Building & Grounds Maintenance
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Also called: Chambermaid, Cleaner, Cottage Attendant, Environmental Services Aide
US median pay
$35,510
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+0.6%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
175,500
1,332,100 employed
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Perform any combination of light cleaning duties to maintain private households or commercial establishments, such as hotels and hospitals, in a clean and orderly manner. Duties may include making beds, replenishing linens, cleaning rooms and halls, and vacuuming.
What they do day to day
- Keep storage areas and carts well-stocked, clean, and tidy.
- Carry linens, towels, toilet items, and cleaning supplies, using wheeled carts.
- Clean rooms, hallways, lobbies, lounges, restrooms, corridors, elevators, stairways, locker rooms, and other work areas so that health standards are met.
- Empty wastebaskets, empty and clean ashtrays, and transport other trash and waste to disposal areas.
- Sweep, scrub, wax, or polish floors, using brooms, mops, or powered scrubbing and waxing machines.
- Replenish supplies, such as drinking glasses, linens, writing supplies, and bathroom items.
- Clean rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture, and draperies, using vacuum cleaners and shampooers.
- Wash windows, walls, ceilings, and woodwork, waxing and polishing as necessary.
- Dust and polish furniture and equipment.
- Disinfect equipment and supplies, using germicides or steam-operated sterilizers.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Service Orientation3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Persuasion2.1/5
- Negotiation2.1/5
- Management of Personnel Resources2.1/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.1/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
- Chemistry2.5/5
- Education and Training2.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Less than high school45%
- High school diploma36%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.