Industry Snapshot: 2026 Key Metrics

• Employment Landscape: 37% of maids and housekeepers are foreign-born, making the sector one of the most immigrant-friendly industries .
• Salary Range: $25,840 (entry-level) to $34,864 (top earners) annually, with a national average of $30,195 .
• Hourly Wages: $13 (25th percentile) to $16 (75th percentile), averaging $15 per hour .
• Demand Drivers: Commercial spaces (offices, healthcare facilities) and residential deep cleaning services lead hiring growth, with evening and weekend shifts in highest demand .

1. Salary Breakdown: By Location & Role Type

Compensation varies significantly by geography and specialization, with cost-of-living and job complexity driving disparities.

Geographic Variations (Annual Salary)

Role-Specific Earnings

• Residential House Cleaner: $14–$15/hour ($29,120–$31,200/year) – often includes tips averaging $10–$20 per job .
• Commercial Janitor: $15–$16/hour ($31,200–$33,280/year) – may include shift differentials for nights/weekends .
• Specialized Cleaner (Medical/Industrial): $17–$19/hour ($35,360–$39,520/year) – requires compliance training .
• Cleaning Supervisor: $20–$22/hour ($41,600–$45,760/year) – 2+ years of team management experience required .
• Career Progression Impact: Salaries grow modestly with experience—entry-level roles start at $29,981, while expert cleaners with 8+ years of experience earn $31,564 annually .

2. Working Hours: Full-Time vs. Part-Time & Scheduling

Schedules are defined by the type of cleaning (residential vs. commercial) and employer needs, with flexibility emerging as a top benefit.

Full-Time Roles (35–40 hours/week)

• Commercial Settings: 70% of full-time commercial roles operate outside business hours—common shifts include 5:00 PM–1:00 AM (office buildings) or overnight (hospitals) to avoid disrupting operations .
• Residential Settings: Daytime hours (8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday) with occasional weekend work for move-in/move-out cleans .
• Benefits: 65% of full-time positions at companies with 50+ employees offer health insurance, while 58% provide paid time off (5–10 days/year) .

Part-Time & Flexible Roles (15–30 hours/week)

• Key Sectors: Hospitality (hotels, resorts) and residential cleaning services dominate part-time hiring .
• Typical Schedules:
• Regulatory Protections: Federal law mandates a 30-minute break for shifts exceeding 3.5 hours, and overtime pay (1.5x hourly rate) for hours over 40/week .

3. Top 5 Verified Hiring Platforms (2026)

Job seekers should prioritize platforms with direct employer postings and transparent requirements. Below are the most reliable sources:

1. Indeed (www.indeed.com)

• Strengths: Largest U.S. job aggregator with 10,000+ active cleaning roles. Features filters for "no English required" and "urgent hiring" .
• Key Features: Multilingual interface (Spanish, Mandarin), one-tap applications, and salary transparency for 72% of postings .
• Example Listings:

2. Snagajob (www.snagajob.com)

• Strengths: Specializes in hourly service jobs—85% of cleaning postings include immediate hiring options .
• Focus Areas: Hotel housekeeping, stadium/event cleaning, and retail facility maintenance .
• Mobile App: Available on iOS/Android with shift alerts and in-app interviews for select roles .

3. JobGet (www.jobget.com)

• Strengths: Mobile-first platform designed for language accessibility—features photo-based job postings and built-in translation tools .
• User Experience: Minimal text input required; 60% of applications receive employer responses within 24 hours .
• Gig Opportunities: Connects workers with on-demand residential cleaning jobs in 20+ major U.S. cities .

4. Local Immigrant Community Centers

• Value: 40% of non-English speaking cleaners find roles through community bulletin boards, which list local jobs not posted online .
• Services: Many centers offer free resume translation and interview preparation in multiple languages .

5. Company Career Portals

• Top Employers:

4. Application Tips for 2026

• Highlight Core Competencies: Employers prioritize reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to follow protocols over English proficiency .
• Leverage Translation Tools: Use Google Translate or Microsoft Translator to understand job descriptions and craft basic application materials .
• Verify Employer Legitimacy: Avoid roles requiring upfront fees; check company registration on the Better Business Bureau website .
• Negotiate Flexibility: 52% of employers are open to adjusting schedules—specify preferred hours (e.g., morning vs. evening) during interviews .

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Opportunity

In 2026, U.S. cleaner jobs offer diverse pathways: commercial roles provide steady hours and shift differentials, while residential gigs offer daytime schedules and tip income. The most rewarding opportunities combine fair pay ($15+/hour), clear scheduling, and legitimate hiring processes.

Job seekers should focus on platforms like Indeed and JobGet for broad access, while non-English speakers can leverage community centers and multilingual apps to bypass language barriers. With consistent demand and opportunities for advancement, the cleaning industry remains a viable option for workers seeking flexible, entry-level employment.