Boston, MA is a major metropolitan area with a high cost of living and strong demand for cleaning professionals such as cleaners and housekeepers. Whether you’re considering a career as a residential housekeeper, hotel cleaning staff, or commercial cleaner, understanding salary trends, factors that influence pay, and job market outlook can help you plan your career or negotiate better compensation.
This comprehensive guide breaks down Cleaner / Housekeeper salary in Boston for 2026, including average earnings, experience levels, job trends, benefits, and comparisons with nearby cities.
Average Salary for Cleaners & Housekeepers in Boston
Salaries in Boston vary depending on job title (cleaner vs housekeeper), employer, and experience. Broadly, cleaning roles in Boston tend to pay above national averages due to the city’s higher living costs.
Typical Salary Ranges
| Job Title | Average Pay | Hourly Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaner (General) | ~$19.06/hour | ~$39,650/year (est) |
| Housekeeper (Hourly-based) | ~$22.99/hour | ~$47,800/year (based on full time) |
| Housekeeper (Salary Average) | ~$34,505/year (~$17/hr) | ~$17/hour typical |
| Live-In Housekeeper (Annual) | ~$31,195/year (~$15/hr) | ~$15/hour typical |
Note: Salary figures can differ depending on data source, job duties, and whether the role includes full-time hours.
Salary by Job Type and Setting
Cleaners
Cleaners typically focus on general cleaning tasks in commercial, retail, or institutional environments. These roles may involve sweeping, mopping, sanitising surfaces, waste removal, and basic custodial duties.
Average hourly wage: ~$19.06 in Boston, MA – about 12% above national average.
Range: ~$15 to ~$42.90 per hour, depending on employer and experience.
Housekeepers
Housekeepers often work in residential or hospitality environments, performing detailed cleaning, room preparation, laundry tasks, and sometimes light organisational duties.
Hourly-based housekeeper roles can average around $22.99 per hour.
Annual salary estimates vary – some data shows a typical range of about $32,120 to $37,532 for many housekeepers.
Live-in roles, which include accommodation as part of compensation, average around $31,195 annually.
Factors That Influence Cleaner / Housekeeper Earnings
Several key factors impact how much cleaners and housekeepers earn in Boston:
Experience Level: More experienced professionals often command better pay rates.
Work Setting: Housekeepers in high-end hotels or private residences often earn more.
Full-Time vs Part-Time: Full-time roles typically offer steadier income and possibly benefits.
Union or Contract Agreements: In some institutional settings (e.g., janitorial unions), wage scales can be higher.
Employer Type: Hospitals, luxury hotels, or commercial cleaning companies may offer higher wages.
Salary by Experience
While detailed experience-based breakdowns aren’t available in all sources, the general trend in Boston and similar urban markets usually looks like this:
Entry-Level (0–2 Years)
Often start near minimum wage or slightly above, especially for general cleaning and housekeeping.
Typical range: $15 – $18 per hour or $30,000 – $38,000 annually (depending on full-time work).
Mid-Level (3–6 Years)
Workers with experience can negotiate higher hourly rates or consistent schedules.
Hourly pay often $18 – $24/hour or roughly $38,000 – $50,000/year.
Senior or Specialist Roles
Advanced roles (e.g., housekeeping supervisors, team leads) can earn more.
Some employers report housekeeping managers or similar supervision roles at $45,000 – $67,000+.
Job Market Trends in Boston (2026)
Boston’s labor market for cleaners and housekeepers remains strong due to:
Robust hospitality industry: Hotels, short-term rental services, and healthcare facilities all need cleaning staff.
High population density: Residential cleaning services are in demand from busy households and rental properties.
Post-pandemic emphasis on cleanliness: Businesses continue hiring cleaning professionals to ensure sanitary environments.
According to recent job aggregator data, cleaning and housekeeping roles in Boston often exceed the state average pay for similar positions, indicating above-average demand and compensation trends.
Benefits and Perks
Cleaners and housekeepers may receive a range of benefits, particularly in full-time positions:
Health insurance and paid time off in larger companies or unionized settings
Flexible schedules for part-time work
Training and development opportunities
Overtime or shift differentials for evening/weekend work
Benefit availability often improves with seniority and employer size.
Boston vs. Other Cities
Here is how cleaner and housekeeper pay in Boston compares with some other cities in Massachusetts:
| Location | Average Hourly Wage | Typical Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | ~$19.06 – $22.99+ | ~$40,000 – ~$48,000+ |
| Massachusetts State | ~$16/hour typical | ~$33,670/year |
| Nearby City (Cambridge) | ~$27.58/hour | ~$57,350/year est |
Boston generally offers higher compensation than the Massachusetts state average for cleaning roles, reflecting higher living costs and stronger labor demand.
Job Outlook for Cleaners & Housekeepers
Employment prospects for cleaners and housekeepers in Boston remain positive:
Ongoing demand in hospitality, healthcare, residential cleaning services, and commercial facilities.
Growth in short-term rentals and property management increases part-time and flexible opportunities.
Some supervisory and managerial paths exist for experienced professionals seeking higher pay and career development.
Tips for Increasing Earnings
Here are ways cleaners and housekeepers can boost their income:
Gain experience and aim for consistent full-time hours.
Pursue supervisory or lead cleaning roles.
Specialize in sectors like healthcare cleaning or luxury hospitality standards.
Consider unionized or contract positions where wage scales are set.
Conclusion
The Cleaner / Housekeeper salary in Boston, MA for 2026 reflects a competitive job market with above-average wages compared to statewide figures. With average hourly earnings often in the $19–$23+ range and annual salaries varying with experience and role, this profession offers stable employment and the potential for career growth—especially in supervisory positions or specialized cleaning sectors.
For professionals entering the field or negotiating pay, focusing on experience-building, skills development, and opportunities in higher-paying sectors can lead to higher earnings and greater job security.