The cleaning and housekeeping sector in Albuquerque, New Mexico offers stable work opportunities with wages that reflect local cost of living and industry demand. Whether you’re considering a career as a cleaner, house cleaner, or housekeeper, understanding the salary landscape in 2026 can help you make informed decisions about your career path, negotiate wages, and plan for growth.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll cover salary ranges, experience-based pay, factors that influence earnings, job market trends, benefits, and comparisons with other cities—all tailored to give readers real, valuable insights.
Average Salaries in Albuquerque (2026)
In Albuquerque, pay can vary significantly depending on job title, employer, duties, and experience level. Here’s a snapshot of average wages based on multiple reputable sources:
Hourly Salary Estimates
| Job Title | Average Hourly Pay (2026) |
|---|---|
| Cleaner | ~$13.74/hour |
| Housekeeper (Indeed) | ~$15.27/hour |
| House Cleaner | ~$18.05/hour |
Annual Salary Range
Based on various reporting sources:
| Position | Typical Annual Pay (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Cleaner | ~$28,500 (est. from hourly) |
| Housekeeper | ~$29,000–$33,000 (salary.com) |
| House Cleaner | ~$37,000–$42,000 (Glassdoor estimates) |
Some job listings also indicate average housekeeper salaries around $33,600 per year (~$16.10/hour), reflecting current market rates with full-time work.
Key insight: Entry-level jobs generally start lower, but experienced cleaners and housekeepers, especially those with specialized skills or working for larger organizations (such as healthcare or hospitality), can earn above-average pay.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience plays a key role in potential earnings. Here’s how pay typically correlates with time in the field:
Cleaner / Housekeeper Experience Pay
| Experience Level | Typical Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 yr) | Lower end of hourly range |
| Early Career (1–2 yrs) | Slight increase |
| Mid-Level (2–5 yrs) | Average wage or slightly higher |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | Higher end of local ranges |
Although specific experience-based tables are more common for general housekeepers rather than cleaners, salary.com data shows incremental increases with experience for housekeepers as career skills improve.
Key Factors That Influence Earnings
Salary is not static—many variables can affect what a cleaner or housekeeper earns in Albuquerque:
1. Job Type and Duties
Residential cleaning jobs might pay differently than commercial cleaning or hotel housekeeping.
Specialized tasks (deep cleaning, sanitation protocols for healthcare settings) often command more pay.
2. Employer Type
Jobs in hospitality, healthcare, and corporate facilities tend to offer higher wages and may include benefits.
Independent contracting or smaller cleaning services may pay hourly without benefits.
3. Skill Level and Efficiency
Workers who demonstrate speed, attention to detail, customer service, or supervisory capabilities can negotiate higher rates.
4. Additional Work (Supervision or Leadership)
Housekeeping supervisors and team leads typically earn more due to added responsibilities.
Job Market Trends in Albuquerque
The cleaning and housekeeping sector in Albuquerque is shaped by several economic trends:
Steady Demand for Cleaners
Ongoing demand from healthcare facilities, hotels, corporate offices, and rental properties sustains consistent job availability. Job listings show a healthy number of full-time housekeeper roles entering the market.
Growth in Residential and Hospitality Sectors
With growth in short-term rentals and tourism, house cleaning and housekeeping roles remain in demand—especially for flexible or part-time positions.
Variations in Pay by Sector
Healthcare-associated cleaning can sometimes pay more due to stringent sanitation needs.
Housekeepers in larger hospitality or casino environments may receive higher wages compared to small residential cleaning services.
Benefits and Perks of Working as a Cleaner / Housekeeper
While hourly and annual wages are key, many jobs also include additional benefits:
Common Benefits Include
Health insurance (most often with larger employers)
Paid time off (PTO) for full-time staff
Retirement plans or contributions
Training and certifications covered by employer
Paid holidays in some roles
Overtime for extra shifts
These benefits add real value beyond base pay and can improve overall job satisfaction.
Certifications and Skills That May Impact Pay
Although formal certifications are not typically required for entry-level cleaning jobs, certain skills and training can make workers more competitive and potentially increase earnings:
Useful Certifications / Training
Professional cleaning certifications (e.g., OSHA sanitation training)
Infection control training for healthcare cleaning roles
Specialized housekeeping certifications for hospitality
Customer service or supervisory training
Soft Skills That Matter
Time management
Attention to detail
Reliability and punctuality
Teamwork and communication
Developing these skills often translates to better performance reviews and wage increases.
Salary Comparison: Albuquerque vs. Nearby Cities
Here’s how Albuquerque’s cleaning and housekeeping wages compare with neighboring markets:
| City | Approx. Hourly Average |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | $13.74–$18.05+ |
| Santa Fe, NM | ~$18.61/hr (higher) |
| Ruidoso, NM | ~$19.98/hr (higher) |
| Rio Rancho, NM | ~$15.39/hr |
In many nearby communities, wages can be somewhat higher—especially in smaller markets with higher living costs or strong tourism sectors. However, Albuquerque remains competitive for its size.
Job Outlook and Future Opportunities
The future looks stable for cleaners and housekeepers in Albuquerque:
Continued Demand
Increased focus on cleanliness and sanitation post-pandemic
Steady need in hospitality, healthcare, and corporate sectors
Growth in demand for short-term rental cleaners
Opportunities for Advancement
Workers can advance into supervisory roles, specialize in commercial or healthcare cleaning, or even start their own cleaning businesses.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, the cleaner and housekeeper job market in Albuquerque, NM, offers reliable work with competitive pay relative to local cost of living. While the average hourly and annual wages vary depending on job type, experience, and employer, there are real opportunities to increase earnings through skill development, specialization, and career progression. Whether you’re just entering the field or seeking long-term growth, understanding the salary landscape can help you make strategic career choices and negotiate better pay.