Whether you’re exploring a career in cleaning and housekeeping or planning to relocate to Cardiff, Wales, knowing how much you can earn in 2026 is essential. This guide provides detailed insights into Cleaner / Housekeeper salaries in Cardiff, how experience and roles influence pay, job market trends, benefits, and comparisons with related cities to give you real value and a clear picture of this profession’s earning potential.
📊 Average Salary Overview (2026)
Cleaners and housekeepers in Cardiff can expect a range of wages depending on the exact role, experience, sector (e.g., domestic, commercial, hotel), and employment type.
⭐ Typical Pay Rates
| Job Title | Average Hourly | Annual Salary Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Housekeeper (general) | ~£12.56/hr | £24,000 – £26,000* |
| House Cleaner (CF24 area) | ~£13.83/hr | £27,000 – £29,000* |
| Cleaner / Housekeeper (yearly role) | – | ~£24,470* |
| Domestic Cleaner (Glassdoor) | – | ~£19,434* |
| Hotel Housekeeper (Salary.com data) | ~£11/hr | £22,039 – £25,120* |
* Annual estimates are approximate based on typical full‑time hours (35–40/week).
🧠 Key Salary Insights
Hourly rates generally cluster around £12–£14 per hour, with slight variation by role, location inside Cardiff, and employer type.
Annual earnings for full‑time roles (39 hours/week) typically fall around £22,000–£26,000, though domestic and part‑time cleaner jobs may be lower.
💼 Salary by Experience Level
Experience and responsibility level significantly impact earnings. Here’s a general breakdown expected in Cardiff:
| Experience Level | Typical Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level / New Cleaner | Around £11–£12/hr (~£20K–£23K/yr) |
| Mid‑Level Cleaner / Housekeeper | ~£12–£14/hr (~£24K–£28K/yr) |
| Experienced / Specialized | £14+/hr or higher (varies by employer) |
Why experience matters: With more experience, you better understand efficient cleaning processes, specialized sanitation protocols, and customer expectations — making you more valuable to hotels, healthcare facilities, and private households.
🧩 Factors That Influence Cleaner / Housekeeper Earnings
Several factors can affect how much you earn in Cardiff:
🔹 Type of Employer
Hotels & Hospitality: Often have structured pay and benefits but sometimes lower hourly rates for entry positions.
Healthcare & Care Homes: May offer higher relative pay due to hygiene standards and training requirements.
Domestic Cleaning Services: Pay can vary widely and may be higher for private contracts.
🔹 Job Responsibilities
Jobs that involve more duties — like deep cleaning, inventory management, or supervising others — tend to pay more than basic cleaning roles.
🔹 Skills and Certifications
While formal education isn’t mandatory, health and safety training, COSHH compliance, or advanced cleaning certificates can make you more competitive and help you command higher wages.
🔹 Hours and Contract Type
Full‑time roles generally pay more annually due to consistent hours.
Part‑time or zero‑hour contracts offer flexibility but may lead to lower total earnings.
📈 Job Market Trends in Cardiff
The cleaning industry in Cardiff is expected to remain stable through 2026 with consistent demand due to:
Tourism Growth: Cardiff’s hotels and B&Bs require regular housekeeping services.
Healthcare Demand: Hospitals and care homes need professional cleaners to meet hygiene standards.
Residential Cleaning Services: Busy households increasingly outsource cleaning tasks.
Although wider UK trends show some dissatisfaction with pay among cleaning workers, the profession remains essential and a reliable source of employment.
🌟 Benefits and Perks
Though cleaner and housekeeping jobs vary widely in terms of benefits, many roles in Cardiff offer:
Flexible work schedules
Holiday pay and pension contributions (especially with hospitality or care employers)
Training opportunities
Real world experience that translates well to supervisory or facilities management roles
📚 Certifications & Education That Impact Salary
Even though formal degrees aren’t typical requirements, the following can help:
📌 Useful Certifications
Health & Safety (IOSH) Training
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
Specialised cleaning certifications (infection control)
Such qualifications can set you apart when applying for higher‑paying commercial or healthcare cleaning positions.
📊 Comparison with Nearby UK Cities
Compared to other UK urban areas, Cardiff’s cleaner salaries are generally competitive, though they vary:
| City | Typical Hourly Pay | Annual Full‑Time Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiff | £11–£14/hr | £22K–£28K |
| Bristol | Slightly higher overall due to cost of living (est) | |
| Swansea | ~£12–£13/hr similar to Cardiff | |
| Newport | Around £12.70/hr |
*Annual figures represent rough full‑time equivalents.
📌 Tips to Increase Your Earnings
If you want to maximize pay as a cleaner or housekeeper in Cardiff:
Gain varied experience — hotels, hospitals, commercial offices
Take training courses (hygiene, safety)
Apply for full‑time roles with benefits
Consider supervisory positions when you’re ready
🎯 Final Thoughts
In 2026, cleaners and housekeepers in Cardiff can expect:
Competitive pay around £12–£14 per hour on average, depending on role and experience.
Annual earnings typically between £22,000 and £28,000 for full‑time roles.
Stable employment prospects thanks to demand in hospitality, healthcare, and residential sectors.
Whether you’re just starting in the cleaning profession or looking to advance, Cardiff offers solid opportunities with room to grow, especially if you invest in experience and relevant skills.