And please remember that paying more does not guarantee that someone will work harder/better. People's attitudes towards their jobs depends on far more than just money.
I personally would not employ a helper asking for more than the minimum salary - I understand that it is supposed to be a minimum and not a standard, but there are any number of excellent helpers who are perfectly happy to work for that sum. If you start higher and she is a disappoinment then you will really resent the extra money. Start with the minimum and then you can pay more later.
Of course a lot depends on your own financial position - $7500 is twice what I pay my helper, so I suppose if I was earning twice my current salary it would work out the same...
I personally would not employ a helper asking for more than the minimum salary - I understand that it is supposed to be a minimum and not a standard, but there are any number of excellent helpers who are perfectly happy to work for that sum. If you start higher and she is a disappoinment then you will really resent the extra money. Start with the minimum and then you can pay more later.
Of course a lot depends on your own financial position - $7500 is twice what I pay my helper, so I suppose if I was earning twice my current salary it would work out the same...