Cleaning and janitorial work: Our inside look at facility services jobs
If you’re interested in working in hospitality or any related fields, becoming a housekeeper, janitor or laundry attendant is often one of the first steps toward success.
So, what do you need to know about taking housekeeper jobs, janitor jobs and laundry attendant jobs? Our guide has the answer with wage information, expected duties and responsibilities and overall career outlook.
Housekeeper jobs: What you need to know
Is being a housekeeper a good job?
A job as a housekeeper provides a stable source of income and often offers flexible work schedules. Housekeepers who are highly motivated self-starters can use the position as an entry point to build important skills and move on to other hospitality and hotel jobs.
How much does a housekeeper make?
In 2022, the median annual wage for maids and housekeepers was $14.40 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The top-paying states for maids and housekeepers are Hawaii, New York, District of Columbia, California and Massachusetts.
Which states have the most housekeeper jobs available?
The BLS notes that the five states with the highest employment of housekeepers are California, Texas, Florida, New York and North Carolina.
What’s the job outlook for housekeepers?
Employment for housekeepers will show little to no change from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS.
What types of jobs are more likely for a housekeeper to have?
The availability of specific jobs can vary depending on your location. They may include office cleaning jobs, house cleaning jobs and retail cleaning jobs, for example.
What are the duties of a housekeeper?
Housekeepers perform light cleaning duties for a wide range of settings, such as hospitals, hotels and resorts, and private households. These housekeeping duties may include:
- Making beds, replenishing linens and cleaning rooms and halls
- Vacuuming rugs, carpets, draperies and upholstered furniture
- Dusting and polishing furniture and equipment
- Wiping down appliances, cleaning countertops and sanitizing sinks
- Washing windows, walls, ceilings and woodwork
- Ensuring cleaning supplies are stocked and purchasing necessary supplies
- Following safety procedures and using cleaning chemicals properly to ensure a safe working environment
What qualifications do you need to be a housekeeper?
For most housekeeper positions, previous housekeeping experience is preferred. Plus, candidates must be able to bend, reach, balance and lift during each shift.
What skills do you need to be a housekeeper?
Housekeepers need soft skills such as great attention to detail and strong organizational skills. They should strive for perfection and care deeply about creating a seamless customer experience and getting every detail just right. The qualities of a great cleaning worker include being professional, trustworthy and comfortable in any work setting.
Janitor jobs: What you need to know
Is being a janitor a good job?
Great news: Janitorial jobs are always in high demand. Being a janitor also has a variety of benefits, including flexible schedules and no formal education requirements.
How much does a janitor make?
In 2022, the median hourly wage for janitors and building cleaners was $13.98, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here are the median hourly wages for janitors and building cleaners in the top industries in which they worked:
- Government: $19.06
- Elementary and secondary schools; state, local and private: $16.85
- Healthcare and social assistance: $15.67
- Services to buildings and dwellings: $14.47
Which states have the most janitor jobs available?
The BLS notes that the five states with the highest employment of janitors and building cleaners are California, Texas, Florida, New York and North Carolina.
What’s the job outlook for janitors?
Employment for janitors will show little to no change from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS.
What types of jobs are more likely for a janitor to have?
Available jobs for janitors can vary depending on your specific location. They may include office cleaning jobs, school cleaning jobs and hotel cleaning jobs. Other job settings may include event spaces, retail stores, hospitals, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, residential dwellings and commercial buildings.
What skills do you need to be a janitor?
There are similar traits and qualities that come in handy across all janitor jobs — and employers often prefer candidates who have the flexibility to work in a rapidly changing environment.
What qualifications do you need to be a janitor?
For most janitor roles, previous janitorial or custodial experience is preferred. These roles may also require candidates to operate heavy equipment and machinery.
What are the duties of a janitor?
Janitors perform cleaning duties in public areas such as parks, office buildings and schools. Janitor duties may include:
- Cleaning and stocking public restrooms
- Taking out the trash and recycling
- Refilling supplies like toilet paper, paper towels and soap dispensers
- Sweeping, vacuuming and mopping floors in common areas
- Cleaning windows, mirrors and glass surfaces
- Ensuring that equipment — such as heating and cooling systems — is maintained and repaired
- Keeping sidewalks clean and free of debris
- Performing minor maintenance tasks such as fixing small leaks or changing light bulbs
Laundry attendant jobs: What you need to know
Is being a laundry attendant a good job?
Being a laundry attendant definitely has its perks, such as flexible schedules. Hard-working, highly motivated individuals can develop their skills and open new doors to exciting opportunities in the hospitality industry.
How much does a laundry attendant make?
The hourly wage for laundry attendants can vary by region and type of employer. As of May 2022, the median hourly wage for laundry attendants was $13.97. Pay is usually highest in upscale hotels and resorts as well as in major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Which states have the most laundry attendant jobs available?
The BLS notes that the five states with the highest employment of laundry attendants are Texas, California, Florida, New York and Ohio.
What’s the job outlook for laundry attendants?
Employment for laundry attendants will show little to no change from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS.
In what settings will a laundry attendant typically work?
From hotels and resorts to laundromats and hospitals, laundry attendants can work in a variety of settings that require regular laundry service.
What are the duties of a laundry attendant?
Laundry attendants have a variety of duties depending on their work environment. For example, a laundry attendant working at a hotel or resort may operate the onsite laundry facility and ensure that there’s an adequate supply of linens for every room.
Some hotels or resorts may require that these workers look after guest requests or help out with event set up in addition to their regular laundry duties. Some common duties and responsibilities include:
- Operating washing or dry-cleaning machines to wash or dry-clean industrial and household articles
- Receiving clothing from guests and inspecting them for dirt, stains or any special care issues
- Sorting articles by type, color or cleaning care
- Adding cleaning solutions such as laundry detergent or bleach
- Sorting and folding laundry and preparing for pickup by customers
- Cleaning machine filters and requesting maintenance when appropriate
What qualifications do you need to be a laundry attendant?
Because workers receive instructions from supervisors or more experienced team members, these jobs typically require no advanced education. However, some employers prefer candidates with previous experience in dry-cleaning, laundry or housekeeping.
Regardless of their experience level, workers should have general knowledge of laundering products and chemicals along with a strong work ethic and good organization skills. A commitment to safety practices at all times is also essential.
What skills do you need to be a laundry attendant?
Laundry attendants typically don’t need the same skills as frontline, customer-facing hotel and resort staff like concierges, food service workers and parking attendants. However, there are some qualities that ensure you get the job done right.
Laundry attendants must have the physical endurance to lift heavy piles of materials and move around for the majority of the day. They will also need strong attention to detail. After all, they must notice the smallest stains and imperfections so that guests receive the cleanest possible linens and garments.
Just as importantly, laundry attendants should be friendly with a positive attitude so that they can help create a positive guest experience.
Where can I find more information on cleaning jobs?
There are a number of websites and publications that share information and resources about the cleaning industry, including details on cleaning jobs, janitor jobs and laundry attendant jobs. Some examples of these industry websites and publications include Cleaner magazine, Cleaning & Maintenance Management magazine and Facility Cleaning Decisions Management magazine.
PeopleReady connects you with facility services jobs
Facility services jobs like housekeeper, janitor or laundry attendant might be a great fit for you. Whether you’re looking to try a new role or take on some extra work, PeopleReady can connect you with housekeeping, laundry attendant or janitor jobs in your area.
With the help of our website and our app, JobStack, you can apply to jobs 24/7 and choose ones that fit your schedule. Our facility services jobs include:
- Housekeepers
- Janitors
- Laundry attendants
- Building cleaners
- Cleaning crew members
- Custodians
- And more!
We also offer jobs in a wide range of other industries, including retail jobs, hospitality jobs, events jobs, manufacturing jobs and more. If you’re wondering, “Where can I find housekeeper jobs near me?” or “Where can I find janitor jobs near me?” you’re in the right place. Check out our website for the latest jobs available in your area.
