In 2026, the cleaning and housekeeping profession in Austin, Texas remains an accessible, steady employment option with competitive wages compared with the broader state averages. From residential cleaning roles to commercial housekeeping positions, Austin presents a vibrant job market for both entry-level workers and experienced cleaners.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into cleaner and housekeeper salary in Austin, TX in 2026, covering average earnings, salary by experience level, factors that influence pay, job trends, benefits, and comparisons with other cities.
Average Cleaner & Housekeeper Salary in Austin
Wages for cleaning professionals in Austin vary significantly depending on role, experience, and employer type.
Hourly and Annual Pay Overview
| Role | Typical Hourly Rate | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaner (General) | ~$19.20/hour | ~$39,900/year* |
| Housekeeper (General) | ~$18.30/hour | ~$38,000/year* |
| Housekeeper (City Positions) | ~$22.00/hour | ~$45,760/year* |
| Housekeeper (Estimated Avg.) | ~$16.7–$17.0/hour | ~$34,600/year* |
*Annual estimates assume full-time work (~40 hours/week) based on available salary data and job posts.
Across Austin, cleaners typically earn above the Texas average, reflecting local demand and cost-of-living dynamics that support slightly higher wages compared to many other Texas cities.
Salary by Experience
Experience can lead to higher pay in cleaning roles, especially when moving from basic commercial cleaning into supervisory or specialized positions.
Entry-Level (0–2 Years)
Performs routine cleaning duties
Basic house cleaning or simple hospitality housekeeping
Hourly: $15–$18
Annual: $30,000–$37,000
Mid-Level (3–5 Years)
Handles more responsibilities with greater efficiency
May perform light supervisory or quality inspection duties
Hourly: $18–$20
Annual: $37,000–$42,000
Senior / Specialized Cleaner (5+ Years)
May lead teams, train new staff, or handle commercial contracts
Hourly: $20–$25+
Annual: $42,000–$52,000+
Some reports even show experienced cleaners reaching $65,000+ annually in specialized or managerial roles or when they take on expanded duties.
Positions and Work Types That Affect Pay
Residential Cleaners
Often work in homes, apartments, or private residences
Pay can vary widely depending on employer (direct hire vs. agency) and negotiated wages
Commercial Housekeepers
Work in hotels, offices, hospitals, and institutional facilities
Typically offer steady schedules and benefits
Salaries can be higher than residential-only roles
Specialized Cleaning Roles
Include deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, or post-construction cleanup
May command higher hourly rates due to complexity
Job Market Trends in Austin (2026)
Austin’s cleaning industry continues to evolve with several ongoing trends:
Consistent demand: Cleaning services remain essential for residential and commercial spaces alike.
Population growth: Austin’s expanding population drives demand for housekeeping in new housing units and rental markets.
Commercial growth: Hotels, offices, and mixed-use developments require professional cleaners and custodians.
Service differentiation: Green cleaning and specialty services are growing, offering workers opportunities to develop niche skills.
Overall, the job market for cleaners and housekeepers in Austin is stable with consistent openings, especially as hospitality and residential sectors continue expanding.
Factors That Influence Earnings
Several factors can affect how much a cleaner or housekeeper earns:
Geographic Demand
Austin’s growing economy and hospitality sector help push local wages above state averages.
Experience and Skill Level
More experienced cleaners with efficiency, reliability, and specialized cleaning skills often earn higher wages.
Employer Type
City or institutional positions may offer higher pay and benefits compared with private cleaning services.
Schedule Flexibility
Shift flexibility, availability for night or weekend work, and on-call assignments can lead to wage increases.
Benefits of Working as a Cleaner / Housekeeper
In addition to wages, many roles offer:
Health insurance and retirement contributions (for institutional jobs)
Paid time off and holidays (depending on employer)
Flexible scheduling for part-time or full-time roles
Career growth into supervisory or managerial roles
Opportunities for bonuses or tips in private settings
Education, Training, and Certifications
Most cleaning and housekeeping jobs do not require formal degrees, but certain skills and certifications can improve job prospects and earnings:
OSHA safety or hazard training for commercial settings
Hospitality industry training for hotel housekeeping
Customer service skills and professionalism
Specialized cleaning certifications (e.g., green cleaning credentials)
These can help cleaners stand out to employers and potentially access better-paying roles.
Salary Comparison: Austin vs. Other Texas Cities
| City | Avg Cleaner/Housekeeper Hourly | Annual (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | ~$18–$19+ | ~$35,000–$40,000+ |
| Dallas, TX | ~$16.50 | ~$34,000 |
| Houston, TX | ~$16–$17 | ~$33,000 |
| San Antonio, TX | ~$15–$16 | ~$31,000 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | ~$15–$16 | ~$31,000 |
Austin generally offers higher wages than many Texas counterparts, driven by local economic demand and service industry growth.
2026 Outlook for Cleaners & Housekeepers
The outlook for cleaning and housekeeping professionals in Austin remains positive and stable:
Continued opportunities exist across hospitality, residential, and commercial cleaning sectors.
Increased demand is expected as housing and business development continues.
Workers with reliability, strong work ethic, and additional skills may find steady work and potential for wage growth.
Final Thoughts
The Cleaner / Housekeeper salary landscape in Austin, TX for 2026 shows a promising industry with competitive wages compared to broader Texas averages. Wages vary depending on experience, job type, and employer, but many workers enjoy steady opportunities and benefits, especially in institutional or commercial roles. With Austin’s continued growth, cleaning professionals are well-positioned to find rewarding and stable work in the years ahead.