Cleaners and housekeepers play an essential role in maintaining hygienic, comfortable environments across homes, hotels, offices, and healthcare facilities. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, demand for cleaning professionals remains steady as businesses and households seek reliable service. This guide provides an in‑depth look at cleaner and housekeeper salaries in Milwaukee in 2026, including pay ranges, experience‑based earnings, factors that influence income, job market trends, benefits, and comparisons with nearby cities.
Average Salary Overview
In Milwaukee, cleaner and housekeeper earnings vary depending on job type, responsibilities, and experience level.
Cleaner / Housekeeper Average Pay (2026)
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaner / Housekeeper (Wisconsin average) | $29,806 | $14/hr |
| Housekeeper (Milwaukee specific) | ~$30,972 | $15/hr |
| Cleaner (Indeed data) | ~$16.73/hr | ~– |
| Housekeeper (Indeed data) | ~$15.59/hr | ~– |
👉 Typical range for most Milwaukee cleaners/housekeepers: $27,000–$36,000 per year based on full‑time work, with hourly pay roughly $14–$17/hr depending on employer and duties.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience can influence pay, though this field often has relatively modest range increases compared with highly technical professions.
Entry‑Level (0–2 Years)
Usually performing basic cleaning tasks under supervision
Focus on dusting, vacuuming, trash removal, and general tidying
Typical pay: $12–$14/hr or $26,000–$29,000 annually
Mid‑Level (3–5 Years)
More efficient workflow, trusted with additional responsibilities
May clean larger spaces or fast‑paced environments like hotels
Typical pay: $14–$16/hr or roughly $29,000–$33,000 annually
Senior / Experienced (6+ Years)
Can oversee teams, train newer staff, or take lead roles in larger facilities
Pay at upper range: $16–$18/hr or $33,000–$36,000+
Some local area data suggests higher median earnings (e.g., $17.94/hr average in the Milwaukee‑Waukesha metro area) for maids and housekeeping cleaners, especially where performance leads to premium pay.
Factors That Influence Earnings
Several key variables affect how much a cleaner or housekeeper earns:
1. Work Environment
Hotels, healthcare facilities, and corporate offices may offer standardized pay and benefits
Independent contractors or gig work might command higher hourly rates but lack benefits
2. Experience and Reliability
Employers value punctuality, thoroughness, and reliability — traits that can lead to raises or more hours
3. Type of Cleaning
Standard housekeeping vs. deep cleaning or specialized sanitation can affect pay rates
4. Tips and Bonuses
In some environments (e.g., private homes or hospitality venues), tips can add to base pay, though this varies widely
5. Part‑Time vs. Full‑Time
Many slots are part‑time; full‑time positions may offer more stability and benefits
Job Market Trends in Milwaukee
The cleaning and housekeeping sectors in Milwaukee remain active for several reasons:
Steady Demand in Hospitality & Healthcare: Hotels, senior living communities, and medical centers require consistent cleaner staffing.
Commercial Cleaning Contracts: Businesses and office buildings often hire crews or services.
Residential Cleaning Needs: As more households hire help, demand for housekeepers has grown alongside general service gig jobs.
Maintenance Standards Post‑Pandemic: Higher sanitation standards continue to influence hiring.
Trend Outlook: The job market for cleaners and housekeepers in Milwaukee is stable with modest growth projected. Skilled workers with reliable follow‑through and attention to detail remain in demand.
Benefits and Job Perks
While salaries can be modest, many employer‑based roles include benefits:
Health insurance (full‑time positions)
Paid time off
Retirement contributions
Overtime pay
Performance bonuses
Flexible scheduling options
Independent cleaners may enjoy greater flexibility and higher hourly rates, but often without employer benefits.
Education, Skills, and Career Enhancers
Most cleaning and housekeeping positions do not require formal education beyond a high school diploma or GED. However, specific skills and certifications can help:
Valuable Skills & Certifications
OSHA safety training
Infection control / sanitation certifications
Customer service excellence
Time management and efficiency
Team leadership experience
Employers sometimes value formal training in sanitation protocols, especially in healthcare or specialized facilities.
Comparing Salaries with Nearby Cities
To understand how Milwaukee stacks up, here’s a comparison:
| City / Metro Area | Approx. Cleaner / Housekeeper Pay |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI | ~$14–$17/hr (~$28k–$36k/year) |
| Madison, WI | Generally slightly higher, around $15–$18/hr |
| Green Bay, WI | ~$15–$16/hr |
| Chicago, IL | ~$15–$18/hr (larger metro may pay more) |
| Minneapolis, MN | ~$15–$18/hr |
Notes: Local cost of living and demand trends influence rates — Milwaukee’s pay tends to be competitive for the Wisconsin market.
Career Path and Growth Opportunities
Cleaners and housekeepers can progress through roles based on experience:
Cleaner / Housekeeper
Lead Cleaner / Team Lead
Housekeeping Supervisor
Facilities Cleaner / Janitorial Management
Specialized Sanitation Technician
Advancing into supervisory or management roles typically brings higher compensation and additional responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
The Cleaner / Housekeeper salary in Milwaukee, WI for 2026 reflects a consistent demand for dependable workers in both residential and commercial environments. While base salaries are modest, reliable performance, specialized skills, and expanded responsibilities can drive earnings higher. Comparing with the broader Wisconsin average, Milwaukee remains a viable location for those pursuing careers as cleaners or housekeepers, especially with opportunities for career advancement and steady work.