If you’re considering a career as a cleaner or housekeeper in Virginia Beach, VA, understanding the current salary landscape and job outlook can help you make informed decisions. With tourism, hospitality, and residential demand strong in the coastal city, these essential roles offer steady work and entry-level opportunities. This guide covers average salaries, experience-based earnings, influencing factors, job trends, benefits, and comparisons with nearby cities — all tailored to 2026.
Average Cleaner & Housekeeper Salary in Virginia Beach, VA
The compensation for cleaners and housekeepers in Virginia Beach varies by role, experience, and employer type. Overall, these roles provide hourly or annual income suited for entry-level and long-term workers alike.
Typical Salaries (2026)
| Job Title | Average Pay | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Housekeeper (Avg) | ~$31,400 per year | ~$15.10/hr |
| Cleaner (Avg) | ~$29,500 per year | ~$14/hr |
| Housekeeper (Indeed data) | ~$15.25/hr | – |
| Cleaner (Indeed data) | ~$13.29/hr | – |
| Hotel Housekeeper | ~$15.09/hr | – |
Summary: Cleaners and housekeepers in Virginia Beach generally earn around $14–$15+ per hour, with annual equivalents near $29,000–$31,000 based on full-time work. Experienced or specialized roles may earn somewhat more.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience directly affects earning potential, though differences are narrower than in many technical fields.
Estimated Pay by Experience
| Experience Level | Hourly | Annual (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | ~$13–$14 | ~$27,000–$30,000 |
| Mid-Level | ~$14–$16 | ~$30,000–$33,000 |
| Top Earners / Specialized | ~$17+ | ~$36,000+ |
Note: Some job postings or employers offer higher rates (e.g., independent cleaners or vacation rental services) that can exceed the typical range.
Factors That Influence Earnings
Several key aspects impact how much cleaners and housekeepers earn in Virginia Beach:
1. Employer Type
Hotels, resorts, and hospitality chains often pay within the standard range (~$15/hr).
Independent cleaning agencies or specialized services may pay more, especially for residential or commercial clients.
2. Experience & Skills
Experience with commercial cleaning, advanced sanitation, or specialized equipment can boost pay.
Leadership roles (e.g., lead housekeeper or supervisor) earn significantly more.
3. Job Scope
Full housekeeping duties (room setup, deep cleaning, laundry) tend to pay more than basic cleaning tasks.
Supervisory or team lead responsibilities can elevate earnings.
4. Seasonality
Virginia Beach’s tourism season can influence staffing needs and overtime opportunities, particularly for hospitality cleaners.
Job Market Trends in Virginia Beach (2026)
The job market for cleaners and housekeepers in 2026 remains steady, with continuing demand in both residential and hospitality sectors:
Tourism & Hospitality: A major economic driver in Virginia Beach, supporting consistent openings for hotel housekeepers and cleaners.
Property Management Growth: Serves long-term rentals, vacation homes, and commercial properties, increasing opportunities.
Entry-Level Accessibility: These roles are often accessible with minimal prior experience, making them attractive for new job seekers. (Supported by job posting trends showing consistent hiring for entry-level housekeepers in 2026).
Benefits of Being a Cleaner or Housekeeper
While wages for cleaners and housekeepers tend to be at the lower end of the hospitality wage scale, many employers provide meaningful benefits:
Flexible Scheduling: Many cleaning roles offer part-time or shift flexibility.
Full-Time Work Available: Some housekeeping positions come with predictable weekly hours.
On-the-Job Training: Employers often train employees on cleaning protocols and equipment.
Career Advancement: Experienced cleaners may advance to lead housekeeper, supervisor, or team coordinator roles — which can significantly increase earnings.
Education and Certifications
Unlike technical fields, cleaning and housekeeping traditionally require minimal formal education. However, some certifications or training can positively affect wages:
Helpful Credentials
OSHA Safety Training: Shows understanding of workplace safety protocols.
Customer Service Skills: Improves job performance and may lead to supervisory roles.
Specialized Cleaning Certifications: Training in sanitation or infection control may help in healthcare or commercial settings.
These credentials don’t dramatically change base wages but can support career growth, better job placement, and higher-tier positions.
Salary Comparison With Nearby Cities
| City | Avg. Hourly | Avg. Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA | ~$14–$15+ | ~$29,000–$31,400 |
| Norfolk, VA (Nearby) | ~$15.50/hr+ (est) | Slightly higher annual |
| Newport News, VA | ~$17.60/hr+ (est) | Higher annual |
| Richmond, VA (Statewide) | ~Similar range for housekeepers |
In general, neighboring cities such as Newport News and Norfolk may offer slightly higher hourly rates, though Virginia Beach remains competitive within the region.
Job Outlook Through 2026
The demand for cleaners and housekeepers in Virginia Beach is expected to remain steady to slightly positive:
Continued tourism and hospitality demand
Growth in residential service needs
Long-term rental and property management expansion
While large wage increases are unlikely in the short term, job availability remains consistent, especially for dependable workers willing to take on flexible or varied cleaning assignments.
Summary: Key Points
Average salary for cleaners/housekeepers in Virginia Beach (2026) is around $29,000–$31,400 annually, with hourly wages typically $14–$15+.
Experience and employer type influence earnings, with supervisory roles significantly higher.
Demand in hospitality and property services sectors remains stable.
Certification and safety training may improve job prospects.
Becoming a cleaner or housekeeper in Virginia Beach offers a stable entry point into the workforce with opportunities for consistent work, flexible schedules, and career growth in supervisory roles as experience grows.