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How to hire a housekeeper

Housekeeper hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring housekeepers in the United States:

  • There are a total of 533,686 housekeepers in the US, and there are currently 111,501 job openings in this field.
  • The median cost to hire a housekeeper is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per housekeeper on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Dallas, TX, has the highest demand for housekeepers, with 4 job openings.

How to hire a housekeeper, step by step

To hire a housekeeper, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a housekeeper:

Here's a step-by-step housekeeper hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a housekeeper job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new housekeeper
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a housekeeper do?

Housekeepers are responsible for taking care of their employers' houses. They are usually tasked to do work related to cleaning. Their primary responsibilities include sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping floors, managing recycling, taking out the trash, dusting surfaces, cleaning the bathroom, among others. They are also responsible for doing laundry, folding clothes, and storing clothes in cabinets. They may also be given additional responsibilities such as shopping for groceries, managing and stocking the pantry, cooking, walking pets and watering the plants. Housekeepers should be responsible, trustworthy, and knowledgeable on housework.

Learn more about the specifics of what a housekeeper does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The housekeeper hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect housekeeper also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    The following list breaks down different types of housekeepers and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of HousekeeperDescriptionHourly rate
    HousekeeperA Housekeeper is responsible for a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and polishing. They are employed either in private homes or in commercial environments such as hotels.$10-18
    MaidMaids are individuals who perform domestic chores like ironing, grocery shopping, cleaning, and laundry. Primarily, maids oversee the maintenance of wardrobes, serve meals, and lay out clothes... Show more$9-16
    Guest Room AttendantA guest room attendant's main specialty is in servicing and cleaning guest rooms. Your job as a room attendant is to ensure that all rooms and bathrooms are made inviting and clean for guests... Show more$10-16
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Customer Service
    • Cleanliness
    • Patients
    • Guest Rooms
    • Good Judgment
    • OSHA
    • Patient Rooms
    • Front Desk
    • Window Sills
    • Compassion
    • Clean Bathrooms
    • Public Restrooms
    • Paper Towels
    • Light Fixtures
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Train and manage several maids and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
    • Demonstrate compassion and customer service to patients.
    • Remove smudges from vertical surfaces such as doors, door frames, light switches, partitions.
    • Used rags, vacuum, dusters, sponges, and scrapers.
    • Utilize good math skills while multitasking.
    • Like fixing there shoes, fixing the kids stuff animals.
    More housekeeper duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the housekeeper job description is a good way to get more applicants. A housekeeper salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

    For example, the average salary for a housekeeper in Georgia may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level housekeeper. Additionally, a housekeeper with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average housekeeper salary

    $14.09hourly

    $29,306 yearly

    Entry-level housekeeper salary
    $22,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 5, 2025

    Average housekeeper salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Texas$35,762$17
    2Washington$33,774$16
    3California$32,778$16
    4Rhode Island$31,623$15
    5Nevada$30,552$15
    6Pennsylvania$30,524$15
    7Michigan$30,397$15
    8Massachusetts$29,675$14
    9Utah$29,647$14
    10Illinois$29,225$14
    11New Jersey$29,030$14
    12Virginia$27,867$13
    13Colorado$27,794$13
    14Wisconsin$27,375$13
    15Missouri$26,031$13
    16Georgia$24,167$12
    17North Carolina$23,836$11

    Average housekeeper salary by company

  4. Writing a housekeeper job description

    A housekeeper job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a housekeeper job description:

    Housekeeper job description example

    Wage - $10.00

    Job summary

    Assure cleanliness of guest linen is performed as per standard linen must be done as per procedure shown, all linen must be inspected making sure no spots or holes are in items. All linen must be folded properly as per standard checking for wrinkles or any discrepancies before sending with room attendants. All equipment must be handled properly if something breaks it needs to be reported as soon as possible. All chemicals must be used properly all labels must be in place, linen has to be counted to keep an accurate inventory on a weekly basis. Laundry area must be kept clean at all times; attendant must be ready to have a special projects assigned by Supervisor on a daily basis. Attendant must be team oriented if someone needs help supervisor will assign if needed. Overton’s Hotel high standard of cleanliness must be followed at all times since the priority # 1 is our guest.

    The incumbent is authorized to take reasonable action necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities, provided such action is consistent with position guidelines as outlined below or through the exercise of sound, reasonable judgment and initiative in the performance of job responsibilities.

    Position guidelines include, but are not limited to, established company and department policies and procedures and all supervisory directives.

    Summary of essential job functions

    1. Wash and dry linen following procedure shown as proper use of chemicals and folding methods. Keep linen organized and in proper shelves.

    2. Keep correct inventories of linen, bed spreads, mattress pads, table linen, etc.

    3. Keep the laundry area free of trash debris, check dryers lint compartment every hour, set all equipment in the proper settings in washer and dryer as per instructions or standard.

    4. Polish and clean machines.

    5. Obtain special projects and supplies from supervisor set up as needed.

    6. Inspect Laundry area constantly to keep areas clean and free of debris. Report any broken items or safety issues immediately. Must take pride in maintaining a high standard.

    Educational/Experience Requirements

    1. Any combination of education or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

    2. Previous janitorial experience preferred

    Abilities Required

    1. Ability to lift, bend, stoop, walk, push or pull heavy equipment, and stand for extended periods of time.

    2. Ability to lift equipment or furniture weighing up to 50. lbs

    3. Ability to understand English

    Company DescriptionLubbock's Premier Downtown Hotel
    The brightest star on Lubbock’s metropolitan skyline, the Overton Hotel & Conference Center, is conveniently located in the heart of the Hub City just steps from Texas Tech University. Artfully designed with an emphasis on stylish, modern spaces with a kick of sophistication and Lone Star State sass. The 15-story landmark hotel is glamorous yet grounded, capturing the rich heritage and friendly unpretentious attitude that make West Texas a mecca for modern-day cowboys, country musicians and the state’s most accomplished winemakers.
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right housekeeper for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your housekeeper job on Zippia to find and recruit housekeeper candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit housekeepers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new housekeeper

    Once you have selected a candidate for the housekeeper position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new housekeeper. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a housekeeper?

Hiring a housekeeper comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting housekeepers involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of housekeeper recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

The median annual salary for housekeepers is $29,306 in the US. However, the cost of housekeeper hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a housekeeper for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $10 and $18 an hour.

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