As the capital’s service economy continues to grow, so does the demand for cleaning professionals. Washington, DC’s hospitality, residential, and commercial sectors increasingly rely on cleaners and housekeepers, making these roles essential for daily operations in hotels, residences, corporate offices, and care facilities. In this article, we’ll explore the Cleaner and Housekeeper salary in Washington, DC in 2026, including average earnings, factors that influence pay, experience-based salary breakdowns, job market trends, benefits, and comparisons with related cities.
Average Salary Overview
Salaries for cleaners and housekeepers in Washington, DC can vary widely depending on the setting, experience level, and type of employment (e.g., live-in vs. agency). Here’s a comprehensive snapshot of typical earnings in 2026:
Cleaner / Housekeeper Pay in Washington, DC (2026)
| Role / Type | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| General Housekeeper (typical) | ~$34,255 per year | ~$16/hr |
| Full‑Time Housekeeper | ~$34,456 per year | ~$17/hr |
| Live‑In Housekeeper | ~$30,969 per year | ~$15/hr |
| Independent Cleaners (Indeed data) | — | ~$19.54/hr |
| Housekeepers via employers | — | ~$25.46/hr (specific company example) |
Annual averages: Most traditional housekeeper positions in Washington, DC range around $30,000 – $38,000 per year with hourly rates typically between $15 and $18 for employed roles. Independent and contract cleaning professionals tend to report higher hourly wages, sometimes around $20 – $25+ per hour depending on experience and client base.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience significantly impacts earnings for cleaners and housekeepers.
Estimated Breakdown by Years of Experience
| Experience Level | Typical Pay Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry‑Level | $30,000 – $33,000 | Recent hires or apprentices |
| Early Career | $33,000 – $35,000 | 1–3 years experience |
| Mid‑Level | $35,000 – $38,000 | 3–6 years experience |
| Senior / Specialist | $38,000 + | 7+ years or specialized roles |
Salary.com data suggests gradual increases with experience, though the overall range is relatively narrow for standard housekeeper roles.
For live‑in housekeepers, the variation is smaller, but experienced professionals can reach closer to $33,000 – $36,000 annually, offering a predictable salary if room and board are included in compensation.
Factors That Influence Earnings
Several key elements affect cleaner and housekeeper salaries in Washington, DC:
1. Type of Employment
Agency/Hospitality Jobs: Typically pay an hourly wage with possible benefits.
Private / Contract Work: Often pays more per hour but may be without benefits.
Live‑In Roles: Include room and board; salary can be modest but with lower living costs.
2. Experience & Skill Level
More experienced cleaners who manage teams, handle specialized tasks (deep cleaning, commercial facilities, sanitization), or have supervisory responsibilities can command higher wages.
3. Location and Cost of Living
Washington, DC’s high cost of living pushes wages above national averages for cleaning jobs compared with many other U.S. cities.
4. Employer & Sector
Luxury hotels, corporate buildings, private households, and healthcare facilities often pay more than basic residential cleaning gigs. Upscale clients or specialized cleaning requests (e.g., post‑construction, event cleanup) may pay premium rates.
Job Market Trends in Washington, DC
Growing Demand
Hospitality industry expansion: Hotels and hospitality venues often employ large housekeeping teams year‑round.
Residential cleaning services: Busy professionals and high‑income households frequently outsource cleaning.
Commercial contracts: Office buildings and facilities require regular janitorial services.
Washington, DC’s service economy remains robust, meaning demand for cleaning professionals is stable to growing, especially in sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and corporate facilities.
Wage Compliance & Worker Rights
Recent developments in DC highlight the importance of proper wage practices. In 2025, major cleaning firms agreed to pay $215,000 in unpaid overtime to hotel housekeepers after investigations found wage violations, emphasizing enforcement of fair compensation.
Benefits and Non‑Salary Compensation
Many cleaning and housekeeping positions offer benefits that complement base salary:
Common Benefits
Paid time off and holiday pay (more typical in full‑time roles)
Health insurance and retirement plans (in larger companies or union jobs)
Flexible scheduling
Employee training programs
Additional Perks
Tips and gratuities (especially in private or luxury settings)
Performance bonuses
Travel or housing assistance for live‑in positions
Cleaner vs. Housekeeper: Pay Comparison
Roles can differ slightly, though they often overlap:
| Role Type | Common Setting | Typical Pay Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaner | Offices, buildings | Hourly wages (~$19.50/hr) |
| Housekeeper | Hotels, residences | Avg $16–$17/hr (~$34K/yr) |
| Live‑In Housekeeper | Private homes | ~$30,969/yr (~$15/hr) |
Cleaners focusing on commercial or contract jobs often earn slightly higher hourly rates, while traditional housekeeper roles in hospitality and residential services may offer steadier year‑round employment.
Salary Comparisons with Related Cities
To provide context on how Washington, DC’s salaries stack up:
| City | Avg Housekeeper / Cleaner Pay |
|---|---|
| Washington, DC | ~$34,000 – $38,000/yr + $16–$19/hr |
| New York, NY | Slightly higher hourly wages reported (~$25+/hr) |
| Philadelphia, PA | Typically lower than DC (often $14–$18/hr) |
| Baltimore, MD | Comparable or slightly lower cost‑adjusted pay |
| Boston, MA | Higher due to cost of living and demand |
Washington, DC remains one of the stronger markets in the U.S. for these roles in terms of both hourly wages and annual earnings.
Tips to Increase Earnings in Cleaning & Housekeeping
If you’re in the profession or considering a career in cleaning or housekeeping:
Practical Tips
Gain experience in hospitality or commercial facilities.
Build specialized skills, such as deep cleaning, sanitization standards, or floor care techniques.
Work with reputable agencies offering benefits and steady schedules.
Consider independent contracting for higher hourly rates with repeat clients.
Stay updated on local wage laws to ensure fair compensation.
Conclusion
In 2026, cleaners and housekeepers in Washington, DC can expect competitive salaries that reflect the city’s high demand for service professionals and its elevated cost of living. Whether employed full‑time, working independently, or in live‑in roles, individuals in this field earn well above many national averages, with opportunities to increase pay through experience, specialization, and sector choice.
With a stable job outlook and a variety of avenues for growth, cleaner and housekeeping roles remain solid options for individuals seeking entry‑level access to the workforce or long‑term career stability in the DC metropolitan area.