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Housekeeper at a glance
- Main tasks
- Clean and tidy rooms, bathrooms and common areas, make beds and change linen and towels and restock toiletries and supplies
- Typical entry
- No formal degree required
- Average pay
- $33,000 per year in the U.S.
What does a Housekeeper do?
A Housekeeper keeps rooms and living spaces clean, tidy and ready to use. In hotels, housekeepers clean guest rooms, make beds, change linen and towels, restock amenities and report damage or lost items. In private households, they take care of cleaning, laundry and sometimes errands. Housekeepers also work in hospitals, care homes and holiday rentals. Speed and attention to detail are both important, because rooms must be ready by a set time.
Housekeeper duties and responsibilities
Typical tasks in a Housekeeper job:
- Clean and tidy rooms, bathrooms and common areas
- Make beds and change linen and towels
- Restock toiletries and supplies
- Vacuum, dust and mop floors and surfaces
- Report damage, maintenance needs and lost property
- Follow hygiene and safety standards when using cleaning products
Qualifications and skills
Education & qualifications
- No formal degree required
- Experience in housekeeping or cleaning preferred
- Knowledge of cleaning methods and products
Skills & requirements
- Attention to detail
- Physical stamina for lifting, bending and walking
- Reliability and discretion
- Flexibility for early, weekend or holiday shifts
Housekeeper salary 2026
The average salary for a Housekeeper in the U.S. is about $33,000 per year. Pay depends on experience, employer, industry and region:
- Entry level0-2 years $24,750
- Mid level3-5 years $29,700
- Experienced6-10 years $33,000
- Senior11+ years $36,300
- Top earners20+ years $41,250
Based on public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Career-level figures are estimates derived from the national average.
Housekeeper career path
Housekeepers usually start as room attendants and learn the standards of the hotel or household.
With experience, they can become housekeeping supervisor, floor supervisor, executive housekeeper or director of housekeeping. In private households, experienced housekeepers may become house managers.
Work environment
Housekeepers spend most of the day on their feet, moving between rooms with carts and equipment.
Hotel shifts often start early in the morning, and work on weekends and holidays is common.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Housekeeper do?
A Housekeeper keeps rooms and living spaces clean, tidy and ready to use. In hotels, housekeepers clean guest rooms, make beds, change linen and towels, restock amenities and report damage or lost items. In private households, they take care of cleaning, laundry and sometimes errands.
How much does a Housekeeper earn?
The average salary for a Housekeeper in the U.S. is about $33,000 per year. Entry-level pay starts around $24,750, experienced professionals can reach $41,250 or more, depending on employer, region and experience.
What qualifications do you need to become a Housekeeper?
Typical requirements are: no formal degree required, experience in housekeeping or cleaning preferred and knowledge of cleaning methods and products.
What is the career path for a Housekeeper?
Housekeepers usually start as room attendants and learn the standards of the hotel or household. With experience, they can become housekeeping supervisor, floor supervisor, executive housekeeper or director of housekeeping. In private households, experienced housekeepers may become house managers.
Where do Housekeepers work?
Housekeepers spend most of the day on their feet, moving between rooms with carts and equipment. Hotel shifts often start early in the morning, and work on weekends and holidays is common.
About this profile: This Housekeeper job description is based on public sources such as the BLS and Payscale and was structured with the help of AI. It is a general orientation; duties, requirements and pay differ by employer, country and experience.
