If you’re exploring a career as a cleaner or housekeeper in Plymouth, UK — whether in hospitality, commercial, or domestic settings — understanding the salary landscape for 2026 is crucial. This article breaks down average pay and salary ranges, the factors that influence earnings, how experience affects pay, and job market trends. We also compare Plymouth with nearby locations to help you see the full picture.
📊 Average Cleaner & Housekeeper Salary in Plymouth (2026)
In Plymouth, wages for cleaning and housekeeping roles are generally in line with national UK averages, but they vary based on job type, employer, and experience.
💷 Hourly Wages
| Role | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Cleaner | ~£13.09 per hour (average) |
| Housekeeper | ~£12.87 per hour (average) |
| House Cleaner (specific PL1 report) | ~£14.42 per hour (smaller sample) |
These rates reflect reported salaries across employers such as schools, hotels, care facilities, and private households.
💷 Annual Earnings
Annual salaries can vary widely based on working hours (full-time vs part-time) and employer type, but general ranges include:
| Position | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Cleaner/Housekeeper | ~£18,000–£21,000 per year (Glassdoor reporting) |
| Typical Combined Cleaner/Housekeeper | ~£19,000 per year (median) |
| Full-time school cleaner | ~£24,413 FTE (pro-rata for part-time) |
Across Plymouth, many roles combine hourly pay with part-time or shift work, meaning actual annual earnings will depend on hours worked.
🔍 Factors Influencing Cleaner & Housekeeper Salaries
Several factors shape how much you can earn in Plymouth:
🧰 1. Type of Employer
Hotels & Hospitality: Often pay around the local average, sometimes with seasonal demand.
Healthcare & Schools: Roles may offer steady hourly pay and additional benefits like pension contributions.
Domestic/Private Cleaners: Rates vary widely, especially for self-employed or agency work.
📍 2. Location in and Around Plymouth
Wages in Plymouth are generally similar to other South West towns:
Nearby Crediton and Tiverton report slightly higher rates for some cleaner roles.
Smaller towns may see slightly lower pay due to local cost of living differences.
🧠 3. Experience & Responsibility
Entry-level roles often start at or slightly below the average hourly rate.
Supervisory or specialist housekeeper positions (e.g., senior housekeeping in hospitality) may earn more, particularly with management duties.
📜 4. Certifications & Skills
Formal qualifications aren’t always required, but having:
Health & safety training
Deep cleaning or infection control skills
Specialized hospitality housekeeping experience
can make you more competitive for higher-paying positions.
📈 Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Hourly Pay Range | Typical Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | £12.50–£13.50+ | £17,000–£20,000+ |
| Mid-Level | £13.50–£15.00+ | £20,000–£25,000+ |
| Experienced / Supervisory | £15.00+ | £25,000+ (in larger roles) |
Those with supervisory responsibilities or experience in specialized settings (e.g., hospitals or large hotels) often command higher wages.
🧭 Job Market Trends & Outlook (2026)
The demand for cleaning and housekeeping professionals in Plymouth remains steady:
Public & Commercial Cleaning: Schools and public facilities continue hiring cleaners to maintain hygiene standards.
Hospitality Roles: Hotels and B&Bs regularly recruit housekeeping staff, especially in tourist seasons.
Domestic Market: With many households seeking regular cleaning help, freelance and agency roles are common.
Overall, while automation may help with equipment, human cleaners remain essential for detailed tasks that machines cannot do.
💡 Benefits of Cleaner & Housekeeper Work
Working in cleaning and housekeeping can offer:
Flexible hours: Part-time or full-time options available.
Entry without formal degrees: Focus on reliability and quality.
Skill development: Training on equipment and safety procedures.
Varied environments: From schools and hospitals to private homes.
Some employers also offer pension contributions, paid leave, and career progression opportunities, particularly with long-term contracts.
🧠 Certifications & Training That Improve Earnings
While not mandatory, certifications can enhance earning potential:
Health & Safety / COSHH Awareness
Infection control training (especially in healthcare settings)
Supervisory or management training for housekeeping leads
These qualifications help demonstrate professionalism and can make candidates more attractive for higher-paying roles.
📊 Comparison with Nearby Cities
| City / Area | Typical Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plymouth, UK | £12.87–£14.42 avg * | Reflects general cleaning/housekeeping roles |
| Crediton / Tiverton | ~£13.50+ | Slightly higher reported rates nearby |
| Exeter | ~£12.70 | Slightly lower local rate than Plymouth |
| National UK Average | ~£11 hourly | UK average ~£11/hr across cleaners * |
* Averages can vary based on data source and sample size.
📌 Summary: Plymouth Cleaner & Housekeeper Salary 2026
Hourly rates: ~£12.87 for housekeepers and ~£13.09 for cleaners on average.
Annual earnings: Typical roles range from around £18,000 to £25,000+ depending on hours and responsibilities.
Experience matters: More senior or supervisory positions can boost pay.
Job outlook: Stable demand in schools, hospitality, and domestic markets.
Benefits & training: Optional certifications and customer service skills can enhance opportunities.
Choosing cleaning or housekeeping as a career in Plymouth can provide steady work with room for skill development and progression — especially if you pursue additional training or supervisory roles.