Understanding what a domestic couple should earn is one of the first practical questions families face when they begin a search. Get it wrong in either direction — offer too little and you will not attract the calibre of candidates you need, offer the wrong structure and you risk employment law complications — and the placement will struggle before it has even started.

This guide sets out current salary benchmarks for domestic couples in the UK and internationally, explains what factors push salaries up or down, and covers the key elements of a competitive package beyond base pay.

UK salary benchmarks by role

The salary for each member of a domestic couple reflects their individual responsibilities. The figures below are gross annual salaries for experienced candidates placed through a specialist agency in 2025.

What pushes salaries higher?

Several factors consistently push domestic couple salaries to the upper end of the range — or beyond it:

• High-level cooking — dinner party standard, dietary complexity, or Michelin-level expectation pushes housekeeper-cook salaries significantly higher
• Managing additional staff — a couple who oversee cleaners, gardeners, or other household employees carry greater management responsibility
• Extensive international travel — accompanying the principal on long-haul or complex travel adds value and risk premium
• High-profile principals — working in a household that requires absolute discretion, NDA compliance, and security awareness commands a premium
• Very large properties — estate-level management of 10,000+ sq ft or multiple outbuildings increases the scope significantly
• Formal butler or silver service experience — where entertaining is at the highest level

International placements: key differences

Domestic couple salaries outside the UK vary considerably by country, tax regime, and living costs. The most common international placement destinations for EED candidates and indicative salary ranges:

In international placements, the gross vs net distinction matters enormously. UK-sourced candidates will compare international offers against their net take-home in the UK. In tax-free destinations such as the UAE, a lower gross figure can still represent a significant net pay increase when accommodation, flights, and other benefits are factored in.

The full package: what to include beyond salary

Salary is only one part of the total remuneration package. For domestic couple placements, the following benefits are expected as standard and affect your ability to attract strong candidates:

• Accommodation — self-contained cottage or apartment; quality matters as much as size
• Utilities — electricity, heating, and internet typically covered by the employer
• Vehicle use — a dedicated vehicle for use within the role, or use of a household vehicle
• Annual leave — 28 days minimum (UK), ideally 30–35 days for senior placements
• Flights home — in international placements, annual return flights to the UK or home country are standard
• Private healthcare — increasingly offered in VIP placements, particularly outside the UK
• Pension — employer contributions required under UK law; important for long-term retention