Housekeepers and Maids
Overview
Introduction
Maids perform general housekeeping duties (such as vacuuming and cleaning) in homes, commercial establishments, and other settings. Housekeepers manage the work of maids and other household support staff. Nearly 1.5 million maids and housekeeping cleaners and 245,300 first-line supervisors of housekeeping and janitorial workers are employed in the United States. Maids may also be known as housekeeping cleaners.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports that maids and household cleaners received median hourly earnings of $11.43 (or $23,770 annually) in May 2018. Earnings ranged from less than $8.72 or hour (or $18,140 annually) to $17.40 or more (or $36,190 annually). Maids and household cleaners received the highest mean annual salaries in the following states and territories: District of Columbia ($...
Work Environment
Most full-time maids and housekeepers work a standard 40-hour workweek (Monday through Friday), although they may occasionally be required to work on weekends.
The work of maids can be physically demanding. They spend most of their day on their feet, dusting and sweeping, vacuuming, and stooping, bending, and reaching as they perform their cleaning duties. They may also have to lift or p...
Outlook
Job opportunities for housekeepers and maids are expected to decline by 2 percent through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Despite this prediction, job opportunities are expected to be good. This is a large field, and there will always be a need for housekeepers and maids to help keep homes and businesses clean. In addition to employment in private homes, opportunities should be...