Cleaners and housekeepers play a vital role in maintaining homes, offices, hotels, healthcare facilities, and commercial spaces. In Portland, Oregon, this work is essential due to the city’s thriving hospitality, healthcare, and residential sectors. As of 2026, pay for cleaning professionals reflects local demand, cost of living, and varying duties—from standard housekeeping to deep cleaning and specialty services.
This detailed guide covers the Cleaner / Housekeeper salary in Portland, OR, including average wages, experience-based pay, job market trends, factors that influence earnings, benefits, and how Portland compares to nearby cities.
Average Cleaner / Housekeeper Salary in Portland, OR (2026)
In Portland, cleaning professionals’ wages can vary based on the role, employer, and experience. Data generally shows pay is above the national average for similar positions.
Typical Salary Figures
| Job Title | Typical Pay | Pay Type |
|---|---|---|
| Housekeeper | ~$18.89 per hour | Hourly average |
| Housekeeper/Laundry | ~$18.52 per hour | Hourly average |
| House Cleaner | ~$23.81 per hour | Hourly average |
| Full-Time Housekeeper | ~$20.3 per hour (~$42,200/year) | Job board estimate |
| Part-Time Housekeeper | ~$19.3 per hour (~$40,200/year) | Job board estimate |
Summary: Most cleaners and housekeepers in Portland earn approximately $18–$24 per hour depending on duties and employment type. Full-time roles on average can translate to about $40,000–$42,000 annually.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience and skill development influence earnings for cleaners and housekeepers:
Entry-Level (0–2 Years)
Often tasked with basic daily cleaning, sweeping, dusting, and restocking supplies
Typical hourly wage: $15–$18
Annual estimate: $30,000–$35,000
Mid-Level (3–5 Years)
Handles deeper cleaning tasks, efficiency improvements, and may lead small teams
Hourly wage often $18–$21
Annual estimate: $36,000–$43,000
Experienced / Specialized (5+ Years)
Hard surface care, stain removal, client management, scheduling responsibility
Potential for $22–$25+ per hour (especially for house cleaners or niche roles)
Annual estimate: $45,000+ with full-time work
Note: House cleaners, especially those with specialized cleaning skills or commercial experience, tend to earn toward the higher end of the range.
Factors That Influence Cleaner / Housekeeper Earnings
Several elements impact how much a cleaner or housekeeper earns in Portland:
1. Type of Employer
Hotels and resorts may offer structured pay with benefits
Healthcare or corporate facilities often pay higher than residential-only roles
Independent contractors or boutique cleaning services may set their own rates
2. Skills and Specializations
Experience with deep cleaning, carpet and upholstery care, or sanitation standards can boost pay
Knowledge of safe chemical use and infection control is valued
3. Hours & Shifts
Overtime, night shifts, and weekend work often carry premium pay
Part-time roles may pay a slightly higher hourly rate but without benefits
4. Tips & Bonuses
In some luxury or high-service residential settings, tips can supplement income
Bonuses for reliability or performance may be offered by certain employers
5. Location Within the Region
Central Portland positions may pay more than suburbs due to higher demand and cost of living
Nearby cities can vary modestly in pay levels
Portland Job Market Trends (2026)
Portland’s cleaning and housekeeping sector shows steady demand in 2026, supported by:
Hospitality industry growth – hotels, short-term rentals, and tourism expanding cleaning needs
Healthcare facilities needing sanitation support
Residential cleaning services seeing increased interest as busy households seek help
Post-pandemic emphasis on thorough cleanliness standards
Overall employment opportunities remain robust, with both full-time and part-time roles available.
Benefits & Perks Often Included
Many full-time cleaning and housekeeper jobs in Portland offer additional benefits, such as:
Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay
Health and dental insurance (in larger organizations)
Retirement plan contributions
Training in workplace safety and cleaning protocols
Possible travel reimbursement or uniform allowance
Part-time and contract positions may offer more flexible hours but typically fewer traditional benefits.
Comparing Portland with Nearby Cities
Here’s how Portland’s cleaning salaries stack up against selected nearby locations:
| City/Region | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Portland, OR | ~$18.89 (housekeeper average) |
| Salem, OR | ~Similar jobs often slightly lower due to cost of living differences (Oregon averages) |
| Eugene, OR | Comparable mid-to-high 20s for house cleaners |
| Beaverton / Tigard, OR | Slightly higher cleaning wages reported in some roles (~$22–$24) |
| Bend, OR | Sometimes reports higher housekeeping rates (above $20/hr) on smaller sample data |
Takeaway: Portland’s cleaning wages are competitive with other Oregon cities, though specific roles like house cleaners or specialized services tend to push earnings higher than basic housekeeping averages.
Tips to Maximize Earnings in This Field
If you’re aiming to increase income as a cleaner or housekeeper in Portland:
Build specialized skills (deep cleaning, sanitation standards)
Seek roles in commercial or high-end hospitality settings
Consider part-time and full-time mix to boost hours
Explore opportunities with cleaning companies offering performance bonuses
Market yourself for private or boutique cleaning contracts
Conclusion
The Cleaner / Housekeeper salary in Portland, OR for 2026 reflects a solid job market with competitive wages, particularly for experienced professionals and specialized house cleaners. With typical hourly rates ranging roughly from $18–$24 and annual earnings for full-time roles around $40,000+, Portland provides good opportunities in both hospitality and residential cleaning sectors. Demand remains steady, with room for career growth through skills and specialization.