First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers Salary Guide 2025: $49,100 Median

First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers earn a national median salary of $49,100, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage is $53,320, or about $24 per hour. This role oversees cleaning staff in buildings, hospitals, hotels, and other facilities.

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How much First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers earn

The median annual wage for First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers is $49,100. Half of all workers earn between about $35,520 (10th percentile) and $76,430 (90th percentile). The mean hourly wage works out to $24.00.

  • Median annual: $49,100
  • Mean annual: $53,320
  • 10th percentile: $35,520
  • 90th percentile: $76,430

Pay by state

Where you work heavily influences your paycheck. Washington pays the highest average at $63,550, followed by Rhode Island ($63,520), California ($61,470), New York ($60,580), and Massachusetts ($59,760). At the other end, Oklahoma averages $40,460, Louisiana $38,640, and Arkansas $37,500.

How to become First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Worker

Most supervisors start as janitors or housekeeping staff. No formal education beyond a high school diploma is typically required, though some employers prefer an associate degree in business or hospitality. Key steps include:

  • Work for 1-3 years as a janitor or housekeeper to learn operations and safety procedures.
  • Develop leadership, scheduling, and inventory-management skills on the job.
  • Consider voluntary certification like the Certified Executive Housekeeper (CEH) from IEHA, which may improve advancement.
  • Apply for supervisory openings; employers often promote from within based on experience and performance.

Job outlook

Employment of First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers is projected to grow 2.5% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 33,000 openings each year, mostly from workers leaving the field. The occupation employs 178,760 people.

Frequently asked questions

What does a First-Line Supervisor of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers do?

They direct and coordinate the activities of cleaning staff in buildings, hospitals, hotels, and other facilities. Tasks include scheduling, inspecting work, ordering supplies, and training new hires.

Do these supervisors need a degree?

No, a high school diploma is typically enough. Most get promoted after working as janitors or housekeepers. Some employers prefer an associate degree or certificate in hospitality or business.

What's the best-paying state for this role?

Washington tops the list with an average salary of $63,550, followed by Rhode Island at $63,520 and California at $61,470, per BLS data.

Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers data.