Cleaners and housekeepers play a vital role in maintaining cleanliness and comfort across residential homes, hotels, offices, and commercial spaces. In Chicago, Illinois, this work—often categorized under building and grounds cleaning—comes with competitive pay that reflects the city’s cost of living and job demand.
This detailed guide covers what you can expect for cleaner and housekeeper salary in Chicago, IL in 2026, including average pay, experience-based salaries, factors that influence earnings, job market trends, benefits of the career, and comparisons with salaries in nearby cities.
Overview: Cleaner & Housekeeper Salary in Chicago
In Chicago, pay for cleaners and housekeepers varies depending on the specific role, employer, experience, and whether work is part-time or full-time.
Typical Pay Rates
| Role | Average Pay | Hourly Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaner (general) | ~$19.46/hr (Indeed) | $19.46 | Base average rate reported locally |
| House Cleaner (Indeed) | ~$24.55/hr | $24.55 | Higher midrange local estimate |
| Housekeeper (Indeed) | ~$19.86/hr | $19.86 | Based on local job data |
| House Cleaner (Salary.com) | ~$15/hr | $15 | Based on annual salary of $32,042 |
| Private Housekeeper | ~$16/hr | $16 | Based on annual salary ~$33,299 |
| Live-in Housekeeper | ~$14/hr | $14 | Based on average annual pay ~$28,904 |
👉 Summary: Most cleaners and housekeepers in Chicago earn roughly $15–$25 per hour depending on employer and tasks, though specific roles or higher-end jobs can pay more.
Salary by Experience
Experience matters significantly in this field, even if formal credentials aren’t always required.
Entry-Level (0–2 Years)
Range: ~$14–$18/hour
Focus on basic cleaning and maintenance tasks in homes, offices, or hospitality settings.
Often part-time, temporary, or on-call shifts for starters.
Mid-Level (3–5 Years)
Range: ~$17–$24/hour
More consistent schedules and broader responsibilities (e.g., deep cleaning, organization).
May work with private clients or specialized contracts.
Senior / Specialized Roles (5+ Years)
Range: ~$22+/hour (and higher in premium settings or private households)
Supervisory roles or work for luxury properties can push earnings above typical averages.
Live-in or executive housekeeping may also offer compensation combined with housing benefits.
Factors That Influence Earnings
Several elements affect how much cleaners and housekeepers earn in Chicago:
1. Job Setting
Commercial cleaning (offices, clinics) tends to pay stable hourly wages.
Hospitality (hotels, resorts) generally offers competitive rates and consistent hours.
Private households sometimes provide flexible pay and extra perks (housing, tips).
2. Full-Time vs Part-Time
Full-time roles often provide steadier income and benefits, whereas part-time gigs may vary in pay and hours.
3. Skills and Reliability
Workers known for reliability, attention to detail, or additional specialties (e.g., deep cleaning, organization) may secure higher pay or repeat clients.
4. Tips and Bonuses
Hospitality settings or private clients may offer tips, boosting total compensation beyond base wage, though this varies greatly.
Job Market Trends in Chicago
The demand for cleaners and housekeepers in Chicago remains strong due to:
Ongoing hospitality industry activity
High volume of residential properties needing services
Commercial and office space maintenance requirements
Increasing outsourcing of cleaning to professional services
Key Trends
Growth in outsourced cleaning due to expanded business and residential needs.
Higher competitive wages in upscale hospitality and private housekeeping.
Continued need for flexible schedules to accommodate client needs year-round.
The overall outlook continues to be positive, with demand for cleaning roles consistent across sectors.
Benefits of Being a Cleaner or Housekeeper
While this role may not always require formal education, it offers tangible benefits:
Steady employment opportunities in diverse settings
Flexible hours suitable for students, part-time workers, or business owners
Potential for tips and extra pay in hospitality roles
Growth into supervisory or team lead roles with experience
Some employers offer benefits packages with full-time employment
Certifications and Skills That Can Boost Salaries
Although cleaning roles traditionally do not require strict certifications, certain skills and training can help:
High-Value Skills
Professional cleaning certifications (e.g., custodial training programs)
Safety and chemical handling certifications
Hospitality industry training (e.g., hotel protocols)
Customer service and time management skills
Experience with specialized equipment or cleaning standards—especially for commercial or healthcare environments—can increase employability and pay.
Chicago vs Nearby Cities: Salary Comparison
| City | Typical Average Hourly Pay |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | ~$19–$25/hour range |
| Aurora, IL | Higher mid-range for cleaners (~$22.69/hr) |
| Naperville, IL | ~ $19.88/hr for cleaners |
| Northlake, IL | ~$17.89/hr for housekeepers |
| Urbana, IL | ~$17.39/hr for cleaners |
Chicago generally offers some of the highest pay in the state for cleaners and housekeepers due to greater demand and higher local wages.
Career Growth and Job Outlook
While many housekeepers and cleaners start in entry-level roles, consistent work experience can lead to:
Lead cleaner or supervisor positions
Management roles in hospitality or facility services
Running a cleaning business or contract service
Specializing in commercial, healthcare, or industrial cleaning
With continued demand in residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors, job opportunities remain solid through 2026 and beyond.
Conclusion
For 2026, the cleaner and housekeeper salary in Chicago, IL remains competitive, with hourly wages typically ranging from about $15 to $25 per hour, depending on experience, setting, and skills. Chicago outpaces many nearby cities in pay, offering strong opportunities in hospitality, commercial cleaning, and private household work. With experience and specialization, cleaners can grow their income and explore roles with greater responsibility or stability.