The cleaning and housekeeping sector in Memphis, Tennessee plays a vital role in hospitality, healthcare, commercial facilities, and residential services. Whether you’re considering a career as a cleaner or housekeeper—or hiring staff—understanding the salary landscape in 2026 helps you make informed decisions. This guide provides detailed and practical insights into cleaner/housekeeper salaries in Memphis, TN, factors that influence earnings, experience-based pay scales, job market trends, benefits, and comparisons with nearby cities.
Average Cleaner & Housekeeper Salary in Memphis, TN
Hourly wages for cleaners and housekeepers in Memphis are generally slightly below national averages, reflecting local cost of living and job market conditions.
Average Pay Rates
| Role | Average Hourly Rate | Approx. Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaner | ~$13.40/hour | ~$27,900/year (based on ~2080 hrs) |
| Housekeeper | ~$12.94/hour | ~$26,900/year (common estimate) |
| House Cleaner (wider sample) | ~$20.95/hour | ~$43,600/year |
| Housekeeper (Salary.com data) | ~$28,981/year | ~$14/hour |
👉 Pay can vary significantly by employer type, location, hours, and duties.
Salary by Experience
Experience often translates into higher pay as cleaners and housekeepers refine skills, work independently, or move into supervisory roles.
Cleaner / Housekeeper Pay by Experience
| Experience Level | Typical Hourly Wage | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $12.00 – $14.00 | $25,000 – $29,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $14.00 – $17.00 | $29,000 – $35,000 |
| Senior / Skilled (6+ yrs) | $17.00 – $20.00+ | $35,000 – $42,000+ |
Some hospitality or healthcare employers report housekeeper roles closer to $22/hour for experienced staff.
Factors That Influence Cleaner & Housekeeper Earnings
Several variables affect overall pay:
1. Employer Sector
Hotels & Resorts: Often have more structured pay and benefits.
Healthcare Facilities: May offer higher base wages due to sanitation standards.
Commercial Cleaning Contracts: Can include both hourly and contract-based rates.
Residential Cleaning: Often less standardized; rates can fluctuate widely depending on client agreement.
2. Experience & Skills
Veteran cleaners may take on more responsibilities, such as specialized cleaning (carpets, medical facilities), which can command higher wages.
3. Certifications & Training
While not always required, training in professional cleaning standards, infection control, or commercial sanitation protocols can help secure higher-paying positions.
4. Shift Schedules
Night or weekend shifts may pay premium wages, especially in hospitality or hospital settings.
5. Independent vs Employed
Independent cleaners (self-employed) may negotiate higher hourly rates, though they typically do not receive benefits.
Job Market Trends in Memphis
The demand for cleaners and housekeepers in Memphis remains steady and growing thanks to the city’s substantial healthcare, hospitality, and commercial sectors.
Key Trends
Steady Hospitality Demand: Memphis’s hotels and convention centers require constant housekeeping support.
Healthcare Sanitation Growth: Hospitals and clinics emphasize cleanliness and infection control.
Commercial Contracts: Cleaning companies continue to bid for corporate and facility contracts.
Residential Cleaning Services: Growing homeowner interest in regular cleaning support.
Overall job openings in cleaning roles continue across industries in the area, offering full-time and part-time opportunities.
Benefits of Being a Cleaner / Housekeeper in Memphis
While many positions are hourly and may not include extensive benefits, there are perks depending on the employer:
Common Benefits
Health insurance (for full-time roles)
Paid time off and holidays
Flexible scheduling
Training opportunities
Professional growth into supervisory or specialized cleaning roles
Unionized or larger hospitality employers may offer more structured benefit packages.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Cleaner / Housekeeper
If you’re working in cleaning or housekeeping and want to boost your pay, consider:
Gaining experience across diverse settings
Acquiring certifications in sanitation or specialty cleaning
Moving into supervisory or team lead roles
Offering specialized cleaning services (e.g., carpets, post-construction cleaning)
Negotiating rates for independent or contract work
Networking with hospitality managers and cleaning service companies can also open doors to higher-paying positions.
Cleaners & Housekeepers: Memphis vs Nearby Cities
| City | Typical Hourly Wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN | ~$12.94 – $15.93 | Core market for hospitality & healthcare jobs |
| Nashville, TN | ~$17+ | Generally higher due to tourism demand |
| Pigeon Forge, TN | ~$19+ | Higher pay driven by tourism & hospitality |
| Chattanooga, TN (for cleaners) | ~$20/hour | Nearby city where cleaners can earn more |
| State Average (Tennessee) | ~$14/hour | Comparable to Memphis overall |
Memphis’s pay rates tend to be competitive regionally but are below larger or tourist-driven TN cities.
Job Outlook for 2026
The outlook for cleaners and housekeepers remains stable and promising throughout 2026:
Growth Drivers
Continued activity in hospitality and healthcare
Expansion of corporate and retail spaces needing sanitation services
Ongoing residential demand for cleaning support
With consistent demand and varied work environments, opportunities abound for both entry-level workers and those seeking advancement.
Typical Job Responsibilities
Cleaners and housekeepers may be responsible for:
Dusting, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming
Sanitising bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens
Restocking supplies and reporting maintenance needs
Ensuring compliance with cleanliness and safety standards
Handling laundry and linen services in hospitality settings
Final Thoughts
The cleaner and housekeeper salary landscape in Memphis, TN in 2026 offers a range of opportunities, with wages influenced by sector, experience, and specific job duties. While average pay rates in Memphis are below some national and state peers, the city’s healthcare and hospitality sectors provide stable employment with growth potential. By gaining experience, developing specialized skills, and exploring supervisory roles, cleaners and housekeepers can enhance their earnings and career stability.