The hospitality and residential services industries in New Orleans, LA, depend heavily on cleaners and housekeepers to maintain cleanliness standards in hotels, homes, hospitals, and commercial spaces. As the city’s tourism and housing sectors continue to evolve, demand for cleaning professionals remains steady.
This article provides an up‑to‑date and detailed look at Cleaner and Housekeeper salaries in New Orleans, LA for 2026, including average pay ranges, experience-based earnings, factors that influence wages, job market trends, benefits, and comparisons with nearby cities.
Average Cleaner & Housekeeper Salary in New Orleans, LA
Cleaner and housekeeper jobs in New Orleans may be paid hourly or salaried, with variations based on employer, setting, and level of responsibility.
Estimated Salary Overview (2026)
| Job Title | Average Pay (Hourly) | Approx. Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Housekeeper | ~$13.06/hour | ~$27,000–$29,500/year |
| Cleaner | ~$17.29/hour | ~$35,900/year |
| Hotel Housekeeper | ~$14.76/hour | ~$30,700/year |
| Housekeeping Supervisor | ~$16.29/hour | ~$33,900/year |
| Live‑In Housekeeper | ~$13.00/hour | ~$26,600/year |
Note: Annual figures are approximated based on full‑time hours (40 hours/week). Actual earnings for part‑time or irregular schedules will vary.
Salary by Experience
Experience levels can influence salary, though the impact may be more modest in entry‑level cleaning roles than in technical or managerial positions.
Housekeeper by Experience
| Experience Level | Hourly | Yearly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry‑Level | ~$10.50/hr | ~$21,800/year |
| Mid‑Level / Average | ~$13.02/hr | ~$27,080/year |
| Top Earners / Skilled | ~$19.01/hr | ~$39,540/year |
Cleaners with specialized skills (e.g., commercial cleaning equipment or sanitization procedures) may earn more than typical housekeepers. Supervisory roles also pay higher.
Key Factors That Influence Earnings
Several elements affect how much cleaners and housekeepers earn in New Orleans:
1. Type of Employer
Hotels and Resorts: Often pay slightly above average and may include benefits.
Residential Cleaning Services: Pay may vary based on contract terms and client expectations.
Healthcare or Commercial Facilities: Could offer premium pay due to sanitation standards.
2. Experience & Skill Level
More experienced cleaners often command higher hourly wages.
Those with specialized certifications in sanitation or commercial cleaning tools may see wage boosts.
3. Work Schedule
Part‑time roles may not include benefits and have variable hours.
Full‑time roles may offer health benefits, paid time off, or employer‑sponsored perks.
4. Job Responsibilities
Supervisory roles (e.g., housekeeping supervisor) typically pay more than entry‑level cleaning roles.
Job Market Trends in New Orleans
The cleaning and housekeeping job market in New Orleans continues to reflect broader service sector trends:
Growing Demand
Hospitality Sector: New Orleans’ thriving tourism creates ongoing need for hotel housekeepers and room attendants.
Residential Cleaning: Rising homeownership and rental turnover support demand for housekeepers and cleaners.
Sanitation Standards: Post‑pandemic standards and health regulations have increased emphasis on professional cleaning services.
Average Wage Trends
Housekeepers in New Orleans earn somewhat less than the national average for similar roles, reflecting local cost‑of‑living and industry patterns.
Cleaners tend to earn closer to or at national average rates.
Benefits of Cleaning & Housekeeping Jobs
While these roles are often hourly, they come with potential benefits:
Flexible Scheduling: Opportunities for part‑time and full‑time work.
Tipped/Bonus Opportunities: In some residential or premium cleaning contracts, tips or performance bonuses may supplement income.
Entry‑Level Access: Many positions do not require formal education, making them accessible.
Skill Development: Experience with cleaning technology, safety standards, and commercial equipment can enhance future earnings.
Education, Skills & Certifications
Although formal education isn’t usually required, training and certifications can improve earning potential and job prospects:
Valuable Certifications / Skills
OSHA or safety training: Enhances credibility in commercial cleaning roles.
Sanitation & Infection Control Certifications: Beneficial for healthcare or specialized environments.
Customer Service Training: Improves chances for premium residential positions.
Cleaner / Housekeeper Salary Comparison: Nearby Cities
| City | Average Hourly Wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA | ~$13.06–$17.29/hr | Main city benchmark |
| Metairie, LA | ~$14.40/hr | Slightly higher wages |
| Kenner, LA | ~$14.40/hr | Competitive pay |
| Baton Rouge, LA | ~$12.90/hr | Slightly lower than New Orleans |
| Shreveport, LA | ~$17.62/hr (cleaner) | Comparable cleaner roles |
This comparison shows that New Orleans is competitive within the state, though some suburbs may offer slightly higher base wages.
Job Outlook for 2026
The outlook for cleaners and housekeepers in New Orleans remains positive into 2026 due to:
Sustained tourism and hospitality industry demand
Increased awareness of sanitation standards
Residential and rental market activity supporting cleaning services
Growth may be moderate but stable, with opportunities in both traditional housekeeping and specialized cleaning roles.
Tips for Increasing Earnings
If you’re working or planning a career in cleaning or housekeeping:
Gain Experience: Longer tenure often leads to higher wages.
Seek Certification: Safety and sanitation certifications can lead to premium positions.
Consider Supervisory Roles: Moving into housekeeping supervision raises earning potential.
Negotiate Pay: When possible, negotiate based on skills or additional responsibilities.
Conclusion
In New Orleans, LA for 2026, cleaners and housekeepers earn competitive wages within the local service economy. Average pay for housekeepers centers around $13–$14 per hour, while cleaner roles can reach $17+ per hour, depending on experience and responsibilities. With a solid job outlook and opportunities for growth through experience and certification, this remains a viable career path for many job seekers in the region.