There are several factors you should expect to impact the rate of pay. Once you've figured out the basic pay rate, see the following information to help you adjust the rate as needed.

Amount of Housekeeping

• Do you need a housekeeper on a regular basis or only on certain occasions?
• Which household tasks do you need a housekeeper to perform?
• Are the cleaning products and materials provided or will the housekeeper be expected to provide them?

Location

• Major metropolitan areas tend to have higher housekeeper rates than rural areas.
• Towns can also have a much higher housekeeper rate than rural areas, especially if they serve a large commuter population and are close to a major city.

Additional Tasks

• Additional responsibilities such as babysitting or shopping will require a higher hourly rate
• Preparation of snacks or the feeding of pets will also command a higher hourly rate - make sure you confirm these with your housekeeper at the recruitment stage.

Responsibilities

• As kitchens and bathrooms are more difficult to clean than living spaces the hourly rate should reflect those areas of your home that housekeepers will be responsible for.

Transportation

• Is your housekeeper required to drive to run errands? Are they using your car or theirs?
• If they are using their car, you'll want to offer extra compensation for the fuel used whilst driving. Be sure you provide them with petrol money if they are using your car and it needs filling up. Some home owners offer their housekeeper mileage compensation if they are commuting a long distance.

Experience

• Experienced housekeepers get paid more than those with less experience. Paying more for experience can get you a housekeeper who can better meet your household needs--and give you peace of mind too.

Qualifications

• If you need work done in the garden, you'll want a housekeeper that has specific experience to match your needs. Expect to pay more per hour than the basic rate in your local area. It's worth it.