Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
No formal educational credential
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Maids and housekeeping cleaners play a vital role in keeping homes, hotels, and other facilities clean and orderly. This occupation employs 1,357,000 people nationwide, indicating a large workforce and broad demand across many settings. The national median annual salary of $34,660 provides a clear baseline for earnings expectations. Projected employment growth of 0.4% suggests relatively stable demand over time, supported by an estimated 194,000 annual openings. These openings can reflect both new positions and the need to replace workers who change jobs or leave the field. The role relies on a mix of physical, interpersonal, and customer-focused abilities, supported by additional skills such as project management, adaptability, and speaking and listening. With no formal educational credential typically required, this career can be accessible to people entering the workforce, changing careers, or seeking steady, skills-based employment focused on reliable, consistent service.
For maids and housekeeping cleaners, the national median annual salary is $34,660. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, meaning many workers will earn somewhat more or less depending on location, employer, and experience. Among top states by opportunity score, several offer median salaries above the national median. California reports a median salary of $42,660, New York is $41,950, and Washington is $42,180. Massachusetts shows $38,950 and Colorado $37,560. At the metro level, some areas stand out even more. San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA has a median salary of $48,200, while New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ is $44,010 and San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA is $46,590. These differences highlight that earnings in this occupation can vary significantly by region, with certain metros and states offering higher median pay than the national level.
The employment outlook for maids and housekeeping cleaners points to a large and steady job market. National employment is 1,357,000, showing that this is a widely available occupation with roles in many communities. Projected employment growth is 0.4%, indicating a modest increase in total jobs over time. While this growth rate is not rapid, the occupation still offers significant opportunity through the volume of positions and turnover. Estimated annual openings are 194,000, which can provide ongoing chances for job seekers to enter or re-enter the field. This combination of a large existing workforce, positive (though small) projected growth, and substantial annual openings suggests a labor market where new and experienced workers can continue to find positions, particularly if they bring strong physical, customer service, and interpersonal skills to the role.
Location can make a meaningful difference for maids and housekeeping cleaners, especially in pay and overall opportunity. Among states, California has a median salary of $42,660 and employment of 103,430, with an opportunity score of 67.38, the highest among the listed states. Massachusetts and New York also show relatively strong opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78, with median salaries of $38,950 and $41,950. Colorado and Washington round out the top states, with median salaries of $37,560 and $42,180 and opportunity scores of 56.97 and 56.29. At the metro level, opportunities can be even more concentrated. San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA leads with an opportunity score of 77.42 and a median salary of $48,200. The New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ metro follows closely with an opportunity score of 77.27 and median salary of $44,010. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA, Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV, and Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH also offer notable combinations of employment and pay.
Maids and housekeeping cleaners typically do not need a formal educational credential to enter the field. This makes the occupation accessible to individuals who may be new to the labor market or looking to change careers without pursuing additional schooling. Instead of formal education, success in this role depends heavily on a core set of practical skills. Physical strength and stamina support the physical nature of the work, while fine motor skills help with more detailed tasks. Interpersonal and customer service skills are important for interacting with clients and coworkers. Speaking and listening abilities support clear communication on the job. Additional skills such as adaptability, project management, leadership, mechanical, and science-related skills can further strengthen performance and advancement potential. For someone focused on building a career through hands-on experience and skill development rather than formal education, this occupation can be a viable option.
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