Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
SOC code 37-2012 · O*NET-SOC 37-2012.00 · Little to some preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects numerous job openings for this occupation
Maids and housekeeping cleaners work in hotels, hospitals and private homes. No formal training is needed, but pace, thoroughness and trustworthiness are the skills that matter. Supervisory roles in hotels and hospitals are the usual progression.
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$35,510
a year
Hourly
$17.07
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$37,080
$17.83 per hour
Middle 50%
$30,350 – $39,590
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$27,640 – $48,570
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
860,670
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $27,640
- $13.29/hr
- 25th percentile
- $30,350
- $14.59/hr
- Median percentile
- $35,510
- $17.07/hr
- 75th percentile
- $39,590
- $19.03/hr
- 90th percentile
- $48,570
- $23.35/hr
What do maids and housekeeping cleaners 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Keep storage areas and carts well-stocked, clean, and tidy.
- Carry linens, towels, toilet items, and cleaning supplies, using wheeled carts.
- Clean rooms, hallways, lobbies, lounges, restrooms, corridors, elevators, stairways, locker rooms, and other work areas so that health standards are met.
- Disinfect equipment and supplies, using germicides or steam-operated sterilizers.
- Empty wastebaskets, empty and clean ashtrays, and transport other trash and waste to disposal areas.
- Sweep, scrub, wax, or polish floors, using brooms, mops, or powered scrubbing and waxing machines.
- Observe precautions required to protect hotel and guest property and report damage, theft, and found articles to supervisors.
- Replenish supplies, such as drinking glasses, linens, writing supplies, and bathroom items.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 45% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Less than a High School Diploma45%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)36%
- Post-Secondary Certificate7%
- Bachelor's Degree6%
Common questions
How much does a maids and housekeeping cleaners earn?
The national median is $35,510 a year. The full range runs from $27,640 at the 10th percentile to $48,570 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a maids and housekeeping cleaners without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening2.8/5
- Speaking2.8/5
- Critical Thinking2.8/5
- Monitoring2.8/5
- Reading Comprehension2.6/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Coordination, Time Management, Social Perceptiveness.