How Much Do Housekeepers Get Paid?

Housekeepers are employed to provide professional domestic services such as vacuuming, dusting, washing, cleaning, changing beds, assisting preparation of dinner, taking messages and food shopping. Some housekeepers are employed to live in the house, with extra duties such as school runs, family cooking and babysitting.

Average Salary

Wages vary from state to state, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national wage is $8.99 per hour or $18,700 per year; some housekeepers prefer to be paid per job instead of hourly pay. Duties have to be clearly stated to avoid future disputes. Factors such as the frequency of cleaning, what needs to be done and on what date must be stated in writing. Some housekeepers base their charges on square footage and others charge according to the number or size of rooms.

Salary Range

A number of factors determine the salary scale of a housekeeper, such as experience, location, and the demand for housekeepers in the area. A professional housekeeper with one to five years' experience with good references could get $8.22 to $15 per hour, while one with over 10 years experience can earn up to up to $20 per hour. Housekeepers who have no experience still could get the minimum wage.

Salary by State

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the hourly rate in 2009 were: Florida, between $18.80 to $18.15; California, between $9.17 to 19.74; Texas, $9.83 to $17.30; and New York, $10 to $20 per hour.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2006