How Much Do Private Housekeepers Make? Here's What You Need to Know

Are you considering a career as a private housekeeper? Or perhaps you're just curious about the earning potential of this profession. Either way, you're in the right place!

In this blog post, we'll be taking a closer look at the ins and outs of private housekeeper pay. We'll delve into the various factors that can impact a private housekeeper's salary, as well as the average earnings for this profession.

We'll also explore the benefits and challenges of being a private housekeeper, and offer tips on how to break into this field and earn a good wage. So dust off your cleaning supplies and let's get started!

The Average Earnings of a Private Housekeeper

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary for housekeeping and maid services is $34381. However, this figure represents the average yearly salary for all housekeeping and maid services workers, including those who work for larger cleaning companies and hotels, as well as private housekeepers who work for individual homeowners or small agencies.

Private housekeepers who work for individuals or small agencies may earn more or less than this figure depending on a variety of factors, including their location, experience, education, and the size of the household they work for.

It is always a good idea to negotiate a fair wage with your clients based on your skills and experience, as well as the specific tasks and responsibilities involved in the job.

What Factors Affect a Private Housekeeper's Salary?

When it comes to determining a private housekeeper's salary, there are a number of factors at play. Here's a closer look at some of the most influential:

Location

Where you live can have a big impact on your salary as a private housekeeper. For example, if you work in a city with a high cost of living, you may be able to command a higher wage than if you worked in a rural area with a lower cost of living.

This is because your clients will need to pay more to cover their own living expenses, and they may be willing to pay a higher wage to attract and retain quality talent.

Experience

As with any profession, the more experience you have as a private housekeeper, the more valuable you may be to your clients. This is especially true if you have a track record of providing excellent service and keeping your clients' homes in top-notch condition.

With experience comes the ability to tackle tougher cleaning tasks and handle unexpected challenges that may come up on the job. As a result, you may be able to negotiate a higher wage with your clients.

Education

While a formal education is not necessarily required to become a private housekeeper, it can certainly help you stand out from the competition. If you have a degree or certification in housekeeping or a related field, your clients may be more likely to view you as a highly skilled and qualified professional, which could translate into a higher salary.

Type of employer

The type of employer you work for can also affect your salary as a private housekeeper. If you work for an individual homeowner, you may be able to negotiate a higher wage than if you worked for a larger cleaning company or agency. This is because larger companies often have more overhead costs and may not be able to offer as high a wage to their employees.

Size of the household

Finally, the size of the household you work for can also impact your salary. If you work for a large household with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and other spaces to clean, you may be able to negotiate a higher wage to reflect the increased workload. On the other hand, if you work for a smaller household with fewer cleaning tasks, your wage may be lower.

As you can see, the salary of a private housekeeper is influenced by a variety of factors. By considering these factors and negotiating a fair wage with your clients, you can ensure that you are fairly compensated for your hard work and dedication to keeping their homes clean and organized.

What Benefits do Private Housekeepers Typically Receive?

As a private housekeeper, you play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of homes and businesses. And while the satisfaction of a job well done is certainly its own reward, it's also nice to receive some additional benefits for your hard work.

So, what benefits can you expect as a private housekeeper?

Health insurance

Some private housekeepers may receive health insurance as a benefit from their employer. This can be especially important if you work for an individual homeowner or small agency, as these types of employers may not offer the same level of benefits as larger companies. Be sure to ask about health insurance when negotiating your salary and benefits with your clients.

Paid time off

Depending on your employer, you may also be entitled to paid time off for vacation, sick days, and other personal days. This can be a valuable benefit, as it allows you to take time off to rest and recharge without sacrificing your income.

Retirement savings

Some private housekeepers may also receive retirement savings benefits, such as a 401(k) plan or a pension. This can be a great way to save for the future and ensure that you have a financial cushion in your later years.

Of course, not all private housekeepers will receive these benefits. Some may be classified as independent contractors rather than employees, which means they are not entitled to the same benefits as those who are classified as employees. In these cases, it may be up to the private housekeeper to provide their own benefits, such as health insurance and retirement savings.

In addition to these traditional benefits, offering residential disinfecting services as an additional service to your clients can be a great way to increase your income and provide an even greater level of value to your clients.

What are the Risks and Challenges of Being a Private Housekeeper?

Being a private housekeeper can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it's not without its risks and challenges. Here's a closer look at some of the potential risks and challenges you may face as a private housekeeper:

Physical demands

Housekeeping can be physically demanding, as it involves tasks such as lifting, bending, and standing for long periods of time. This can be especially challenging if you have a preexisting physical condition or if you work for a large household with many cleaning tasks to complete.

Lack of job security

Private housekeepers may not have the same job security as those working for larger cleaning companies or hotels. If you work for an individual homeowner, your job may be at risk if your client moves or decides to hire a different housekeeper.

Risk of injury

Housekeeping tasks such as using cleaning chemicals and operating heavy equipment can carry a risk of injury. It's important to follow proper safety procedures and use caution when completing these tasks to avoid accidents.

Privacy concerns

As a private housekeeper, you may be privy to your clients' personal information and possessions. It's important to maintain confidentiality and respect your clients' privacy at all times.

Managing expectations

Finally, it's important to manage your clients' expectations and ensure that you are clear about what tasks are included in your job and what may be outside the scope of your responsibilities. This can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your work.

Overall, being a private housekeeper can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it's important to be aware of the risks and challenges that come with the job. By taking proper precautions and communicating clearly with your clients, you can minimize these risks and enjoy a successful and satisfying career as a private housekeeper.

Wrap Up!

We hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of the earning potential and job responsibilities of private housekeepers. Whether you're just starting out in this field or you're an experienced pro, there are always ways to increase your income and add value for your clients.

One way to do this is by offering additional services such as residential disinfecting services. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased demand for thorough cleaning and disinfection in homes and businesses. By adding this service to your list of offerings, you can potentially increase your income and provide an even greater level of value to your clients.

So, if you're ready to take your career as a private housekeeper to the next level, consider adding residential disinfecting services to your repertoire. And who knows – you may just find yourself scrubbing your way to a higher wage and a more fulfilling career.