The role of cleaners and housekeepers in New York City remains essential as the city thrives as a major cosmopolitan hub with thousands of homes, hotels, offices, and commercial properties. In 2026, demand for cleaning services continues to grow alongside population increases, tourism, and hospitality expansion. For those considering a career or aiming to understand the earning potential in this field, it’s important to explore salary ranges, experience-based income, influencing factors, job trends, and comparisons with nearby areas.
Below is a comprehensive, SEO-friendly breakdown of Cleaner / Housekeeper salary in New York, NY in 2026.
Average Cleaner / Housekeeper Salary in New York, NY
Salaries can vary significantly depending on the job title, employer, and duties performed—whether in residential homes, commercial buildings, or hotels.
Typical Annual Salary Range
| Role Type | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaner Housekeeper (combined role) | $35,114 | ~$17/hr |
| Standard Housekeeper | $35,854 | ~$17/hr |
| Housekeeper (lower estimate) | ~$32,890 | ~$16/hr |
| Housekeeper (higher industry estimate) | ~$49,117 (Manhattan) | – |
| House Cleaner (Indeed data) | ~$23.08/hr (~$48,000/yr) | ~$23/hr |
| General Cleaner (Indeed data) | ~$19.95/hr (~$41,400/yr) | ~$20/hr |
Typical salary range:
👉 About $30,000 to $50,000+ per year depending on duties and setting.
Note: Data sources show variation based on job classification (e.g., hotel housekeeping vs. residential cleaner), and some estimates include union or contract roles with higher pay.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience is a key factor in earnings, even in cleaning roles.
Experience Impact (Salary Trends)
| Experience Level | Typical Earnings (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level / New to Role | ~$30,000–$34,000 |
| Early Career (1–3 years) | ~$34,000–$38,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–6 years) | ~$38,000–$45,000 |
| Senior / Specialized Roles | Up to $50,000+ (especially hotel or supervisory) |
Entry-level cleaners and housekeepers often start near the lower end of the range, focusing on routine tasks in residential or small commercial settings.
With experience, workers may take on larger spaces, specialized cleaning, supervision, or hotel housekeeping, leading to higher pay.
Factors That Influence Cleaner / Housekeeper Earnings
Several important elements affect how much professionals can make:
1. Job Setting
Hotels & Luxury Properties: Often pay more and offer structured benefits.
Private Homes: Pay varies widely—some clients compensate hourly above average.
Commercial Cleaning Firms: Can offer stable hours and standardized pay.
2. Type of Work
Deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, and specialty services often earn more than standard routine cleaning.
3. Location within NYC
Manhattan and central boroughs may offer higher wages due to higher cost of living and demand.
4. Experience & Reputation
Experienced cleaners with strong client reviews or specialized skills (e.g., laundry, stain removal) can command higher pay.
5. Employment Type
Union or contracted positions may offer higher base wages and benefits.
Self-employed cleaners may negotiate higher hourly rates directly with clients.
Job Market Trends in New York, NY
The job market for cleaning professionals in NYC remains strong and resilient in 2026 due to:
Continued population growth and housing turnover.
Expansion of hospitality and tourism sectors.
High demand for professional cleaning services after events and rentals.
Increasing outsourcing of cleaning to professional firms.
These factors contribute to stable employment opportunities across the city.
Benefits Beyond Salary
While hourly rates and annual incomes are important, many roles include additional benefits:
Flexible scheduling (part-time/full-time).
Tips from clients (especially in residential settings).
Overtime pay for extended hours.
Potential for advancement into supervisory or team lead roles.
Unionized positions or roles in larger hospitality companies may include healthcare benefits and paid leave.
How to Increase Your Earnings
Here are practical ways cleaners and housekeepers can grow income:
Gain experience in high-demand environments (hotels, Airbnb turnarounds).
Develop specialized skills (stain removal, deep cleaning techniques).
Work for reputable cleaning companies that pay premium rates.
Build direct client relationships to negotiate higher hourly rates.
Offer additional services such as laundry, organization, or seasonal deep cleans.
Salary Comparison: Nearby Metro Areas
Here’s how New York City compares to nearby areas in average pay:
| Area | Typical Pay Indicator |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | ~$35,000–$50,000+ annually depending on role |
| Queens Village, NY | ~$34,887 annual average (Cleaner) |
| Paramus, NJ | ~$34,645 annual average |
| Passaic, NJ | ~$34,614 annual average |
| Stamford, CT | ~$34,539 annual average |
NYC tends to offer slightly higher salaries than many nearby areas, especially for hotel and specialized cleaning jobs.
Job Outlook for Cleaners & Housekeepers in 2026
The outlook remains stable and positive:
Urban density and frequent property turnover lead to consistent demand.
Cleaning services are essential in hospitality, residential rentals, offices, and schools.
Specialized cleaning niches (e.g., post-construction, eco-cleaning) are growing.
Overall, career opportunities continue to expand for both entry-level and experienced cleaners.
Final Thoughts
The Cleaner / Housekeeper salary in New York, NY in 2026 reflects a solid earning opportunity in a bustling metropolitan job market. While average earnings vary by setting and role type, dedicated professionals can achieve competitive income, especially as they build experience, specialize in higher-demand services, and leverage NYC’s dynamic labor market.
With hard work and strategic career choices, cleaners and housekeepers can build stable, rewarding careers in one of the world’s busiest cities.