How much does a housekeeper make?
Answer: A typical housekeeper in the United States makes $35,510 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 861,000 people work in this job. Below the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Housekeeper pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $27,640 | $35,510 | $48,570 | about 861,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $51,600 | about 11,000 |
| Nevada | $46,550 | about 24,000 |
| California | $42,660 | about 103,000 |
| District of Columbia | $42,260 | about 4,000 |
| Washington | $42,180 | about 18,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience, useful cleaning skills, and certificates an employer values can affect a housekeeper’s pay; hotels, hospitals, and private homes may pay differently. Location and whether the job is full-time, part-time, or seasonal also matter.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a housekeeper do?
Perform any combination of light cleaning duties to maintain private households or commercial establishments, such as hotels and hospitals, in a clean and orderly manner. Duties may include making beds, replenishing linens, cleaning rooms and halls, and vacuuming.
What's a typical day like?
A housekeeper pushes a cart of towels and supplies from room to room, makes beds, changes linens, and vacuums. They also clean bathrooms, refill supplies, empty bins, and keep hallways tidy.
How to get this job
In the United States, most housekeepers do not need a school credential or past experience, and employers usually teach them on the job. A common route is to apply for an entry-level job at a hotel, hospital, or cleaning service and learn the routine there.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
In 2025, US housekeepers spent 95.2% of the workday standing, and more than 95% of jobs required working in low postures.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes372012.htm
- www.bls.gov/ors/factsheet/maids-and-housekeeping-cleaners.htm
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/37-2012.00
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/37-2012.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY