Los Angeles, California is one of the busiest metropolitan areas in the U.S., and with countless homes, hotels, offices, and short-term rentals, demand for cleaners and housekeepers remains strong. Whether working in residential settings, commercial buildings, or hospitality, these roles are essential—and earnings reflect local living costs and labour market trends.
This comprehensive 2026 guide breaks down the Cleaner and Housekeeper salary in Los Angeles, CA, including average pay, experience-based earnings, factors that influence income, job market trends, benefits, and comparisons with nearby cities—providing real value to anyone researching or entering the cleaning profession.
Average Cleaner & Housekeeper Salary in Los Angeles
Salaries for cleaners and housekeepers in Los Angeles vary depending on job title, experience, employer, and whether the work is hourly or salaried.
Estimated Salary Overview
| Role | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Housekeeper (general) | ~$34,270/year | ~$16/hr |
| Housekeeper (Indeed estimate) | ~$23.43/hr (~$48,800/year*) | |
| Cleaner (Indeed) | ~$21.20/hr (~$44,000/year*) | |
| Cleaner (Glassdoor) | ~$47,389/year | ~$23/hr |
| Cleaner (company-specific) | ~$30.75/hr (~$63,900/year*) | |
| Private Housekeeper | ~$35,693/year | ~$17/hr |
| Live-In Housekeeper | ~$30,982/year | ~$15/hr |
*Estimated annual values for hourly rates assume full-time (40 hours/week × 52 weeks).
Key takeaway: Typical pay ranges from about $20–$25 per hour for general cleaner/housekeeper work, with variations based on employer, setting, and experience. Salaried roles average $30,000–$50,000+ annually.
Salary by Experience & Role
Experience and specialization significantly affect earnings:
Entry-Level Cleaners & Housekeepers
Often part-time or entry-level contracts.
Hourly rates commonly $18–$22/hr.
Focus on basic duties: sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting.
Mid-Level (2–5 Years Experience)
Can perform additional tasks: laundry, supply inventory, guest services.
Hourly pay often increases toward $22–$28/hr.
Annual roles may approach $40,000–$50,000+, depending on employer.
Experienced & Specialized Roles
Live-in housekeepers, private household roles, or supervisors.
Tend to earn higher compensation or additional perks (housing for live-in roles).
Annual salaries $35,000–$45,000+ possible in full-time or private roles.
Factors That Influence Cleaner & Housekeeper Earnings
Several key elements impact pay in Los Angeles:
1. Job Setting
Hotels and resorts may offer scheduled shifts and benefits.
Private households often pay higher hourly rates or include perks like housing (for live-in roles).
2. Employment Type
Hourly contracts are common; pay depends on hours logged.
Salaried arrangements provide more stable income but may include additional responsibilities.
3. Experience & Skillset
More experienced cleaners often handle specialized cleaning or supervisory tasks.
Skills like deep cleaning, customer communication, and time management can earn premiums.
4. Employer & Location
Downtown or high-end residential areas often pay higher due to cost of living and service expectations.
5. Job Duties
Basic cleaning vs. combined responsibilities (laundry, organization, guest services) can influence compensation.
Job Market Trends in Los Angeles (Cleaner / Housekeeper Roles)
Los Angeles presents a robust job market for cleaners and housekeepers due to:
High volume of short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) needing frequent cleaning.
Hospitality sector demand from hotels, resorts, and event venues.
Ongoing demand for commercial cleaning in offices and retail locations.
Residential cleaning services remain common as household incomes support paid help.
Key Trends
Increase in specialized cleaning services (deep cleaning, move-out cleaning).
Shift toward contract and gig work, with flexible scheduling.
Continued strong demand tied to tourism and entertainment industry activity.
Benefits & Perks Beyond Base Salary
While base pay is important, many cleaner/housekeeper jobs offer additional value:
Common Benefits
Flexible working hours (especially for contractors).
Tips from clients in residential or private roles.
Perks like paid time off or health benefits in larger companies.
Some positions include housing or room & board (for live-in roles).
Career Growth & Ways to Increase Earnings
Cleaners and housekeepers can grow earnings through:
1. Specialization
Deep cleaning, green cleaning techniques, and hospitality skills can command higher rates.
2. Certifications & Training
Certifications in sanitation, infection control, or advanced cleaning methods improve marketability.
3. Experience & Reputation
Repeat clients and strong referrals can lead to better pay, especially in private household roles.
4. Supervisory Roles
Senior housekeepers or cleaning supervisors typically earn more than entry-level staff.
Cleaner & Housekeeper Salary Comparison: Nearby Cities
| City | Average Hourly / Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | ~$20–$25/hr or ~$34,000–$47,000/yr (varies by source) |
| San Diego, CA | Slightly lower average rates in general based on regional trends |
| Oakland, CA | Similar to LA, sometimes slightly higher for experienced cleaners |
| San Jose, CA | Competitive markets with higher pay for specialized cleaning |
| Anaheim, CA | Comparable to LA, depending on hospitality demand |
In general, larger metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Jose, and Oakland offer competitive wages for cleaning professionals due to local cost of living and hospitality demand.
Job Outlook for Cleaners & Housekeepers in Los Angeles
Looking ahead through 2026:
These roles are expected to remain in steady demand as long as residential and hospitality services continue to grow.
The entertainment and tourism industries support ongoing need for hospitality cleaning.
Residential cleaning continues with high demand due to busy lifestyles.
Job outlook: Steady demand with opportunities across multiple sectors—residential, commercial, and hospitality.
Final Notes
The Cleaner & Housekeeper salary in Los Angeles, CA (2026) reflects a diverse job market with a broad range of opportunities. While entry-level work often starts around $18–$22 per hour, experienced and specialized cleaners can earn higher rates or annual salaries that compete with other service professions in the region. Considering benefits, tips, and career growth potential, these roles offer steady employment and avenues for income improvement through skill development.