records and documentation, and anticipate family needs proactively. Estate managers typically work for ultra-high-net-worth individuals with substantial properties requiring professional management. Visa sponsorship for international estate managers is extremely rare and typically occurs only when accompanying families relocating internationally or in extraordinary circumstances. US employers seeking estate managers require candidates with substantial household management experience (typically 5-10 years minimum), proven leadership and staff management abilities, budget management expertise, project management skills, impeccable references, comprehensive background checks, often hospitality or business management education, and discretion regarding family privacy and confidentiality.
Monthly Wages: House managers for smaller estates earn approximately $5,000 to $7,000 per month, experienced estate managers earn $7,500 to $11,000 monthly, while senior estate managers overseeing multiple large properties or complex operations can command $12,000 to $18,000 per month or higher for the most exclusive positions.
Annual Wages: Estate managers earn between $60,000 and $216,000 annually depending on property scope, responsibilities, and employer wealth. Standard positions pay $75,000 to $110,000, experienced managers of substantial estates earn $120,000 to $155,000, while top-tier estate managers for ultra-wealthy families with multiple properties can earn $165,000 to $250,000 or more per year.
Benefits: Live-in arrangements common at higher levels, providing private accommodation (often separate cottage or apartment) with all utilities; comprehensive health insurance including dental and vision; 401(k) retirement plans in professional arrangements; paid time off of 2-4 weeks annually; performance bonuses typically 10-20% of annual salary; company vehicles for work use; mobile phones and technology; professional development opportunities including household management certifications and conferences; travel with family to various properties; life insurance; and in rare sponsored cases, immigration legal support.
Personal Assistant/Executive Assistant (Residential)
Residential personal assistants provide comprehensive administrative, organizational, and personal support to high-net-worth individuals and families, managing personal schedules, coordinating travel, handling correspondence, running errands, managing household administration, and serving as the primary organizational support for busy executives or wealthy individuals. These versatile professionals manage complex calendars coordinating personal and sometimes professional appointments, make travel arrangements including flights, accommodations, and itineraries, handle personal correspondence and communications, coordinate home maintenance and service appointments, manage household filing and record-keeping, conduct research and information gathering, run errands including shopping and picking up items, coordinate with other household staff and vendors, handle gift purchasing and event coordination, and manage various personal projects and tasks. Some positions blur lines between personal and executive assistance, requiring discretion and flexibility. Visa sponsorship for residential personal assistants is extremely rare as the role typically doesn’t qualify for skilled worker visa categories, though some positions might qualify if combined with substantial business responsibilities. Employers seek candidates with previous personal or executive assistant experience, exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities, superior communication skills, proficiency with productivity software and apps, valid driver’s license, flexibility regarding hours and last-minute changes, complete discretion and confidentiality, problem-solving capabilities, and often specific skills such as event planning or social media management.
Monthly Wages: Entry-level personal assistants earn approximately $3,000 to $4,200 per month, experienced residential personal assistants earn $4,500 to $6,500 monthly, while senior personal assistants to ultra-high-net-worth individuals or celebrities can command $7,000 to $11,000 per month or higher in major metropolitan areas.
Annual Wages: Residential personal assistants earn between $36,000 and $132,000 annually. Standard positions pay $45,000 to $65,000, experienced assistants in major cities earn $70,000 to $90,000, while elite personal assistants to celebrities or billionaires can earn $95,000 to $145,000 or more per year.
Benefits: Health insurance (quality varies by employer); 401(k) contributions in more professional arrangements; paid time off typically 2-3 weeks annually; mobile phones and technology provided; mileage reimbursement or company vehicle use; flexible schedules in some cases (though many require significant availability); year-end bonuses typically 5-15% of salary; occasional travel opportunities; professional development support; and rarely, visa sponsorship support in exceptional circumstances.
Housekeeper/Domestic Worker
Housekeepers maintain cleanliness, organization, and upkeep of private residences, performing cleaning, laundry, organization, and light household maintenance tasks according to family standards and preferences. These essential workers clean all rooms including dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and sanitizing, perform laundry including washing, drying, ironing, and folding, change bed linens and make beds, organize closets and storage areas, maintain household supplies inventory, perform light cooking or meal preparation in some positions, clean kitchen including dishes and appliances, and sometimes perform outdoor tasks such as patio cleaning. Positions range from part-time housecleaners visiting weekly to full-time live-in housekeepers providing comprehensive household support. Visa sponsorship for housekeepers is generally not available through standard work visa programs as housekeeping doesn’t meet skilled worker visa requirements. Some diplomatic households and international organizations can employ domestic workers under specific visa categories (A-3, G-5 visas for personal employees of diplomats), though these arrangements have specific regulations and protections. Most international domestic workers in the US work informally without legal work authorization, creating vulnerable situations with limited protections. American employers seeking legally employed housekeepers from overseas face substantial challenges and typically must explore extremely limited visa pathways.
Monthly Wages: Part-time housekeepers typically earn $12-$25 per hour resulting in $1,200 to $2,400 per month for part-time work, full-time live-out housekeepers earn $2,200 to $3,500 monthly, while experienced live-in housekeepers can earn $2,400 to $4,000 per month or higher depending on responsibilities and location.
Annual Wages: Housekeepers earn between $24,000 and $48,000 annually for full-time positions. Standard housekeeping positions pay $28,000 to $38,000, while experienced housekeepers in wealthy households or expensive areas can earn $42,000 to $52,000 or more per year.
Benefits: Benefits for housekeepers vary dramatically and are often minimal. Better positions may offer: basic health insurance or contributions toward coverage; paid time off of 1-2 weeks annually (though many receive no paid leave); sick leave in some cases; meals during work shifts or food allowances; live-in arrangements include private room with utilities (quality varies significantly); transportation assistance or mileage reimbursement; year-end bonuses or holiday gifts; and rarely, retirement contributions. Many housekeeping positions, particularly those without legal work authorization, offer minimal or no benefits.
Elder Care Companion/Senior Caregiver
Elder care companions provide non-medical support and companionship to elderly individuals in their homes, assisting with daily activities, providing social engagement, ensuring safety, and supporting independence while maintaining dignity and quality of life for seniors. These compassionate caregivers assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, prepare meals according to dietary requirements and preferences, provide medication reminders (not medical administration), offer transportation to appointments and social activities, provide companionship and social engagement, monitor clients for health or safety concerns and report to family or medical professionals, perform light housekeeping related to client care, assist with mobility and fall prevention, and support cognitive engagement through conversation and activities. Elder care positions range from part-time companion care to live-in 24-hour care arrangements. Standard work visa sponsorship for elder care companions is generally not available as non-medical caregiving doesn’t typically meet skilled worker visa requirements. Some families employ international caregivers through diplomatic or other specialized visa categories, though these are limited circumstances. The home care industry in the US faces severe worker shortages, leading to ongoing discussions about expanding visa pathways for caregivers, though as of 2026, opportunities remain limited.
Monthly Wages: Part-time companions typically earn $13-$22 per hour resulting in $1,500 to $2,800 per month for part-time work, full-time caregivers earn $2,400 to $3,800 monthly, while experienced live-in caregivers can earn $3,000 to $5,500 per month or higher for 24-hour care arrangements.
Annual Wages: Elder care companions earn between $28,000 and $66,000 annually for full-time positions. Standard caregiver positions pay $30,000 to $45,000, while experienced caregivers with specialized training (dementia care, Parkinson’s care) or providing live-in care can earn $48,000 to $72,000 or more per year.
Benefits: Benefits vary significantly by employer and employment type. Better positions may offer: basic health insurance or contributions; paid time off of 1-2 weeks annually; sick leave provisions; continuing education for caregiver certifications; mileage reimbursement for transportation; live-in arrangements include private room and meals; some positions offer overtime pay at time-and-a-half rates; occasional bonuses; and support for professional certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training in some cases. Many caregiver positions, particularly through agencies, offer minimal benefits beyond hourly wages.
Private Tutor/Governess
Private tutors and governesses provide individualized educational instruction to children in private homes, offering academic support, educational enrichment, specialized subject tutoring, or comprehensive educational programs for families who homeschool or supplement traditional schooling. These educational professionals assess students’ academic levels and learning styles, develop customized lesson plans and curricula, provide one-on-one or small group instruction, prepare students for standardized tests and examinations, monitor and document academic progress, communicate regularly with parents about educational development, create engaging and age-appropriate learning activities, adapt teaching methods to individual student needs, and sometimes coordinate with schools regarding curriculum alignment. Positions range from part-time subject tutors to full-time governesses providing comprehensive education. Visa sponsorship for private tutors is extremely limited and typically unavailable through standard work visa programs as private household employment generally doesn’t qualify. Some international schools and educational consultancies might sponsor tutors under H-1B visas if positions meet specialty occupation requirements, though this is uncommon for purely residential tutoring. Families seeking international tutors typically require teaching credentials or subject matter expertise (bachelor’s or advanced degrees), previous tutoring or teaching experience, expertise in specific subjects or curricula (British curriculum, International Baccalaureate, specific standardized test preparation), excellent communication skills, patience and rapport with children, and verifiable references and background checks.
Monthly Wages: Part-time tutors typically earn $40-$100+ per hour resulting in $2,000 to $5,000+ per month depending on hours and subject expertise, full-time governesses earn $3,500 to $6,500 monthly, while highly qualified tutors with advanced degrees or specialized expertise can command $7,000 to $12,000 per month or higher for intensive full-time arrangements.
Annual Wages: Private tutors earn between $35,000 and $145,000 annually depending on arrangement and expertise. Part-time specialized tutors may earn $40,000 to $70,000 working substantial hours, full-time governesses earn $50,000 to $78,000, while elite tutors with PhDs or specialized expertise working for wealthy families can earn $85,000 to $160,000 or more per year.
Benefits: Benefits vary widely by arrangement. Better positions may offer: health insurance contributions or stipends; paid time off aligned with school calendars (summers off in some cases, though unpaid); continuing education support for teaching certifications or subject knowledge; professional development conferences; materials and resources for instruction; technology including laptops or tablets; mileage reimbursement; year-end bonuses typically 5-15% of annual salary; flexible schedules in some arrangements; and occasionally, live-in arrangements with private accommodation for full-time governesses.
Personal Trainer/Fitness Coach (Private)
Private personal trainers work exclusively with individual clients or families in home gyms, designing customized fitness programs, providing one-on-one training sessions, offering nutritional guidance, and supporting clients in achieving health and fitness goals in the privacy and convenience of their residences. These fitness professionals conduct fitness assessments evaluating clients’ current fitness levels, health conditions, and goals, design personalized exercise programs addressing strength, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and functional movement, conduct training sessions providing instruction, motivation, and safety supervision, modify programs based on progress and changing needs, provide nutritional counseling and meal planning guidance, track progress through measurements and performance metrics, coordinate with healthcare providers when necessary regarding medical considerations, and maintain home gym equipment. Positions may be part-time with multiple clients or full-time exclusive arrangements with wealthy individuals or families. Visa sponsorship for personal trainers is generally not available as personal training doesn’t typically meet skilled worker visa requirements, though some international fitness professionals enter on other visa categories or work for facilities that might sponsor. Clients seeking private trainers require nationally recognized certifications (NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA), CPR and First Aid certifications, liability insurance, previous training experience with documented client results, specialized expertise (athletic training, rehabilitation, senior fitness, pre/postnatal fitness), excellent communication and motivational skills, and comprehensive background checks.
Monthly Wages: Part-time private trainers typically charge $50-$150 per session resulting in $3,000 to $8,000+ per month training multiple clients 15-25 hours weekly, full-time exclusive trainers earn $4,500 to $8,000 monthly, while elite trainers working for celebrities or ultra-wealthy individuals can command $9,000 to $15,000 per month or higher.
Annual Wages: Private personal trainers earn between $45,000 and $180,000 annually depending on client base and exclusivity. Part-time trainers with established client bases earn $50,000 to $95,000, full-time private trainers earn $65,000 to $110,000, while top-tier trainers working for high-profile clients can earn $120,000 to $200,000+ or more per year.
Benefits: Benefits vary as many trainers work as independent contractors. Better full-time employed positions may offer: health insurance contributions; retirement plan contributions; paid time off (typically limited); continuing education allowances for advanced certifications; liability insurance coverage; equipment and materials for training; travel opportunities when clients vacation; performance bonuses based on client results; use of home gym facilities; flexible scheduling; and occasionally, live-in arrangements for intensive training programs.
Chauffeur/Private Driver
Private chauffeurs provide professional driving services for wealthy individuals and families, transporting family members safely and comfortably to various destinations while maintaining vehicles, ensuring security, and providing discrete, reliable transportation according to family schedules and preferences. These professional drivers operate luxury vehicles safely following all traffic laws, maintain knowledge of optimal routes and alternative routing for traffic conditions, assist passengers with entering/exiting vehicles and handling luggage, maintain vehicles in pristine condition including regular cleaning and mechanical upkeep, coordinate vehicle maintenance and repairs, provide security awareness and defensive driving, accommodate schedule changes and last-minute requests, maintain complete discretion regarding family activities and conversations, and sometimes perform additional tasks such as errands or light package delivery. Positions may be part-time, full-time, or on-call arrangements. Visa sponsorship for chauffeurs is generally not available as driving services don’t meet skilled worker visa requirements. Some diplomatic households employ international chauffeurs under specific visa categories. Employers seeking chauffeurs require clean commercial or regular driver’s licenses with excellent driving records (no violations or accidents), previous professional driving experience, knowledge of local areas and navigation, impeccable presentation and professionalism, mechanical knowledge for basic vehicle troubleshooting, flexibility regarding hours including evenings and weekends, complete discretion and confidentiality, background checks and sometimes security clearances, and in some cases, executive protection training.
Monthly Wages: Part-time drivers earn approximately $2,000 to $3,200 per month, full-time chauffeurs earn $3,500 to $5,500 monthly, while executive chauffeurs for ultra-wealthy families or providing security driving can command $6,000 to $9,000 per month or higher in major metropolitan areas.
Annual Wages: Private chauffeurs earn between $36,000 and $108,000 annually. Standard full-time positions pay $42,000 to $66,000, experienced chauffeurs in major cities earn $70,000 to $85,000, while elite chauffeurs with executive protection training or working for high-profile individuals can earn $90,000 to $120,000 or more per year.
Benefits: Vehicle provided for work use or in some cases personal use; fuel and maintenance covered; health insurance in better positions; paid time off typically 1-3 weeks annually; overtime pay for hours beyond standard schedules; on-call compensation; mobile phones; uniform allowances or provided uniforms; parking fees and tolls covered; year-end bonuses typically 5-10% of annual salary; continuing education for defensive driving or security training; and occasionally, retirement plan contributions.
Important Considerations for Domestic Work Immigration
International workers considering domestic employment in the United States must understand the significant visa challenges and limited legal pathways available. Unlike other developed countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore, or Middle Eastern nations that have established domestic worker visa programs, the United States has extremely limited visa options for household employees. The primary legal pathways include:
Au Pair J-1 Cultural Exchange Visas: Limited to childcare providers aged 18-26 for maximum 24 months, operated through designated sponsor organizations, with regulated compensation and working conditions.
Diplomatic Household Visas (A-3, G-5): Available only for personal employees of diplomats and international organization officials, with specific labor protections and regulations.
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visas: Rarely applicable to domestic work unless positions involve substantial professional duties meeting specialty occupation requirements (unlikely for most household roles).
EB-3 Skilled Worker Visas: Theoretically possible for highly skilled domestic professionals, but sponsorship is exceptionally rare due to the complex, expensive, and time-consuming process most private employers won’t undertake.
Accompanying Family Members: International workers relocating to the US in professional capacities sometimes bring domestic staff, though visa options are limited.
Many domestic workers in the US work without legal work authorization, creating vulnerable situations with limited legal protections, potential exploitation, and deportation risks. Prospective migrants should thoroughly research legal pathways, consult immigration attorneys specializing in employment-based immigration, understand that most advertised domestic positions won’t qualify for visa sponsorship, be wary of fraudulent schemes promising visa sponsorship for domestic work, and consider alternative sectors offering more realistic visa pathways such as healthcare, hospitality, or construction trades.
The domestic employment sector in the United States offers rewarding opportunities for those who legally secure positions, providing intimate working relationships with families, potential for substantial compensation in elite positions, and meaningful work supporting households and families. However, the visa sponsorship landscape remains extremely challenging, requiring exceptional qualifications, unique circumstances, or alternative entry pathways for most international workers seeking domestic employment in America.
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