Working as a household or domestic worker in the U.S. can offer stable income opportunities, especially for individuals with limited formal education or professional training. It provides a pathway to financial independence for many immigrants and low-income workers.
Many domestic jobs offer flexible working hours, allowing workers to balance personal and family responsibilities. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for caregivers, parents, and part-time workers.
There is consistent demand for domestic services such as childcare, elder care, and housekeeping in the U.S., especially in urban and suburban areas. This demand creates a steady supply of job opportunities.
Most household and domestic work positions do not require formal degrees or certifications, making them accessible to newcomers, immigrants, and individuals entering the workforce for the first time.
With experience and reliability, domestic workers can establish long-term relationships with employers. This stability can lead to improved wages, benefits, and even sponsorship opportunities in some cases.
The domestic work sector in the U.S. includes workers from many countries and backgrounds. This cultural diversity can create a supportive environment for immigrants and foster a sense of community.
The United States presents a unique opportunity for international candidates to build meaningful careers as household and domestic workers. From live-in nannies to private chefs, housekeepers, and elder care providers, this sector offers diverse roles that go beyond routine tasks and welcome creative, compassionate individuals.
Creativity in domestic work is not limited to arts and crafts—it includes problem-solving, meal planning, child engagement, organizing homes, and adapting to the unique needs of each household. International workers who bring cultural traditions, language skills, and fresh perspectives are often valued for their originality and adaptability.
Domestic roles often involve close interaction with American families, providing international workers a chance to engage in cultural exchange. This experience fosters personal growth, improves language skills, and allows workers to introduce their own customs, stories, and traditions in a respectful and enriching way.
International candidates with experience in early childhood education, hospitality, culinary arts, or elderly care can apply their talents in creative and impactful ways. Employers often seek individuals who can design engaging learning activities for children, prepare international cuisine, or create warm and organized home environments.
Many international domestic workers come to the U.S. through legal channels such as the J-1 visa (Au Pair Program), H-2B visa (temporary non-agricultural work), or through private sponsorship. Understanding and following these legal pathways is essential for building a sustainable and compliant career in the U.S.
With experience and trust, household workers can move into more specialized or supervisory roles. Some may transition into roles such as personal assistants, estate managers, or private tutors. Creativity and professionalism can open doors to higher wages and long-term stability.
Household and domestic workers provide vital services that support families, especially in caregiving and home management. For many international candidates, the role becomes more than a job—it becomes a chance to make a meaningful difference in others' lives while building a secure future for themselves.
Nannies provide in-home childcare, often taking on responsibilities such as feeding, bathing, organizing activities, helping with homework, and ensuring the overall well-being of children. Some live with the family, while others work full-time or part-time hours.
Housekeepers are responsible for cleaning and maintaining homes. Duties may include dusting, vacuuming, laundry, making beds, cleaning bathrooms, and organizing spaces. In some cases, housekeepers also assist with cooking or running errands.
Caregivers assist elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or those recovering from illness or surgery. They may help with personal care, medication reminders, mobility support, meal preparation, and companionship. Some are certified home health aides (HHAs) or nursing assistants.
Maids perform general cleaning duties in private homes. While similar to housekeepers, their work is often more focused on routine cleaning tasks and may be scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis rather than daily.
Personal chefs prepare meals based on clients’ dietary needs and preferences. Some work for a single household, while others serve multiple clients. Responsibilities may include meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and kitchen clean-up.
Au pairs are typically young people from other countries who live with a host family and provide childcare in exchange for room, board, and a small stipend. This arrangement is usually part of a cultural exchange program and operates under the J-1 visa.
Butlers and household managers oversee the daily operations of large homes or estates. Duties can include supervising other domestic staff, managing budgets, planning events, and ensuring smooth household functioning.
Chauffeurs provide private transportation for individuals or families. They may drive children to school, accompany clients to appointments, or assist with errands. Some also maintain vehicles and manage travel logistics.
Groundskeepers take care of outdoor spaces, including gardens, lawns, and driveways. Tasks include planting, trimming, lawn care, and seasonal maintenance. In larger properties, they may work under the supervision of an estate manager.
Pet sitters look after animals when owners are away or at work. Duties may include feeding, walking, grooming, administering medication, and providing companionship.
No. |
Job Title |
Avg. Annual Salary (USD) |
Avg. Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Nanny |
$35,000 |
₹2,905,000 |
|
2 |
Housekeeper |
$30,000 |
₹2,490,000 |
|
3 |
Caregiver (Elderly) |
$32,000 |
₹2,656,000 |
|
4 |
Home Health Aide |
$31,000 |
₹2,573,000 |
|
5 |
Maid |
$28,000 |
₹2,324,000 |
|
6 |
Personal Chef |
$45,000 |
₹3,735,000 |
|
7 |
Au Pair |
$20,000 (incl. stipend) |
₹1,660,000 |
|
8 |
Butler |
$50,000 |
₹4,150,000 |
|
9 |
Household Manager |
$60,000 |
₹4,980,000 |
|
10 |
Chauffeur/Private Driver |
$38,000 |
₹3,154,000 |
|
11 |
Gardener |
$30,000 |
₹2,490,000 |
|
12 |
Groundskeeper |
$31,000 |
₹2,573,000 |
|
13 |
Pet Sitter |
$27,000 |
₹2,241,000 |
|
14 |
Childcare Worker (non-nanny) |
$29,000 |
₹2,407,000 |
|
15 |
Live-in Caregiver |
$33,000 (with benefits) |
₹2,739,000 |
|
16 |
House Cook |
$34,000 |
₹2,822,000 |
|
17 |
Laundry Attendant |
$27,000 |
₹2,241,000 |
|
18 |
Personal Assistant |
$40,000 |
₹3,320,000 |
|
19 |
Estate Manager |
$70,000 |
₹5,810,000 |
|
20 |
Domestic Couple |
$70,000 (combined) |
₹5,810,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Work Visa Requirement |
Must have a valid U.S. work visa (e.g., J-1, H-2B, B-1 with conditions). |
|
Visa Types Commonly Used |
J-1 (Au Pair), H-2B (Temporary Non-Agricultural Work), B-1 (Domestic Worker) |
|
Age Requirement |
Usually 18 years or older (varies by visa and role) |
|
Language Skills |
Basic English communication required; fluent English preferred |
|
Job Offer / Employment Contract |
A formal job offer or contract from a U.S. employer is mandatory |
|
Background Check / Police Clearance |
Required for most positions, especially those involving children or elderly |
|
Relevant Work Experience |
Experience in childcare, housekeeping, or caregiving is often required |
|
Health Clearance |
Medical check-up or health certificate may be required |
|
Education Requirements |
Varies; high school diploma preferred for some roles |
|
Live-in/Live-out Flexibility |
Must be willing to accept live-in or live-out terms based on the position |
|
Cultural Exchange Criteria (J-1) |
Must meet cultural exchange requirements if applying for a J-1 visa |
|
Employer Sponsorship (for B-1/H-2B) |
Employer must submit a petition and sponsorship documents |
|
Valid Passport |
Must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay |
|
Proof of Return (Temporary Visas) |
Must show intent to return to home country after visa expiration |
|
Compliance with Labor Laws |
Must agree to follow U.S. labor laws, including minimum wage and overtime |
|
Interview with U.S. Embassy |
Required as part of the visa approval process |
No. |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Nanny |
Childcare, feeding, bathing, educational activities, school drop-off/pick-up, light housekeeping |
|
2 |
Housekeeper |
Cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, laundry, organizing, and general home upkeep |
|
3 |
Caregiver (Elderly) |
Assisting with mobility, bathing, medication, companionship, light cooking |
|
4 |
Home Health Aide |
Monitoring health, administering medications, personal care, helping with therapy exercises |
|
5 |
Maid |
General cleaning, room maintenance, changing bed linens, trash removal |
|
6 |
Personal Chef |
Meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking meals, following dietary needs, kitchen cleaning |
|
7 |
Au Pair |
Childcare, language and cultural exchange, light housework related to children |
|
8 |
Butler |
Greeting guests, serving meals/drinks, managing staff, maintaining formal household standards |
|
9 |
Household Manager |
Supervising domestic staff, managing budgets and schedules, household inventory, vendor coordination |
|
10 |
Chauffeur/Private Driver |
Driving clients, vehicle maintenance, scheduling travel routes, maintaining punctuality |
|
11 |
Gardener |
Planting, pruning, lawn care, seasonal maintenance, garden design |
|
12 |
Groundskeeper |
Maintaining outdoor property, cleaning walkways, snow removal, irrigation system management |
|
13 |
Pet Sitter |
Feeding pets, walking dogs, cleaning litter boxes, administering medication, companionship |
|
14 |
Childcare Worker |
Supervising children, helping with learning activities, playtime supervision, preparing snacks |
|
15 |
Live-in Caregiver |
24-hour care for elderly or disabled, hygiene help, cooking, companionship, emergency response |
|
16 |
House Cook |
Cooking daily meals, preparing grocery lists, cleaning kitchen, following family meal preferences |
|
17 |
Laundry Attendant |
Washing, ironing, folding clothes, handling delicate fabrics, managing household linens |
|
18 |
Personal Assistant |
Managing schedules, handling calls/emails, booking appointments, travel planning |
|
19 |
Estate Manager |
Overseeing large household operations, managing staff, maintenance planning, event coordination |
|
20 |
Domestic Couple |
Jointly performing housekeeping, cooking, groundskeeping, driving, and home security tasks |
No. |
Job Profile |
Minimum Education |
Experience Required |
Common Visa Type(s) |
Special Eligibility/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Nanny |
High school preferred |
1–2 years in childcare |
J-1 (Au Pair), H-2B, B-1 |
CPR certification often preferred |
|
2 |
Housekeeper |
Not mandatory |
6 months – 1 year |
H-2B, B-1 |
Must be detail-oriented and trustworthy |
|
3 |
Caregiver (Elderly) |
High school preferred |
1–2 years in elderly care |
H-2B, B-1, EB-3 (long term) |
May require health aide certification (state-specific) |
|
4 |
Home Health Aide |
High school + certification |
1–2 years + HHA/CNA cert. |
EB-3, H-2B |
Licensed in some U.S. states |
|
5 |
Maid |
Not mandatory |
6 months – 1 year |
H-2B, B-1 |
Basic cleaning skills required |
|
6 |
Personal Chef |
Culinary training preferred |
2+ years |
H-2B, O-1 (specialized talent) |
Knowledge of dietary restrictions helpful |
|
7 |
Au Pair |
High school |
200+ hours childcare |
J-1 (Au Pair Program) |
Age limit 18–26, conversational English, no dependents |
|
8 |
Butler |
High school + training |
3+ years |
H-2B, B-1 |
Formal etiquette and service experience |
|
9 |
Household Manager |
High school + experience |
3–5 years |
H-2B, B-1 |
Leadership and admin skills required |
|
10 |
Chauffeur/Private Driver |
High school |
1–2 years + valid license |
H-2B, B-1 |
Clean driving record, familiarity with routes |
|
11 |
Gardener |
Not mandatory |
1 year |
H-2B |
Knowledge of landscaping tools and techniques |
|
12 |
Groundskeeper |
Not mandatory |
1 year |
H-2B |
Physical stamina and seasonal flexibility needed |
|
13 |
Pet Sitter |
Not mandatory |
Some animal care experience |
H-2B, B-1 |
Comfort with animals, flexible schedule |
|
14 |
Childcare Worker |
High school preferred |
1+ year |
H-2B, J-1 |
First aid and basic education skills useful |
|
15 |
Live-in Caregiver |
High school + experience |
2+ years |
B-1 (with employer abroad), EB-3 |
24/7 availability often expected |
|
16 |
House Cook |
High school |
1–2 years |
H-2B, B-1 |
Family-style cooking experience |
|
17 |
Laundry Attendant |
Not mandatory |
6 months – 1 year |
H-2B |
Experience with fabrics and care instructions |
|
18 |
Personal Assistant |
High school + skills |
2–3 years |
H-2B, B-1 |
Organizational and tech skills essential |
|
19 |
Estate Manager |
High school + leadership |
5+ years |
H-2B, B-1 |
High-level management and discretion required |
|
20 |
Domestic Couple |
High school |
2–5 years (combined roles) |
H-2B, B-1 |
Usually live-in, trusted with multiple home responsibilities |
No. |
Job Profile |
Experience Required |
Experience Type |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Nanny |
1–2 years |
Childcare, infant/toddler care, household help |
|
2 |
Housekeeper |
6 months – 1 year |
Residential or hotel cleaning |
|
3 |
Caregiver (Elderly) |
1–2 years |
Elder care, personal assistance, hygiene care |
|
4 |
Home Health Aide |
1–2 years + certification |
Certified HHA or CNA experience |
|
5 |
Maid |
6 months – 1 year |
Routine house cleaning |
|
6 |
Personal Chef |
2–3 years |
Cooking, meal planning, dietary requirements |
|
7 |
Au Pair |
200+ hours (childcare) |
Babysitting, tutoring, volunteer childcare |
|
8 |
Butler |
3–5 years |
Formal household service, hospitality |
|
9 |
Household Manager |
3–5 years |
Staff supervision, home admin tasks |
|
10 |
Chauffeur/Private Driver |
1–2 years |
Driving for families or private employers |
|
11 |
Gardener |
1+ year |
Landscaping, planting, lawn care |
|
12 |
Groundskeeper |
1–2 years |
Property maintenance, outdoor labor |
|
13 |
Pet Sitter |
6 months – 1 year |
Animal care, feeding, walking, grooming |
|
14 |
Childcare Worker |
1+ year |
Preschool, daycare, or in-home child services |
|
15 |
Live-in Caregiver |
2+ years |
24-hour elderly or disabled care |
|
16 |
House Cook |
1–2 years |
Meal prep in private home or restaurant |
|
17 |
Laundry Attendant |
6 months – 1 year |
Fabric care, ironing, laundry duties |
|
18 |
Personal Assistant |
2–3 years |
Admin work, calendar management, errands |
|
19 |
Estate Manager |
5+ years |
Property/staff management in large households |
|
20 |
Domestic Couple |
2–5 years (combined) |
Experience in combined housekeeping roles |
No. |
Company/Agency Name |
Specialization |
Visa Support |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Cultural Care Au Pair |
Au Pairs / Nannies |
J-1 Visa (Au Pair) |
Large-scale au pair agency with global recruitment and host family match |
|
2 |
GreatAuPair |
Nannies, Senior Care, Housekeepers |
J-1, B-1 (indirect) |
Online platform for families to hire domestic workers, including live-in |
|
3 |
AupairCare |
Childcare / Cultural Exchange |
J-1 Visa |
Offers training, matching, and visa sponsorship for au pairs |
|
4 |
Greenhouse Agency Ltd. |
High-end Domestic Staffing |
H-2B, B-1 (case-by-case) |
NYC-based agency for estate managers, nannies, chefs, housekeepers |
|
5 |
Eden Private Staff USA |
Domestic Couples, House Managers, Nannies |
B-1, H-2B |
International staffing for ultra-high-net-worth households |
|
6 |
Town & Country Resources |
Nannies, Housekeepers, Estate Staff |
H-2B, J-1 (varies) |
California-based agency working with domestic staff nationwide |
|
7 |
Household Staffing International |
Nannies, Caregivers, Domestic Couples |
B-1, H-2B (case-by-case) |
Matches international candidates with U.S. families |
|
8 |
HomeCare.com |
Caregivers, Companions |
H-2B, B-1 (case basis) |
Focus on senior and in-home care roles |
|
9 |
Morningside Nannies |
Nannies |
J-1, H-2B (rare) |
Texas-based nanny agency, may assist with sponsorship |
|
10 |
Pavillion Agency Inc. |
Domestic Professionals |
B-1, H-2B, EB-3 |
Prestigious NYC agency with global reach |
No. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (USD/year) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies/Agencies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Nanny |
$35,000 |
1–2 years childcare, basic English, CPR preferred |
Cultural Care Au Pair, GreatAuPair, AupairCare |
Childcare, feeding, bathing, educational play, school runs |
|
2 |
Housekeeper |
$30,000 |
6–12 months experience, detail-oriented |
Pavillion Agency, Town & Country Resources |
Cleaning, laundry, organizing, general home upkeep |
|
3 |
Caregiver (Elderly) |
$32,000 |
1–2 years elderly care, health check, CPR/HHA certification |
HomeCare.com, Household Staffing Intl. |
Assistance with mobility, bathing, companionship, meals |
|
4 |
Home Health Aide |
$31,000 |
CNA/HHA license, 1–2 years experience |
HomeCare.com, Greenhouse Agency |
Health monitoring, hygiene care, medication support |
|
5 |
Maid |
$28,000 |
Basic cleaning skills, 6 months experience |
Town & Country Resources, Eden Private Staff |
Cleaning rooms, changing linens, trash removal |
|
6 |
Personal Chef |
$45,000 |
2–3 years culinary experience, menu planning |
Greenhouse Agency, Eden Private Staff |
Cooking meals, grocery shopping, dietary adherence |
|
7 |
Au Pair |
$20,000 (incl. stipend) |
200+ hrs childcare, English, age 18–26 |
Cultural Care Au Pair, AupairCare |
Childcare, cultural exchange, light chores |
|
8 |
Butler |
$50,000 |
3–5 years formal service experience |
Pavillion Agency, Eden Private Staff |
Greeting guests, formal service, household supervision |
|
9 |
Household Manager |
$60,000 |
3–5 years leadership, scheduling, multi-staff coordination |
Household Staffing Intl., Pavillion Agency |
Managing staff, budgeting, vendor liaison |
|
10 |
Chauffeur/Private Driver |
$38,000 |
Valid license, 1–2 years private driving |
Eden Private Staff, Greenhouse Agency |
Driving employer, maintaining vehicle, pickups/drop-offs |
|
11 |
Gardener |
$30,000 |
1+ year landscaping experience |
Local estate agencies |
Planting, trimming, lawn care, garden maintenance |
|
12 |
Groundskeeper |
$31,000 |
1–2 years outdoor/property maintenance |
Estate staffing firms |
Exterior maintenance, seasonal cleanup, basic repairs |
|
13 |
Pet Sitter |
$27,000 |
Love for animals, prior pet care |
GreatAuPair, Local agencies |
Feeding, walking, grooming pets, companionship |
|
14 |
Childcare Worker |
$29,000 |
1+ year childcare experience, basic English |
Town & Country, GreatAuPair |
Supervising play, basic education, snacks |
|
15 |
Live-in Caregiver |
$33,000 + housing |
2+ years experience, flexible hours, CPR |
HomeCare.com, Household Staffing Intl. |
24-hour elder care, hygiene, cooking, companionship |
|
16 |
House Cook |
$34,000 |
Home or restaurant cooking experience |
Pavillion Agency, Eden Private Staff |
Preparing meals, menu planning, kitchen cleaning |
|
17 |
Laundry Attendant |
$27,000 |
6 months laundry/fabric care experience |
Household Staffing Intl., Greenhouse Agency |
Washing, ironing, folding clothes, handling delicate garments |
|
18 |
Personal Assistant |
$40,000 |
2–3 years admin experience, organized, tech-savvy |
Pavillion Agency, Eden Private Staff |
Scheduling, errands, managing calls and emails |
|
19 |
Estate Manager |
$70,000 |
5+ years estate/home management |
Pavillion Agency, Greenhouse Agency |
Overseeing operations, budgets, events, high-value property upkeep |
|
20 |
Domestic Couple |
$70,000 (combined) |
2–5 years in multi-role household support |
Household Staffing Intl., Eden Private Staff |
Joint work: cleaning, cooking, security, property management |
Visa Type |
Who It's For |
Key Features |
Eligibility Requirements |
Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
J-1 (Au Pair Program) |
Young international candidates (ages 18–26) |
Cultural exchange program for live-in childcare (nannies/au pairs) |
200+ hours of childcare experience, basic English, high school graduate |
Up to 1 year (extendable to 2) |
|
H-2B (Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker) |
Seasonal domestic workers (housekeepers, cooks, groundskeepers, etc.) |
For temporary, non-agricultural work when no U.S. workers are available |
Job offer from a U.S. employer, labor certification, return to home country |
Up to 1 year (extendable to 3) |
|
B-1 (Domestic Employee Visa) |
Domestic workers accompanying foreign employers visiting or relocating to the U.S. |
Used by foreign diplomats, executives, or U.S. citizens returning from abroad |
Valid contract, proof of relationship with employer abroad, no intent to immigrate |
Up to 6 months (extendable) |
|
H-1B (Specialty Occupations) |
Rarely used, but possible for high-level private chefs or estate managers |
Requires specialized knowledge or degree-level expertise |
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field |
3 years (extendable to 6) |
|
EB-3 (Employment-Based Green Card) |
Skilled or unskilled workers (e.g., caregivers, long-term domestic roles) |
Leads to permanent residency (green card) if employer sponsors |
Permanent job offer, labor certification, long processing time |
Permanent (with green card) |
|
G-5 / A-3 |
Domestic workers for diplomats or international organization staff |
Used when accompanying accredited diplomats to the U.S. |
Contract, fair wages, no employer change without new sponsor |
Duration tied to diplomat’s stay |
