Have you been labeled a clean freak? Do you enjoy sweeping, mopping and straightening crooked picture frames?
If you think you look sexy in bright yellow gloves and aren’t afraid to get a little dirty on-the-job, working as a housekeeper might be the right-fit hourly job for you.
| At a Glance: Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | |
|---|---|
| 2010 Median Pay | $19,300 per year $9.28 per hour |
| Entry-Level Education | Less than high school |
| On-the-job Training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Number of Jobs, 2010 | 1,427,300 |
| Job Outlook, 2010-20 | 8% (Slower than average) |
Job Summary
Maids and housekeeping cleaners do light cleaning tasks in homes and commercial establishments, such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and nursing homes.
- Maids and housekeeping cleaners held about 1.4 million jobs in 2010. About 12 percent were self-employed.
- Employment of maids and housekeeping cleaners is expected to grow 8 percent from 2010 to 2020.
Job Skills/Requirements
Lucky for you there isn’t any formal training or educational requirements. Most people working as maids and housekeepers are trained on the job. Entry-level workers in this position usually work alongside someone with more experience and once they gain experience they receive more responsibilities.
A few key skills that will help propel you in this role includes:
- Positive Attitude- Most housekeepers and maids work in hospitality positions in which you will interact occasionally with hotel guests and homeowners. A can-do attitude and good communication skills are beneficial.
- Trustworthiness- Since you are entering people’s homes, businesses and hotel rooms, someone that can be trusted is essential. Having a clean background check will help you to land a job in this role.
- Spic ‘n Span- Clean freaks propel and get promoted quickly in this field of work.
- Stamina- You don’t need to be Hercules but being able to lift/pull heavy loads of linens and being on your feet all day must be something you are comfortable performing.
Expected Hours
Most maids and housekeeping cleaners work full time. Part-time maids and cleaners often work weekends and evenings, particularly those who work at hotels and hospitals.
Show Me the Money
- The median wage of housekeeping cleaners was $19,300 in May 2010
- The lowest 10% earned less than $15,980
- The top 10% earned more than $29,510
Companies Hiring Maids & Housekeepers
- Merry Maids
- Marriott
- Hyatt Place
- GoNannies.com
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