Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners Salary 2025: $35,510 Median, $27k–$49k Range
The median annual wage for maids and housekeeping cleaners is $35,510, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $17 an hour. The typical range runs from $27,640 at the 10th percentile to $48,570 at the 90th. With 860,670 people employed in the occupation, it's a large workforce with steady demand.
How much Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners earn
The BLS reports a mean hourly wage of $17.83. Many workers are paid by the hour, and tips can add a few dollars more, especially in hotels or private homes. The bottom 10% earn under $27,640, but experienced cleaners in high-cost areas or specialized settings can top $48,570.
- National median salary: $35,510 per year
- Mean hourly wage: $17.83
- 10th percentile: $27,640
- 90th percentile: $48,570
Pay by state
Where you clean matters a lot for your paycheck. Hawaii tops the list with an average annual wage of $51,600, followed by Nevada ($46,550), California ($42,660), District of Columbia ($42,260), and Washington ($42,180). These states either have high costs of living or strong tourism industries that bid up wages. On the low end, Alabama pays an average of $27,480, Louisiana $26,600, and Mississippi $25,360. Differences of $20,000+ between states aren't unusual.
How to become Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner
No formal education is required to start. Most workers learn on the job, often within a few weeks. Employers typically provide training on cleaning products, equipment, and safety procedures. For hotel housekeeping, a high school diploma or equivalent is common but not always mandatory.
- No specific degree or certification needed for entry-level positions.
- Employers provide on-the-job training, usually lasting a few weeks.
- Some vocational schools offer short housekeeping certificates, but they are not required.
- Key skills: attention to detail, physical stamina, time management, and reliability.
Job outlook
Employment for maids and housekeeping cleaners is projected to grow 0.4% from 2024 to 2034, which is slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 193,500 openings each year, mostly due to workers leaving the field or retiring. The slow growth reflects automation in some commercial cleaning and cyclical demand in hotels, but turnover ensures steady entry-level opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest paying state for maids and housekeeping cleaners?
Hawaii, with an average annual wage of $51,600.
Do you need a license to be a house cleaner?
No, there is no national licensing requirement. Some states or localities may have business licenses if you are self-employed, but employees typically need none.
Will automation replace housekeeping jobs?
Partially, but not completely. Some hotels use robotic vacuums and automated systems, but tasks like deep cleaning, changing linens, and handling delicate surfaces still require human workers. The BLS projects near-zero job growth (0.4%) through 2034.
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 Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners data.