The cleaning and housekeeping industry is an essential backbone of hospitality, residential services, and commercial facilities maintenance in Omaha, Nebraska. As demand for cleaner and housekeeper roles continues to grow in 2026, understanding salary expectations, influencing factors, and job prospects can help job seekers make informed career decisions.
This SEO‑friendly guide breaks down salary ranges for cleaners and housekeepers in Omaha, NE, explains what affects earnings, covers pay by experience, highlights benefits, discusses employment trends, and compares pay with related cities.
Overview: Cleaner and Housekeeper Roles
Housekeepers and cleaners both focus on maintaining clean, comfortable environments, but roles can vary slightly:
Housekeepers often work in hotels, private homes, senior living facilities, or hospitality settings, performing daily dusting, laundry, bathroom cleaning, and room setup.
Cleaners may work across offices, schools, commercial buildings, or residential properties, focusing on deeper cleaning of floors, windows, and shared spaces.
In Omaha, both roles show stable demand as businesses, households, and institutions prioritize cleanliness and hygiene.
Average Salary in Omaha, NE (2026)
Housekeeper Salary
| Pay Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Hourly Wage | ~$16.68/hour |
| Average Annual Salary | ~$29,000–$32,000 |
| Typical Range | $26,000 – $40,000+ |
According to recent job market data, housekeepers in Omaha earn around $16.68 per hour on average, which is slightly higher than the broader Nebraska figure.
Annual earnings typically average approximately $29,000–$32,000, with top earners in certain establishments exceeding this range.
Cleaner Salary
| Pay Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Hourly Wage | ~$18.98/hour (job postings) |
| Estimated Annual Salary | ~$35,000 (local estimate) |
| Common Range | $28,000 – $42,000+ |
Data from recent listings suggests that cleaners often earn higher hourly pay than basic housekeepers, with averages approaching $18.98 per hour for some roles.
Annualized figures from localized surveys show an approximate $35,000 average, though pay can vary widely by employer and responsibility level.
Overall, cleaner roles may command somewhat higher wages than traditional housekeeping, especially in commercial or specialized cleaning settings.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience and skills significantly affect earnings potential in cleaning roles.
Entry Level (0–2 Years)
Basic cleaning tasks, supervised roles
Housekeeper: $26,000–$28,000/year (approx.)
Cleaner: ~$28,000+/year depending on specialization
Mid-Level (3–5 Years)
Greater efficiency and responsibility, potential for janitorial equipment use
Housekeeper: $29,000–$34,000/year
Cleaner: $32,000–$38,000/year
Senior / Specialized (5+ Years)
Team leadership, deep cleaning projects, specialized commercial tasks
Housekeeper earning up to ~$40,000+ annually
Experienced cleaners potentially exceeding $40,000 in certain firms
Experience in specialized cleaning services, knowledge of advanced sanitation procedures, and supervisory duties often correlate with higher salaries.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Several elements impact pay in cleaning and housekeeping jobs:
1. Type of Employer
Hotels, senior living, and healthcare facilities may offer broader benefits.
Corporate cleaning contracts or commercial firms sometimes pay higher hourly rates.
2. Skill Level
Expertise with specialized cleaning equipment or certifications in sanitation procedures can boost earnings.
3. Work Hours
Overtime, weekend shifts, and on‑call cleaning often come with premium pay.
4. Location Within Omaha
Some areas or facilities pay more due to local demand or cost structure.
5. Experience and Leadership
Supervisory experience can elevate pay, especially in team lead roles.
Job Market Trends in Omaha, NE
The cleaning and housekeeping job market in Omaha remains healthy in 2026, with consistent openings across hospitality, healthcare, commercial buildings, and residential services.
Increasing emphasis on sanitation and hygiene standards in public spaces continues to support demand.
Growth in commercial real estate and office maintenance drives demand for skilled cleaners.
Hospitality sector jobs (hotels, resorts, assisted living) often seek reliable housekeepers year‑round.
Despite economic shifts, cleaning and housekeeping remain stable entry‑level career paths with room for progression.
Benefits and Job Perks
While pay is a central focus, many employer settings offer additional benefits:
Health insurance or healthcare stipends (in larger firms)
Paid time off and holiday pay
Flexible part‑time or full‑time schedules
Skill development in sanitation procedures
Company‑provided training in specialized cleaning equipment
Benefits may vary widely by employer, with larger hospitality chains typically offering more structured packages.
Cleaner / Housekeeper Salary Comparison: Other Cities
| City | Avg Hourly Housekeeper | Avg Hourly Cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE | ~$16.68 | ~$18.98 |
| Lincoln, NE | ~$16.13 | ~$18+ |
| Council Bluffs, IA | Similar regional pay | Similar regional pay |
| Des Moines, IA | Slightly higher area averages | Slightly higher |
Housekeeping and cleaning salaries in Omaha are close to statewide Nebraska averages, but cleaners often earn more than traditional housekeepers, especially in commercial environments.
Tips to Increase Earnings
If you’re in or entering this field, consider:
Specialty training in sanitation, industrial cleaning, or equipment use
Certifications related to chemical handling and safety protocols
Experience working in commercial or healthcare environments
Taking on leadership or supervisory responsibilities
These steps can help elevate your salary beyond entry‑level figures.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, Cleaner and Housekeeper jobs in Omaha, NE offer stable, accessible employment with pay that ranges modestly but provides room for growth with experience and specialization. Whether in homes, hotels, offices, or healthcare facilities, these roles remain fundamental to community well‑being and offer opportunities for advancement within the service sector.