How do live-in domestic workers differ from live-out domestic workers? An analysis of demographics and work characteristics

Abstract

This study uses nationally representative data to examine differences in income, usual hours worked and other selected characteristics between live-in and live-out domestic employees, focusing on maids/housekeepers, childcare workers and personal care aides. American Community Survey data of n = 8,620 domestic workers are used for the five-year period spanning 2012‐16. Regression modelling reveals that live-in employees work significantly more weekly hours than live-out employees while concurrently earning lower annual incomes. This study largely confirms the findings of multiple prior qualitative studies of the differences between live-in and live-out domestic work, with the benefit of drawing from a uniquely large sample.