Housekeepers are the backbone of the hospitality, healthcare, and residential service industries. From maintaining the cleanliness of hotel rooms to ensuring hospitals remain sterile and safe, housekeepers play a critical role in the daily lives of millions of people. Despite being an essential job, wages for housekeepers are often debated due to the physical demands of the role and the wide variation across industries and states.
This 2025 guide explores how much housekeepers earn in the U.S., breaking down pay by experience, state, and industry, while also discussing future salary trends and lifestyle factors.
Average Housekeeper Salary in the U.S.
According to the latest labor data, the average hourly wage for housekeepers in the U.S. is $14.50, which translates to approximately $30,000 annually for full-time workers. This is slightly above the federal minimum wage but lower than the national average wage across all occupations.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Average Hourly Pay | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $13.00 – $14.00 | $27,000 – $29,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $15.00 – $16.00 | $31,000 – $33,000 |
| Senior (5+ yrs) | $17.00 – $18.00 | $35,000 – $37,500 |
| Housekeeping Supervisor | $20.00+ | $40,000+ |
This means that an experienced supervisor can earn nearly 50% more than a new housekeeper just starting out.
Housekeeper Salary by State
Housekeeping salaries vary widely by location, largely because of cost of living differences and demand from industries like hospitality and healthcare. States with large tourism economies and high costs of living generally offer higher pay.
State-by-State Comparison
| State | Avg. Hourly Pay | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $18.00 | $37,400 | Driven by high living costs & tourism |
| New York | $17.25 | $35,800 | NYC hotel industry raises wages |
| Massachusetts | $16.50 | $34,300 | Strong hospitality demand |
| Florida | $13.50 | $28,100 | Tourism jobs, but lower wages |
| Texas | $12.80 | $26,600 | Below average pay |
| Illinois | $15.20 | $31,600 | Higher in Chicago metro |
Key Insight: A housekeeper in California can make nearly $10,000 more per year than a peer in Texas simply due to location.
Housekeeper Salary by Industry
Housekeepers work in a wide range of industries, and wages depend heavily on the type of employer.
Industry Breakdown
| Industry | Avg. Hourly Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels & Hospitality | $14.50 | Seasonal demand, tips may supplement income |
| Private Homes | $13.50 – $15.00 | Often part-time or cash pay |
| Hospitals & Healthcare | $15.50 | More stable, often with benefits |
| Contract Cleaning Firms | $14.00 | Varies by client and location |
| Resorts & Luxury Hotels | $17.00+ | Highest pay due to clientele expectations |
💡 Takeaway: While hotel housekeeping jobs are common, healthcare facilities tend to provide steadier income and better benefits packages.
Factors That Influence Pay
Several factors determine how much a housekeeper earns:
- Experience – Longer-tenured workers and supervisors earn significantly more.
- Location – States like California, New York, and Massachusetts pay the most.
- Industry – Luxury hotels and healthcare facilities pay higher than private homes.
- Unionization – In unionized workplaces, wages and benefits are typically stronger.
- Shift Type – Night shifts or specialized cleaning may come with premium pay.
- Benefits – Housing, meals, health insurance, and paid time off can significantly improve total compensation.
Work Hours and Lifestyle
The average full-time housekeeper works around 35–40 hours per week, though hours can be irregular depending on industry:
- Hotels & Resorts: Often full-time, with peak workloads during tourist seasons.
- Hospitals: Consistent shifts, sometimes requiring weekend or night hours.
- Private Homes: More flexible schedules, often part-time.
While housekeeping provides steady employment, the physical demands can be high, with tasks including lifting, bending, and standing for long periods.
Salary Outlook & Future Trends
The job outlook for housekeepers is mixed:
- Hospitality Growth: The U.S. tourism and travel industry is rebounding, which may increase demand for hotel housekeepers.
- Healthcare Demand: Hospitals and eldercare facilities are expected to see consistent need for cleaning staff.
- Automation & Technology: Robotic vacuums and cleaning machines may reduce manual tasks but are unlikely to replace human housekeepers entirely.
- Wage Increases: As states continue to raise minimum wages (some aiming for $15–$18/hour), housekeepers are likely to see gradual salary improvements.
Housekeeping is an essential profession that provides steady employment across hotels, hospitals, and private homes. In the United States, housekeepers earn an average of $14.50 per hour ($30,000 annually), though wages range from $27,000 at entry level to $40,000+ for supervisors.
Location plays a major role in determining pay, with California and New York offering the highest wages, while Southern states lag behind. For workers seeking stable income and benefits, healthcare facilities are often the most reliable employers.
Michael Anderson is a U.S.-based salary and labor market analyst with deep expertise in wage data, career trends, and cost-of-living analysis. At SmartSalaryGuide, he provides reliable, data-driven insights that help readers make informed career and financial decisions. With years of experience studying labor statistics and employment patterns, Michael has developed a reputation for translating complex economic data into clear, actionable guidance. His work empowers professionals, job seekers, and employers alike to better understand the dynamics of today’s job market and plan confidently for the future.