Are you curious about cleaner and housekeeper salaries in Norfolk, Virginia in 2026? Whether you’re exploring a career path or comparing job opportunities, knowing what you can earn and what affects pay is key to making informed decisions. This detailed, SEO-friendly article covers everything from average salary ranges and experience-based pay to job trends, benefits, and education that can impact earnings.
📊 Average Salary Range in Norfolk, VA (2026)
Cleaners and housekeepers in Norfolk typically earn competitive wages for the region, reflecting local cost of living and job demand.
Hourly & Annual Pay Overview
| Role | Typical Hourly Wage | Approx. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaner | ~$14.34/hr | ~$30,500/yr (est.) |
| Housekeeper | ~$15.12/hr | ~$31,400+/yr (est.) |
| House Cleaner (Residential) | ~$18.96/hr | ~$39,500/yr (est.) |
| Hotel Housekeeping | ~$14/hr | ~$28,400/yr |
Key insights:
The average hourly wage for cleaners is ~$14.34.
Housekeepers tend to average slightly higher at ~$15.12.
Specialized house cleaners (often self-employed or agency-based) can earn notably more — near $18.96/hr.
Hotel housekeeping roles average around $14/hr, with experience and employer quality affecting pay.
🧠 Factors That Influence Cleaner & Housekeeper Earnings
Several elements affect what you might earn as a cleaner or housekeeper in Norfolk:
1. Experience Level
Experience is one of the strongest wage drivers. Entry-level workers start toward the lower end of the pay scale, while experience brings efficiency and reliability that employers value.
2. Type of Employer
Hotels & hospitality jobs may pay more during high-demand seasons but also depend on occupancy rates.
Residential cleaners or self-employed house cleaners often set their own rates or earn higher pay per job.
Institutional cleaning (schools, hospitals, offices) may offer stable hours and benefits.
3. Location Within Norfolk
Some neighborhoods or commercial districts, like busy downtown areas or higher-end hotels and properties, may offer higher wages due to demand and cost of living.
4. Certifications & Skills
Certifications don’t always raise base pay, but they can help you stand out. Valuable ones include:
OSHA Safety Training
Infection Control & Sanitation Certifications
Specialized Equipment Operation
These demonstrate professionalism and may allow you to work in more demanding or higher-paying roles.
📈 Salary by Experience Level
Here’s how earnings often scale with experience in Norfolk:
| Experience Level | Typical Hourly | Typical Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | ~$12.40–$14/hr | ~$25,000–$29,000 |
| Mid-Level | ~$14.90–$16/hr | ~$30,000–$33,000 |
| Experienced | ~$18+/hr (especially house cleaner roles) | ~$38,000+ |
More experienced workers often take on larger properties, supervisory cleaning roles, or more complex assignments (e.g., post-construction cleaning).
🔎 Job Market Trends (2026)
The employment landscape for cleaners and housekeepers in Norfolk is steady and offers a variety of opportunities:
Healthcare and institutional cleaning continues to demand trained staff.
Hospitality industry churns steady work through hotels, resorts, and event venues.
Residential services remain popular as busy professionals and families increasingly hire cleaning support.
According to job listings, there are dozens of open positions regularly for housekeeping roles — signaling continuous hiring activity.
🌟 Benefits of Working as a Cleaner / Housekeeper
While compensation is important, many positions also offer:
Flexible work schedules — part-time, full-time, or contract work
Skill development — learn specialized cleaning methods
Potential benefits — especially with larger employers (insurance, paid time off)
Growth opportunities — move into supervisory or specialist roles over time
Some larger companies and hotel chains provide structured benefits packages, making these jobs more competitive and stable.
🎓 Certifications and Education That Impact Salary
Education beyond high school isn’t typically required, but training and certifications can make a difference:
Recommended Certifications
OSHA Workplace Safety
Sanitation & Infection Control
Green Cleaning Techniques
These can position you for better-paying contracts and specialized roles, especially in healthcare or corporate settings.
📍 Comparing Norfolk to Nearby Cities
Here’s how cleaner and housekeeper pay in Norfolk compares with surrounding areas:
| City | Typical Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Norfolk, VA | ~$14–$19/hr (varies by role) |
| Virginia Beach, VA | ~$15+ average (similar market) |
| Williamsburg, VA | ~$16/hr (higher range) |
| Newport News, VA | ~$15.67/hr |
In general, Norfolk’s wages are competitive within southeastern Virginia, with larger nearby cities offering slight pay increases in some roles.
📌 Tips for Boosting Your Earnings
Here are practical strategies to increase income potential:
Gain experience: Employers reward reliability and skill.
Get trained: Certifications make you more marketable.
Specialize: Focus on commercial, medical, or high-end residential cleaning.
Negotiate: Know your worth based on local wage data and trends.
🧾 Summary
In 2026, cleaners and housekeepers in Norfolk, VA can expect:
Average hourly wages generally between $14 and $19, depending on role and experience.
Annual salaries typically ranging from $28,000 to $39,000+ for experienced cleaners.
Steady job demand across hospitality, residential, and institutional sectors.
Benefits and career growth opportunities, especially with certifications and experience.
Whether you are just starting or building a long-term cleaning career, Norfolk presents stable opportunities with real potential for growth and skill development.