How much does a butler cost?
How much does a butler cost?
$50,000 – $150,000 average annual cost (live-in butler)
$30,000 – $100,000 average annual cost (live-out butler)
$2,500 – $12,500 cost per month
Average butler salary
The average salary for a live-in butler providing 24/7 service is $50,000 to $150,000 per year for the base salary, plus added costs for room and board, benefits, taxes, and other expenses. The salary for a live-out butler is $30,000 to $100,000, depending on their experience, hours, and duties.
| Butler type | Average annual salary* | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time, Live-in | $50,000 – $150,000+ | Resides on property, available 24/7 |
| Full-time, Live-out | $30,000 – $100,000 | Works full-time but lives off-site |
| Part-time | $25,000 – $60,000 | Works set hours or days per week |
| Estate Butler | $80,000 – $200,000+ | Manages multiple properties or large estates |
| Corporate Butler | $40,000 – $100,000 | Works for hotels, cruise ships, or private clubs |
| Temporary / Event | $200 – $1,000 per day | Hired for specific events or short-term periods |
*Salary only – not including benefits, payroll taxes, and other expenses
Full-time butler
A full-time butler costs $30,000 to $150,000 per year for the base salary alone. Most work 5 to 6 days per week, including weekends, with daily shifts of 8 to 12 hours. The minimum work week is 40 hours, with most full-time butlers working 50 to 60 hours. Working hours and salaries depend on whether they live on the property:
Live-in butlers cost $50,000 to $150,000+ per year and typically reside in private quarters on the property where they can be available 24/7 and respond quickly to the household’s needs.
Live-out butlers cost $30,000 and $100,000 per year. These butlers commute to work daily and typically have more defined working hours.
Part-time butler
Part-time butlers offer a more economical option, working set hours or days per week. Annual costs range from $25,000 to $60,000, depending on the butler's schedule and responsibilities. Part-time butlers can handle a variety of tasks to make your life easier without the cost and commitment of a full-time butler.
Estate butler
Estate butlers specialize in managing multiple properties or large estates and command higher salaries ranging from $80,000 to $200,000+ annually. Their expertise in overseeing complex household operations and coordinating staff justifies the higher wage.
Corporate butler
Corporate butlers, employed by hotels, cruise ships, or private clubs, typically earn between $40,000 and $100,000 annually. These professionals provide high-level service in commercial settings, catering to discerning guests and maintaining high standards of hospitality.
Temporary butler
Temporary or event butlers are hired for specific occasions or short-term periods, with rates ranging from $200 to $1,000 per day. This option provides professional butler services for weddings, vacations, parties, or temporary household management needs without a long-term commitment.
Other costs to hire a butler
When budgeting for a butler, there are numerous additional costs to consider beyond the annual salary, including health insurance, taxes, uniforms, and overtime pay. The following table details some of the common expenses to factor into your budget.
| Expense | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Recruitment fees | 15% – 25% of annual salary (agency placements) |
| Payroll taxes | 7.65% of salary (employer portion) |
| Workers' compensation insurance | $0.75 – $2.74 per $100 of payroll |
| Uniforms | $200 – $500 per year |
| Training / professional development | $500 – $2,000 per year |
| Transportation allowance (live-out) | $100 – $300 per month |
| Health insurance | $5,000 – $12,000+ per year |
| Overtime pay | 1.5 x hourly rate (for hours over 40/week) |
| Annual bonus | 5% –15% of annual salary (at year’s end or work anniversary) |
Please note that these are approximate averages and can vary significantly based on location, specific employer policies, and individual circumstances. Always consult with a financial advisor or employment lawyer for precise figures tailored to your situation.
Butler salary cost factors
The cost to have a butler can vary significantly based on several factors:
Experience & qualifications: More experienced butlers command higher salaries. Also, formal training or certifications can increase salary expectations.
Location: Salaries are typically higher in major cities and affluent areas where butlers are in more demand.
Hours & responsibilities: Live-in butlers command higher wages due to their increased availability and additional duties. Longer hours or on-call availability usually result in higher pay. The range and complexity of duties also affect compensation.
Household size: Managing larger households or estates often warrants a higher salary.
Additional skills: Specialized skills like wine expertise or event planning can increase value.
Employment benefits: Comprehensive benefits packages may offset lower base salaries.
Reputation: Butlers with excellent references or who have worked for high-profile employers may command premium rates.
Butler duties and responsibilities
Butlers have a wide range of duties and responsibilities that can vary based on the employer's needs and preferences. Their primary role is to ensure the comfort and well-being of their employer and guests. Some of the common duties and responsibilities of a butler are:
Household management: Ensuring the household runs smoothly by taking care of maintenance and repairs, managing supplies, and handling administrative tasks such as bill payments.
Staff supervision: Directing and managing other household staff members, such as housekeepers, gardeners, and chefs. This involves organizing work schedules, training staff, and ensuring high standards are maintained.
Personal assistance: Assisting with tasks like organizing appointments, making travel arrangements, managing household budgets, arranging social events, and handling correspondence.
Guest services: Welcoming and attending to guests, including arranging transportation, providing information about local attractions, and ensuring guest rooms are properly prepared.
Event planning & execution: Assisting with the planning and hosting of events, parties, and formal dinners, including managing guest lists, coordinating with vendors, and overseeing service.
Inventory & supply management: Taking inventory of household supplies, managing wine cellars, and ensuring timely replenishment of necessary items.
Maintenance & repairs: Overseeing the maintenance of household equipment and systems, coordinating with contractors, or performing basic repairs.
Communication management: Answering phone calls and written communications on behalf of the employer.
Security & privacy: Maintaining household security, screening visitors, and ensuring the family's privacy.
Specialized tasks: Depending on the household, butlers may also be responsible for managing valuable collections, overseeing wine cellars, or caring for automobiles.
FAQs about hiring a butler
Do you tip a butler?
Tipping for butler services depends on the situation. Full-time, salaried butlers generally don’t expect tips but often receive an annual bonus. Tipping a temporary butler is appreciated, especially those who exceed expectations in service. In luxury hotels and resorts with butler services, tipping 5% to 10% of the daily room rate is customary.
Why should I hire a butler?
Hiring a butler brings convenience and sophistication to your household. These versatile professionals anticipate your needs, manage tasks discreetly, and adapt to any situation. A butler streamlines your life by efficiently handling household details, allowing you to focus elsewhere. Their expertise and dedication ensure a smoother, more refined daily experience.
What does a personal butler do?
The role of a personal butler varies in every household. Generally speaking, a personal butler manages household operations and provides tailored service to meet their employer's needs. They often handle tasks such as coordinating staff, organizing schedules, managing events, and overseeing property maintenance. Butlers may also attend to personal care, wardrobe management, and travel arrangements.
Does a butler always live in?
A butler doesn't always live in. While traditional arrangements often included live-in accommodation, modern butler roles vary. The choice depends on the employer's needs, available space, and the butler's preferences. Both options can offer excellent service, with live-out arrangements providing more personal boundaries for both parties.
Can I hire a part-time butler?
Yes, you can hire a part-time butler. Part-time butlers typically work set hours or days each week, handling specific tasks like event planning, household management, or personal errands. This flexible option suits those who don't require full-time assistance or have budget constraints.
How to find and interview butlers
When interviewing butlers to provide household services, it's important to be as detailed and transparent as possible to ensure you receive accurate and relevant information. Be sure to:
Ask about experience and qualifications: Request information on the butler's training, certifications, and years of experience.
Communicate your needs: Outline the specific tasks and responsibilities you expect the butler to handle. This helps them provide a more accurate quote for their services.
Specify the schedule: Indicate whether you're looking for full-time, part-time, live-in, or live-out services and any specific hours or days of work.
Provide household details: Share relevant information about your home's size, number of residents, and any special requirements that may affect the butler's duties.
Inquire about additional costs: Ask for a breakdown of any fees beyond the base salary, such as overtime, benefits, or agency placement fees.
Request references: Ask for references from previous employers to get a sense of the butler's performance and reliability.
Discuss trial periods: Inquire about the possibility of a trial period to ensure the butler is a good fit for your household.
Get multiple estimates: Contact several reputable butler staffing agencies to compare services and prices.
Be open about your budget: Provide a budget range to help butler placement services match you with suitable candidates.
Questions to ask a prospective butler
When looking for a butler, ask these questions to find the right candidate for your household:
What specific duties and responsibilities have you handled in previous butler positions?
How would you manage household supplies and inventory?
What is your approach to preparing for and managing formal events or dinner parties?
Do you have experience supervising other household staff?
How flexible are you with work hours and last-minute schedule changes?
What types of formal service styles are you experienced with? Can you demonstrate some service techniques?
Do you have experience with tasks like valet services, packing/unpacking, and wardrobe management?
What is your approach to maintaining discretion and privacy in the household?
How do you handle high-pressure situations or conflicting priorities?
What are your long-term career goals?
Do you have any specialized skills like cooking, bartending, or household repairs that would be relevant to this role?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.