How Much Is the Average House-Cleaner Salary?

Highlights

• The typical salary range for a house cleaner is $22,520 to $42,720 per year, with a national average salary of $31,920.
• House-cleaner salaries can vary depending on the individual’s education and experience level, any additional skills they may have, and their geographic location.
• Salaries are fairly similar for different types of cleaners, including traditional house cleaners, carpet cleaners, laundry services, and cleaners offering green or eco-friendly products and methods.

Whether someone is thinking about hiring a house cleaner, considering take on occasional house-cleaning jobs as a side hustle, or contemplating a career in the industry, understanding the nuances of house-cleaner salaries is important.

So how much do house cleaners make? The average house-cleaner salary varies based on a multitude of factors. The hourly wage for house cleaning, the cleaner’s salary per month, and the house-cleaner’s annual salary all depend on the location, services offered, experience, and employment type.

“The biggest impact on income will be whether you choose to be employed, a contractor, or self-employed,” explains Sharon Tinberg, residential home cleaning process and procedure expert for the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA). “Obviously, an employee has the least potential for making money. Depending upon the city, they will start anywhere from $12 to $30 per hour. The next largest impact on their income is how many homes they can clean per day and how many the company they are working for has available to be cleaned. Contract labor will make more gross pay per job but they also carry all of the liabilities and risk. If the house cleaner turns their cleaning career into a business they can bring home, literally, millions of dollars per year.”

On average, house cleaners may charge a weekly house-cleaning cost, an hourly rate for their services, or a fixed fee per cleaning session. The average rate for house cleaning in the United States ranges from $25 to $50 per hour, depending on location and service complexity. Self-employed house cleaners set their own rates, which can be higher due to their business expenses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual salary for a full-time house cleaner ranges from $22,520 to $42,720 or more, depending on the previously mentioned factors. In some cases, a private house-cleaner’s salary may be higher, while those working for cleaning services might have a more stable but potentially lower salary.

Factors in Calculating the Average House-Cleaner Salary

Calculating the average house-cleaner salary involves a complex interplay of several elements that can include education and experience level, any additional skills the cleaner may have, and geographic location. It’s important to note that the average cleaning services salary of $31,920 is a helpful starting point, but local variations can be substantial.

Education Level

Education level is one factor that can have a considerable impact on the average house-cleaner salary. While house cleaning is often seen as a profession that doesn’t require formal education, there are aspects in which education can make a significant difference in the hourly rate for cleaners.

Some house-cleaning jobs involve specialized skills, such as the ability to use specific cleaning equipment or taking special care with delicate surfaces. House cleaners who have training in these areas can command a higher wage due to the increased expertise and safety necessary to complete the cleaning tasks. Education on safety measures and compliance with industry standards is essential in house cleaning, especially when house cleaners are dealing with hazardous chemicals or working in environments that require specific precautions. Cleaners with the knowledge and training to maintain a safe work environment may be in higher demand and earn more.

Self-employed house cleaners need to manage their businesses efficiently, which includes setting rates, budgeting, and marketing. Education in business management or entrepreneurship can provide them with the skills to run a successful cleaning business, which can lead to a higher self-employed house-cleaner salary. Clients often prefer to hire cleaners who can understand their needs and expectations, making effective communication and customer service skills vital in the house-cleaning industry. Formal education or training in these areas can help house cleaners build better client relationships and secure higher-paying jobs.

In some regions, specific certifications or licenses may be required for house cleaners, especially if they provide specialized services or work in health care or other regulated environments. Obtaining these qualifications can help house cleaners open doors to better-paying opportunities. For house cleaners working in regions with diverse populations, language proficiency can be a significant advantage. Being bilingual or multilingual can enhance communication with clients and, in some cases, lead to higher wages.

Experience Level

House cleaning, though it may seem straightforward, involves a range of skills and nuances that can significantly impact the quality and efficiency of the work. When calculating an average house-cleaner salary, here’s why experience matters. House cleaners accumulate valuable skills and techniques over time. With experience, they become more efficient in their tasks, often completing them more quickly and thoroughly. This efficiency can justify higher wages as clients appreciate the quality of work and time saved.

Experienced house cleaners often branch into specialized cleaning services, for which they can charge higher rates. For example, crawl space cleaning costs or attic cleaning costs may be higher than basic house-cleaning services due to the added expertise required. Over time, house cleaners build a reputation and a loyal client base. Trust is a vital element in the client-cleaner relationship, and experienced cleaners are more likely to be trusted with access to clients’ homes or valuable possessions, which can lead to higher-paying, recurring jobs.

Experienced house cleaners tend to have a broader network of clients and referrals. As demand for their services grows, they can afford to charge higher rates due to their established reputation and the trust they’ve gained in the industry. Experienced cleaners are better equipped to customize their services to meet the specific needs and preferences of clients. This ability to tailor their work to individual clients’ requirements can result in higher compensation.

Experienced cleaners are often more proficient at time management, which allows them to handle more jobs in a day. This increased productivity can lead to higher overall earnings. House-cleaning jobs can be physically demanding and require problem-solving skills. Experienced cleaners are better equipped to handle stress and adapt to unexpected situations, which can be a valuable asset in the eyes of clients.

Additional Skills

Additional skills are integral when determining the average house-cleaner salary because they enhance the value that a cleaner can offer to clients. These skills can set a cleaner apart in a competitive market and lead to increased compensation.

• Specialized cleaning. Skills in specialized cleaning, such as carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, or handling delicate materials such as antiques, enable house cleaners to take on a broader range of tasks. Clients are often willing to pay more for the best cleaning services (such as The Maids or Merry Maids), which can tackle these specialized cleaning needs effectively.
• Eco-friendly practices. As environmental awareness grows, some clients prefer house cleaners who use eco-friendly cleaning products and methods. Cleaners with expertise in green cleaning can cater to this niche market and may charge premium rates for their services.
• Organization and time management. Skills in organizing and managing time efficiently can result in quicker and more effective cleaning. This can lead to the completion of more jobs in a day and higher overall earnings.
• Safety and health knowledge. Understanding safety protocols, especially in the handling of cleaning chemicals and potential hazards, is crucial. Cleaners with safety and health expertise can provide peace of mind to clients and may be seen as more valuable, justifying higher rates.
• Certifications and training. Some clients may prefer cleaners with certifications or formal training in specific aspects of cleaning, such as mold remediation or post-construction cleaning. Certified cleaners often have the opportunity to charge more for their specialized knowledge.
• Interior design knowledge. Understanding interior design principles can help cleaners arrange spaces in a more aesthetically pleasing way. This can be an added service, especially for clients who want a professional touch in the arrangement of their homes.

Geographic Location

Geographic location plays a pivotal role in calculating the average house-cleaner salary per year due to variations in the cost of living, demand for cleaning services, and local economic factors. One of the primary factors that impact the cost of house cleaning is the location. Cities and regions with higher costs of living typically offer a higher house-cleaner salary.

“Today, companies are billing an average of $55 to$60 per hour with larger cities like Chicago and Seattle charging $70 to $85 per hour per cleaner,” says Tinberg. “Due to supply and demand, that gain in income has been passed down to the cleaner. I was in an office in St. Louis a few months ago where I saw the owner giving net pay checks of $1,100 to cleaners for one week of work. A focused, efficient and quality driven individual can make as much as $90K per year cleaning houses alone.”

Different regions have varying costs of living. Cities and areas with a high cost of living typically offer higher salaries to house cleaners to match the increased expenses they face in their daily lives. House cleaners often need to earn more in these areas to maintain a reasonable standard of living. The demand for house-cleaning services can also fluctuate significantly based on location. In densely populated urban areas, there may be a greater demand for cleaning services due to busy lifestyles, smaller living spaces, and a larger client base. This increased demand can lead to higher salaries for house cleaners.

The level of competition among house cleaners can vary by location. In areas with a surplus of cleaners, rates may be more competitive and, consequently, lower. In contrast, areas with a shortage of experienced cleaners may allow for higher rates due to limited competition. The overall economic health of a region can also affect house-cleaner salaries. In economically thriving areas, people may have more disposable income to spend on cleaning services, which can translate into higher wages for cleaners.

Different states and localities may have varying regulations that influence the house-cleaning industry. These regulations can affect the market and may influence pricing and wages for house cleaners. The types of clients in a region can also impact salaries. For example, cleaning services in high-end neighborhoods may command higher rates due to the expectation of a premium service, while cleaners in more modest areas may offer more budget-friendly rates.

Some locations may experience seasonal variations in demand. For instance, vacation destinations may have peak cleaning seasons, which can lead to higher wages during those times.

Average House-Cleaner Salary by Type of Cleaner

The average house-cleaner salary can vary significantly based on the type of cleaning services provided. House cleaners may offer a range of cleaning types, such as basic house cleaning, carpet cleaning, green cleaning, and laundry services. Each of these types of cleaning can influence the weekly house-cleaning cost and the cleaner’s overall earnings.

Basic House Cleaning

Basic cleaning includes regular tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. Cleaners offering these standard services typically make an average hourly rate ranging from $10.82 to $21.33. Their annual salaries generally fall between $22,510 and $44,360 depending on factors like experience and location. Deep cleaning service costs more, which can lead to house cleaners earning a higher salary

Carpet Cleaning

Cleaners who acquire the necessary skills and equipment to provide carpet cleaning can command higher hourly rates, capitalize on seasonal demand, gain a competitive edge, and expand their client base. The specialization can lead to an increase in both hourly income and overall annual earnings compared to cleaners who offer basic cleaning services. Cleaners who provide carpet cleaning services generally charge higher hourly rates compared to those who offer only basic cleaning. Carpet cleaners typically charge by the square foot or charge a flat rate per room. A common price range is from $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot or from $75 to $125 per room, with larger rooms costing more. The BLS reports that the average annual salary for carpet cleaning positions ranges from $23,160 to $46,400.

Green Cleaning

As eco-consciousness grows, some cleaners offer green or environmentally friendly cleaning services using nontoxic products. These services can command a premium, especially since green cleaning supplies cost more than standard cleaning chemicals. Cleaners specializing in green cleaning may earn annual salaries on par with other types of specialized cleaning services.

Laundry Services

House cleaners who also offer laundry services will see their salary impacted by location, client base, the quality of services provided, and their pricing strategies. While offering laundry services has the potential to increase income, it also requires additional equipment, resources, and time, so cleaners will want to carefully assess whether it aligns with their business model and market demand. The BLS lists the salary range for laundry and dry-cleaning services from $22,060 to $37,010 per year, or between $10.61 and $17.79 per hour.

How to Increase Your House-Cleaner Salary

Increasing your house-cleaner salary is achievable by implementing a combination of strategies that enhance your value to clients, expand your client base, and optimize your business practices. Here are some tips to help you boost your house-cleaner salary.

• Specialize in additional services. Consider expanding your skill set to offer specialized services such as carpet cleaning, deep cleaning, or post-construction cleaning. These services often command higher rates, leading to increased income per job.
• Offer green cleaning. Eco-friendly cleaning services are in demand. Invest in environmentally friendly cleaning products and promote your green cleaning practices to attract eco-conscious clients willing to pay more for house cleaners who use sustainable products.
• Upsell additional services. When clients hire you for basic cleaning, suggest additional services such as laundry, window cleaning, or organizing. Upselling allows you to increase your earnings for each appointment.
• Diversify your client base. Target a variety of clients, including homeowners, property managers, and businesses. A diverse client base can provide a more steady stream of work and opportunities for higher earnings.
• Enhance customer service. Exceptional customer service can lead to repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals. Satisfied clients are more likely to become long-term customers, helping you maintain a stable income.
• Build an online presence. Create a professional website and utilize social media to market your services. An online presence can help you reach a broader audience and attract more clients, contributing to higher earnings.
• Network and referrals. Networking with other professionals, such as real estate agents or property managers, can lead to referrals for cleaning jobs. Building a network can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
• Set competitive rates. Research the rates in your area and set competitive pricing. Avoid undervaluing your services, as clients often correlate higher prices with quality. Charge what your skills and services are worth.
• Increase efficiency. Find ways to streamline your cleaning process and improve efficiency. Completing more jobs in a day can lead to higher overall earnings.
• Invest in quality equipment. Quality cleaning equipment can make your job more efficient and improve the quality of your work. Clients may be willing to pay more for the use of superior equipment.
• Consider different pricing models. Explore different pricing models, such as charging by the hour, by the square foot, or by the task. Experiment with these models to see which one best maximizes your earnings.
• Offer subscription plans. Subscription plans for recurring cleaning services can provide a stable income. Clients who commit to regular cleaning may be willing to pay a monthly or weekly fee, ensuring a steady flow of work.

FAQs

House-cleaner salaries can vary widely based on factors such as location, experience, the range of services provided, and more. Whether you’re considering a career as a house cleaner, thinking of hiring one, or simply curious about the earning potential in this profession, it’s natural to have questions. This section addresses some of the most common questions about house-cleaner salaries, providing insights into what influences their earnings, typical salary ranges, and tips for both cleaners and clients seeking clarity.

Q. How many hours does a cleaner work in the U.S.?

A house cleaner typically works about 40 hours per week, although some may work up to 60 hours, depending on the job. A house takes about 4 to 5 hours to clean, and it can take up to 45 minutes to clean a single room.

Q. Is house cleaning a good side hustle?

House cleaning can be a good side hustle if you’re willing to put in the physical effort, offer high-quality service, and manage your time effectively. It’s essential to assess the demand in your local market, consider the competition, and ensure that you can balance the cleaning job with other commitments. With the right approach, house cleaning can provide a reliable source of supplementary income.

Q. How much tax will you have to pay as a house cleaner?

The amount of tax you’ll have to pay as a house cleaner depends on several factors, including your total income, your filing status, deductions, credits, and the specific tax laws in your area. Some things to keep in mind are that you must report your house-cleaning earnings accurately. Self-employed house cleaners often need to file as sole proprietors or freelancers. They are typically subject to self-employment taxes, which cover Social Security and Medicare. The income tax rate will depend on your total income and your tax bracket. Self-employed house cleaners may be responsible for paying estimated quarterly taxes to cover their income tax liability. Legitimate business expenses, such as cleaning supplies, transportation costs, and a portion of home expenses if you use your residence as a home office, can be deducted and reduce your taxable income. It’s often a good idea to consult with a tax professional or accountant who can help you understand your specific tax situation and ensure you’re in compliance with all tax laws.

Q. Is it hard to get a job as a house cleaner?

While it can vary in difficulty, finding a job as a house cleaner is certainly possible. Your level of success may depend on the local demand for services, your experience, networking, and the approach you take, whether through self-employment, working for an agency, or finding opportunities online. Building a strong reputation, gaining experience, and maintaining good relationships with clients can also contribute to your success in this field.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (1, 2, and 3), Zippia