If you’re considering working as a cleaner or housekeeper in Nottingham, UK, understanding salary expectations for 2026 is essential. This article breaks down the average wage ranges, factors influencing earnings, salary by experience, job market trends, benefits, certification impacts, and comparisons with nearby cities — all structured to be highly informative and SEO‑friendly.
📊 Average Cleaner / Housekeeper Pay in Nottingham (2026)
In Nottingham, cleaner and housekeeper pay varies significantly depending on role, employer type, and experience level. Here’s an overview of current data:
| Job Title | Typical Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housekeeper (Indeed average) | £12.99 per hour | Based on responses from local employees — roughly national average. |
| House Cleaner (Indeed) | £14.14 per hour | Shows some roles may pay slightly more. |
| University Cleaner | £12.60–£12.96 per hour | University roles with incremental progression. |
| Domestic/Commercial Cleaner (job postings) | £12.21–£13.00 per hour | Typical market range. |
| Range from employee reviews | £8.91–£11.11 per hour | Lower estimates reported by some workers. |
Summary Pay Levels (2026)
Entry / basic domestic cleaning: ₤9–₤11+ per hour (lower‑end roles based on employee reviews)
Standard cleaning & housekeeping roles: ₤12–₤14+ per hour (most common)
Experienced/advanced housekeepers: ₤14+ per hour (some independent or specialised roles)
These figures can translate to roughly £21,000–£29,000+ per year for full‑time work (based on ~37.5‑40 hr/week), although part‑time roles and contract variations are common.
💼 Factors That Influence Cleaner / Housekeeper Earnings
Several key factors affect how much you might earn in Nottingham:
1. Type of Role
Domestic cleaner (private homes): Often flexible hours and pay may vary by client.
Commercial cleaner: Larger institutions or agencies may offer structured pay and benefits.
Institutional roles (e.g., university cleaning): Usually pay set rates with potential incremental increases.
2. Work Setting and Employer
Healthcare or hospitality may offer better pay and benefits.
Agency roles often provide regular hours but may take commissions.
3. Experience and Skills
More experienced housekeepers may command higher rates, especially if supervisory duties or specialised cleaning (e.g., deep cleaning, industrial sites) are involved.
4. Self‑Employment
Freelance cleaners can set their own rates, sometimes earning around £15 per hour or more for flexible contracts.
📈 Salary by Experience
Earnings often rise with experience, skill level, and responsibility:
| Experience Level | Typical Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | £9–£12 per hour | Lower starting range for basic roles. |
| Standard (2–4 yrs) | £12–£14 per hour | Most cleaners fall in this range. |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | £14+ per hour | Independent or specialised roles see higher rates. |
| Professional / Live‑in | £35,000–£45,000 annual | Higher end for full‑time housekeeper roles with broad duties. |
Note: The upper annual range from specialized full‑time roles (e.g., live‑out household housekeepers) can be significantly higher than standard hourly cleaning jobs.
🔀 Job Market Trends in Nottingham
The job market for cleaners and housekeepers in Nottingham continues to show steady demand:
Private households and rental properties provide ongoing opportunities, especially with flexible and part‑time work.
Commercial and institutional cleaning (offices, universities, healthcare) offer regular hours and more structured pay.
Self‑employment and gig work are common, with platforms connecting cleaners directly with clients.
Trend Insight: While traditional employment remains strong, many cleaners choose self‑employment or contract work to set higher rates and flexible hours.
👍 Benefits of Cleaner / Housekeeper Roles
Working in cleaning and housekeeping often brings:
Flexible schedules — part‑time or full‑time options.
Entry‑level accessibility — minimal formal education needed.
Skill development — workplace skills and potential progression to supervisory roles.
Potential benefits (varies by employer) — pension contributions and holiday pay in larger organisations.
Institutional or agency roles typically offer more structured benefits compared to freelance work.
🎓 Education & Certifications that Boost Salary
Although formal degrees are not required, certain certifications can help:
Valuable Credentials
Health & Safety / COSHH training — makes workers more valuable to employers handling chemicals or industrial sites.
Specialised cleaning certificates — such as infection control or commercial floor care.
Customer service training — useful for housekeepers in hospitality roles.
These credentials can help you access higher‑paying roles or supervisory positions.
📍 Salary Comparison: Nottingham vs Nearby Cities
| City / Region | Typical Hourly Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nottingham | £12–£14 avg | Standard local rate for cleaners/housekeepers. |
| Derby | Similar to Nottingham | Often competitive with Nottingham rates. |
| Leicester | Comparable | Similar cost of living and wage patterns. |
| Sheffield | Slightly lower | Regional variation may lean a bit lower. |
Nottingham’s pay is roughly in line with other Midlands cities, reflecting local cost of living and labour market conditions.
📊 Job Outlook (2026 & Beyond)
The outlook for 2026 remains relatively stable:
Steady demand for cleaning and housekeeping services across sectors.
Growth in contract and service‑based roles as commercial spaces require regular maintenance.
Potential wage increases as living costs rise and experience becomes more valuable.
While automation may influence some commercial cleaning functions, hands‑on cleaning and hospitality support services remain in demand.
📌 Tips to Increase Your Earnings
Specialise in higher‑value cleaning (e.g., medical, commercial).
Pursue training in health and safety or specialised cleaning.
Build a reliable reputation for self‑employed work.
Negotiate higher rates with more experience.
Consider agency roles for steady hours and benefits.
🧠 Summary: Cleaner / Housekeeper Salary in Nottingham (2026)
Average hourly pay: £12–£14+, depending on role and experience.
Institutional cleaners: ~£12.60–£12.96 per hour with progression.
Range across jobs: ~£9–£15+ per hour locally.
High‑end full‑time housekeeper roles: ~£35,000–£45,000 annually.
Job outlook: Stable demand with opportunities for flexible work and growth.
Whether you want steady employment or are considering self‑employment, Nottingham offers a range of cleaner and housekeeper roles with competitive pay for 2026 and beyond.