Houston, Texas, is one of the largest and most diverse cities in the United States, home to thriving hospitality, healthcare, and residential sectors. As a result, there’s consistent demand for cleaners and housekeepers, whether in hotels, hospitals, offices, or private homes. If you’re considering a career in cleaning services or negotiating pay, understanding local salary standards is essential.
This detailed, SEO-friendly 2026 guide covers cleaner/housekeeper salary in Houston, TX, including average pay ranges, factors that influence earnings, experience breakdowns, market trends, benefits, and comparisons with nearby cities.
Average Cleaner & Housekeeper Salary in Houston (2026)
Salary can vary based on specific roles (e.g., housekeeper vs house cleaner), work setting, and experience level.
Typical Salary Overview
| Job Title | Annual Salary (Estimate) | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| House Cleaner (Average) | ~$30,951 | ~$15/hr |
| Housekeeper (Indeed Avg) | $13.81/hr | ~$28,750/yr* |
| Maids & Housekeeping Cleaners | ~$32,738 | ~$15.74/hr |
| Live-in Housekeeper | ~$27,920 | ~$13/hr |
| Housekeeping Supervisor | ~$40,210 | ~$19/hr |
*Note: Hourly rates converted to annual using typical full-time hours; actual pay may vary.
Summary: Most cleaners and housekeepers in Houston earn between $27,000 and $35,000 annually on average, with hourly rates roughly $13–$16/hour depending on role and experience.
Pay by Experience Level
Experience significantly impacts earnings in cleaning roles.
Entry-Level (0–2 Years)
Basic cleaning duties (vacuuming, dusting, bathrooms, floors)
Works under supervision or part of a team
Salary: $12–$15/hour (approx.)
Mid-Level (3–5 Years)
Independent cleaning responsibilities
Some specialized duties (deep cleaning, hotel rooms)
Salary: $15–$17/hour
Senior / Supervisor Roles (6+ Years)
Lead cleaner, housekeeping coordinator, or supervisor
Oversees teams and training
Salary: $18–$20+/hour (higher for management roles)
Factors That Influence Cleaner / Housekeeper Salaries
Several elements affect income potential in cleaning and housekeeping:
Type of employer: Hotels, hospitals, and corporate facilities often pay more than residential gigs.
Experience and reliability: More experienced cleaners with strong references earn higher wages.
Shift types: Night shifts or weekend work can command premium pay.
Skillset: Specialized skills such as carpet care, floor polishing, or handling hazardous cleaning materials can increase pay.
Location within metro area: Some suburbs or premium areas pay more for cleaning services.
Job Market Trends for Cleaning & Housekeeping in Houston
The Houston cleaning and housekeeping job market is steady and shows positive trends:
Strong hospitality sector: Hotels, convention venues, and resorts hire housekeepers year-round.
Healthcare expansion: Hospitals and medical facilities require consistent cleaning services with strict standards.
Residential growth: Large housing market increases demand for private home cleaners.
Outsourcing trend: Many businesses outsource cleaning, creating stable contractor roles.
Despite broader labor challenges, these sectors maintain ongoing opportunities for cleaners and housekeepers throughout 2026.
Benefits of Cleaning & Housekeeping Careers
While base pay is modest compared to some professions, many roles offer benefits:
Flexible schedules suitable for part-time, full-time, or shift work
Opportunity for tips in residential and hospitality settings
Steady work availability across industries
Potential for advancement into supervisory or management roles
Job variety (e.g., hotels, offices, private homes)
Certifications and Training That Can Increase Pay
Though formal credentials aren’t always required, some training can boost earnings:
OSHA safety training — valuable for commercial/industrial cleaning
Specialized floor care and equipment certification
Customer service training — especially for residential/private clients
First-aid or infection control training (healthcare settings)
Investing in skills improves job prospects and pay.
Comparison: Houston vs Other Texas Cities (2026)
Here’s how cleaner/housekeeper pay in Houston compares with nearby cities:
| City | Approx Avg Rate (Hourly) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | ~$13–$16 | Strong market with diverse opportunities |
| Austin, TX | ~$15–$18 | Often pays slightly higher due to cost of living |
| Dallas, TX | ~$14–$17 | Slightly competitive wages |
| San Antonio, TX | ~$13–$15 | Similar to Houston |
| Fort Worth, TX | ~$14–$16 | Consistent with Houston range |
Houston’s pay rates are competitive within Texas but slightly lower than some larger metro areas like Austin.
Typical Career Progression
Entry Roles
Residential cleaner
Hotel room attendant
Janitorial staff
Mid-Level
Lead cleaner
Specialized cleaning technician
Advanced
Housekeeping supervisor
Operations coordinator for cleaning services
With experience and training, cleaners can advance into leadership roles with higher salaries.
Tips to Maximize Earnings
Work peak shifts such as early mornings, weekends, and holidays
Expand skills with certifications relevant to commercial and healthcare cleaning
Build a client base if freelancing — repeat clients can increase hourly income
Negotiate premium pay for deep cleaning or specialized services
Final Thoughts
The cleaner / housekeeper salary in Houston, TX 2026 reflects a stable and accessible career path, especially for those seeking flexible or entry-level work. Average pay typically ranges around $13–$16 per hour or $27,000–$35,000 annually, with higher wages possible in supervisory or specialized roles.