If you’re considering a career in cleaning or housekeeping in Kansas City, Missouri in 2026, you’re looking at a role with steady demand and competitive pay relative to the cost of living. These positions are essential across hospitality, healthcare, residential, and commercial sectors, offering flexible entry points and opportunities for growth.
In this article, we’ll break down the salary landscape for Cleaners and Housekeepers in Kansas City, how experience affects earnings, what factors influence pay, job market trends, benefits, and how salaries compare to nearby cities.
Average Cleaner & Housekeeper Salary in Kansas City, MO
Pay in cleaning roles varies based on job type (general cleaner, housekeeper, hotel cleaner), experience, and employer type.
Typical Salary Range (2026 Estimates)
| Role | Average Pay | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Housekeeper | ~$30,000–$32,000/year | ~$14–$15/hr |
| Cleaner | ~$35,000/year (broad housekeeping category) | ~$17–$18/hr |
| Hotel Housekeeper | ~$29,000/year | ~$14/hr |
| Live‑In Housekeeper | ~$27,000/year | ~$13/hr |
Overall average: Around $30,000–$35,000 annually depending on duties, experience, and employer.
Salary by Experience Level
Naturally, earnings tend to rise with experience, specialized skills, and added responsibilities:
Entry‑Level (0–2 Years)
Typically performs basic cleaning tasks
Hourly wage around $13–$15/hr
Annual pay ~$26,000–$30,000
Mid‑Level (3–5 Years)
More autonomous work, trusted with a wider range of tasks
Hourly pay ~$15–$18/hr
Annual pay ~$30,000–$37,000
Senior / Skilled Cleaner (6+ Years)
May include supervisory duties or specialized cleaning (e.g., hospitals)
Hourly pay can exceed $18/hr
Salaries ~$37,000+
What Influences Cleaner & Housekeeper Earnings
Several key factors affect how much you can earn in Kansas City:
1. Job Setting
Hotels and upscale venues often pay at or slightly above average due to higher standards.
Healthcare facilities may offer higher pay for environmental services roles.
2. Experience & Responsibilities
Greater skill tends to translate to higher wages, especially for lead roles or specialized duties like floor care or infection control.
3. Type of Employer
Large institutions (hospitals, major hotels) often provide more structured pay scales and benefits than small private cleaning services.
4. Shift & Hours
Night shifts or weekend work sometimes pay a premium, though this varies by employer.
5. Independent vs. Agency Work
Independent cleaners charging hourly for private homes sometimes earn more per hour directly from clients than institutional wages, though benefits may be lower.
Job Market Trends in Kansas City
Growth in Cleaning & Housekeeping Work
Demand for cleaners and housekeepers remains steady through 2026 due to:
Ongoing hotel and hospitality operations
Healthcare facility sanitation needs
Increased emphasis on cleanliness post‑pandemic
Residential cleaning services growing with busy lifestyles
According to employment surveys, maids and housekeeping cleaners are projected to grow in demand nationally, reflecting similar demand in Kansas City.
Benefits Beyond Salary
Although earnings can vary, many positions include additional perks:
Flexible schedules (part‑time and full‑time roles)
Weekly pay through many cleaning services
Opportunity for tips (especially in private home or upscale hospitality settings)
Paid time off & holidays with larger employers
Training opportunities to advance into supervisory or specialized roles
Education & Skills That May Increase Pay
Cleaning and housekeeping jobs generally do not require formal degrees, but relevant skills and certifications can make candidates more competitive and potentially increase wages:
Helpful Skills & Certifications
Knowledge of safe cleaning chemicals and protocols
Infection control or sanitation training
Customer service and communication
Supervisory or team‑lead experience
These skills often matter most in healthcare or hospitality settings where standards are high.
Full‑Time vs Part‑Time: How Hours Affect Pay
| Work Type | Typical Weekly Hours | Effect on Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Part‑Time | 10–29 hrs | Lower overall salary but flexible |
| Full‑Time | 30–40+ hrs | Higher consistent income |
| Overtime/Bonus | Variable | Increased earnings |
Those working full‑time naturally earn more annually, and many employers offer overtime pay or bonuses during peak seasons.
Cleaner & Housekeeper Salary in Nearby Cities
Comparing Kansas City to nearby markets gives context to local pay:
| City | Average Hourly Pay | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | ~$15–$18/hr | ~$30,000–$35,000 |
| St. Louis, MO | ~$16+/hr | Similar or slightly higher regionally |
| Columbia, MO | ~$17–$19/hr | Comparable range |
| Nearby KS side (KC, KS) | ~$15/hr | ~$30,000+ |
While the exact numbers vary by role and setting, cleaning and housekeeping wages in Kansas City are competitive with many similar Midwest cities.
Summary: What to Expect in 2026
Average pay: Around $30,000–$35,000 per year depending on role and experience.
Hourly range: Approximately $13–$18+ per hour.
Growth: Job demand remains steady with opportunities in hospitality, healthcare, and private services.
Advancement: Skills, reliability, and specialization can lead to higher pay or supervisory positions.
Final Thoughts
A career as a Cleaner or Housekeeper in Kansas City, MO in 2026 offers stable, accessible work with competitive hourly wages and flexibility. While entry‑level roles provide a reliable starting point, gaining experience and building specialized skills can boost earnings and open doors to supervisory or more specialized positions.
Whether you’re entering the workforce, seeking flexible schedules, or exploring hospitality and healthcare opportunities, cleaning and housekeeping roles remain a valuable part of the Kansas City job market.