Cleaners and housekeepers play a vital role in maintaining homes, hotels, offices, and public spaces. In Indianapolis, IN, this job category remains steady due to demand across hospitality, residential cleaning services, healthcare facilities, and commercial buildings. In this guide, we’ll break down the Cleaner and Housekeeper salary in Indianapolis for 2026, including average earnings, factors impacting pay, salary by experience, job market trends, benefits, education or certifications (where relevant), and comparisons with nearby cities.
Average Cleaner / Housekeeper Salary in Indianapolis
In 2026, salary figures for cleaners and housekeepers in Indianapolis vary depending on the source and job specifics, but all point toward a stable earnings range.
Typical Salary Overview
| Role / Source | Annual Salary (USD) | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Housekeeper (Salary.com) | $30,103 average | ~$14/hr |
| Housekeeper (Indeed estimate) | — | $15.03/hr |
| Housekeeper (Oysterlink listings) | Range $27,600–$54,100 | $17.50/hr avg |
| Housekeeper (Payscale) | — | $10.70–$18.54/hr typical range |
👉 Estimated typical annual range: $28,000–$36,000+ depending on experience, employer, and full‑ vs part‑time work.
Salary by Experience and Role
Experience and responsibility levels directly affect earnings in Indianapolis:
Entry‑Level Cleaners / Housekeepers
Tasks: Basic cleaning, sweeping, mopping, dusting, restroom sanitation
Typical Pay: $11–$15/hr as reported by some sources
Annual Equivalent: $24,000–$30,000
Mid‑Level / Experienced
Tasks: Independent cleaning, laundry duties, stocking supplies, small teams
Typical Pay: $14–$17.50/hr
Annual Equivalent: $30,000–$36,000
Supervisory / Advanced Roles
Example: Assistant Executive Housekeeper — much higher pay (around $68,800 avg) due to management duties, scheduling, and oversight.
Often found in larger hotels, resorts, or healthcare facilities
Factors That Influence Earnings
Several elements can influence how much a cleaner or housekeeper earns in Indianapolis:
1. Employer Type
Hotels and healthcare facilities may pay more than residential cleaning companies.
Larger organizations often offer better benefits and higher hourly rates.
2. Location Within the Region
Downtown Indianapolis or affluent neighborhoods may offer higher pay.
Suburbs sometimes pay slightly less but may offer full‑time roles.
3. Experience and Skills
Reliable attendance, attention to detail, and ability to work independently often lead to raises.
Supervisory skills or experience with specialized cleaning equipment increases value.
4. Job Duties
Roles involving laundry, chemical handling, floor machines, or team leadership may command higher pay.
5. Tips and Incentives
In hospitality settings, tips and bonuses can supplement base wages.
Job Market Trends in Indianapolis (2026)
The job market for cleaners and housekeepers in Indianapolis remains active:
There are dozens of full‑time and part‑time openings across sectors like hotels, hospitals, and commercial cleaning services.
Indianapolis has a steady demand for cleaning professionals due to ongoing hospitality needs, business activity, and residential service demand.
Some sources report positive growth trends in housekeeping and cleaning roles locally.
Benefits Beyond Base Pay
Many employers offer additional benefits that improve overall compensation:
Common Benefits
Flexible scheduling for part‑time roles
Health insurance for full‑time staff
Paid time off and holiday pay
Overtime pay when available
Tips and performance bonuses (especially in hospitality)
These benefits help make housekeeping a reliable option for workers seeking both hourly and salaried positions.
Skills That Help Boost Earnings
While traditional licensing isn’t usually required for housekeepers, certain skills and traits can improve job prospects and pay:
Team supervision and leadership
Experience with commercial cleaning machinery
Knowledge of safety and sanitation standards
Detailed and efficient work habits
Customer service and communication skills
Developing these can lead to higher roles like Lead Cleaner or Assistant Executive Housekeeper with correspondingly higher wages.
Cleaner / Housekeeper Salary Comparison: Nearby Cities
Here’s how Indianapolis compares with other Indiana cities where cleaners and housekeepers are employed:
| Location | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $14–$18+ |
| Carmel, IN | ~$16/hr (reported) |
| Lawrenceburg, IN | ~$14.84/hr |
| Bloomington, IN | ~$14.77/hr |
| South Bend, IN | ~$14.30/hr |
Indianapolis generally offers competitive pay relative to other cities in the state, with slightly higher average hourly rates.
Job Outlook and Demand
Cleaners and housekeepers are essential in many industries, and their demand tends to be steady:
Hospitality (hotels, event venues)
Healthcare (clinics, hospitals)
Residential cleaning companies
Commercial office and retail cleaning
The ongoing need for cleanliness and sanitation—especially in healthcare and public spaces—supports a stable job outlook.
Final Thoughts
The Cleaner / Housekeeper salary in Indianapolis, IN in 2026 reflects a stable and accessible career path for many workers. While average earnings hover around $28,000–$36,000 per year with variations by employer and experience, opportunities exist to grow into supervisory roles with higher pay. With steady demand across multiple industries and potential for tips and benefits, housekeeping remains a reliable choice for individuals seeking flexible and meaningful work.