Expert says even with $150K salary, ‘no one would apply’ to be a stay-at-home parent

Workplace expert Linda Fisk argues that stay-at-home parenting is demanding, skilled work that is often undervalued because it is unpaid. She suggests calling the role “Chief Household Officer” and says recognising its value could help challenge the idea that parents at home are not working.

Fisk estimates the role would merit an annual salary of $120,000 to $150,000, citing its long, on-call hours and range of responsibilities. A SmartAsset study found that supporting a family of three with one stay-at-home parent requires a working parent to earn at least $92,290 before tax in New York, with higher figures in Hawaii, California and Massachusetts. Fisk also says household management develops transferable skills that parents can highlight when returning to paid work.