In 2026, jobs in cleaning and housekeeping remain essential across residential, commercial, and hospitality industries in Philadelphia, PA. With the city’s busy hotels, hospitals, offices, and homes, cleaners and housekeepers are consistently in demand. This article provides a comprehensive look at cleaner and housekeeper salaries in Philadelphia, key factors that impact earnings, job outlook, benefits, and comparisons with similar cities to help job seekers and employers understand the market.
Overview: Cleaner & Housekeeper Roles
Before diving into salary data, it’s helpful to understand the typical duties for these roles:
Cleaners generally perform:
Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming
Sanitising restrooms and common areas
Removing trash and recycling
Basic maintenance and surface care
Housekeepers often handle:
Deep cleaning guest rooms or homes
Changing bed linens and laundry
Organising and restocking supplies
Reporting maintenance needs
Both roles require attention to detail, time management, and reliability.
Average Salaries in Philadelphia (2026)
Hourly & Annual Pay
| Job Title | Average Hourly | Average Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaner | $16.25/hr (Indeed data) | ~$33,800/yr (ReadySetHire) |
| Housekeeper | $16–$18/hr | ~$32,300–$34,300/yr |
| Live-In Housekeeper | ~$14/hr (~$29,200/yr) | |
| House Cleaner (residential/independent) | $22.26/hr |
Notes:
Salaries vary by data source and role specifics, including whether the position is independent/freelance or employer-based.
Independent or specialised house cleaners often report higher hourly rates, especially for private services.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience and skill level influence earnings in cleaning and housekeeping jobs:
Entry Level (0–2 Years)
Often part-time or entry housekeeping/cleaning roles.
Typical: $14–$16/hr or $28,000–$33,000/yr.
Mid-Level (3–5 Years)
More responsibility, faster work pace, some supervisory tasks.
Typical: $17–$19/hr, with annual earnings rising toward $35,000–$38,000/yr.
Senior / Lead Level (6+ Years)
Lead cleaner or housekeeping supervisor roles in hotels or facilities.
Hourly rates ~$20+/hr and annual pay potentially above $42,000/yr.
Key Factors That Affect Earnings
Several factors influence how much cleaners and housekeepers earn:
1. Type of Employer
Hotels and hospitality chains often pay more than small residential jobs.
Large facilities may offer benefits and overtime pay.
2. Experience and Skill Level
Skilled cleaners with experience in deep cleaning or commercial settings can command higher wages.
3. Speciality and Certifications
Certifications in sanitation, safety, or housekeeping management may increase pay.
Supervisory or team lead roles typically pay more.
4. Shift Timing
Evenings, weekends, or on-call shifts often include premium pay.
Job Market Trends in Philadelphia
The cleaning and housekeeping job market remains stable and growing:
Hospitality demand keeps hotel housekeepers busy year-round.
Healthcare facilities require regular cleaning crews with adherence to health standards.
Commercial cleaning contracts continued expansion in offices and public buildings.
Housekeepers and cleaners benefit from a tight labor market, which supports wage growth.
According to regional wage data, occupations including maids and housekeeping cleaners have an average annual wage around $36,000 in the greater Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area, with rising wages tied to experience.
Benefits Beyond Base Pay
While hourly and annual salaries form the base income, additional benefits can improve overall compensation:
Health, dental, vision insurance (for full-time roles)
Paid time off and holidays
Overtime/bonus pay for extended shifts
Retirement contributions in larger employers
Access to training, especially for supervisory duties
Part-time or independent cleaners may not receive structured benefits but often have flexibility in scheduling.
Comparison with Nearby Cities
Here’s how Philadelphia’s cleaner/housekeeper wages compare with other PA and regional areas:
| City/Region | Avg Hourly (Cleaners/Housekeepers) |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | ~$16.25–$18/hr |
| Pittsburgh, PA | ~$15–$16/hr (regional data) |
| Lancaster, PA | ~$16/hr (nearby estimate) |
| Allentown, PA | ~$16–$17/hr (general regional trend) |
Philadelphia’s cleaner roles typically pay above the Pennsylvania average, reflecting higher living costs and demand for services.
Job Outlook and Trends
The outlook for cleaning and housekeeping roles in Philadelphia remains positive through 2026:
Stable demand in hospitality and healthcare sectors.
Continued need for commercial cleaning contracts post-pandemic.
Growth opportunities in supervisory and specialised sanitation roles.
Regional wage reporting shows average compensation rising moderately, aligning with broader wage growth in the Philadelphia metro area.
Tips to Boost Earnings in Cleaning & Housekeeping
If you’re pursuing a career in cleaning or housekeeping and want to increase your earnings:
Develop specialised skills like deep cleaning, stain removal, or floor care.
Seek certifications in sanitation or facility maintenance.
Gain experience with commercial or hospitality employers.
Consider lead or supervisory roles as your experience grows.
Work consistent full-time shifts or take premium hours to increase income.
Conclusion
Cleaner and housekeeper positions in Philadelphia, PA (2026) offer steady employment with competitive wages compared to the state average. With hourly rates typically in the mid-$16–$18 range and annual salaries around $32,000–$36,000, these roles continue to support a significant workforce in hospitality, healthcare, and residential services. Experience, employer type, and specialisation can notably increase earnings, while the overall job outlook remains positive for reliable cleaning professionals.