Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

O*NET 37-2012.00 · SOC 37-2012

Maid is a solid career choice. Median pay is $36k a year with +0.6% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 175,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+0.6%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$36k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
176k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Change bed linens and make beds in guest rooms each day
  • →Scrub and disinfect bathroom fixtures, floors, and surfaces in rooms
  • →Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors throughout assigned guest rooms
  • →Restock toiletries, towels, and coffee supplies in each room
  • →Report damaged furniture or maintenance issues to the front desk

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

Maid roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Maid? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
Browse courses →
Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
Browse courses →
Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
Browse courses →
LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
Browse courses →

Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.

Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Maid involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningChange bed linens and make beds in guest rooms each day
MiddayScrub and disinfect bathroom fixtures, floors, and surfaces in rooms
AfternoonVacuum carpets and mop hard floors throughout assigned guest rooms

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)6.1
Conventional (Organizers)4.6
Social (Helpers)2.5
Enterprising (Persuaders)1.5
Artistic (Creators)1.4
Investigative (Thinkers)1.0

Who Thrives as Maid?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTJThe InspectorISTPThe CraftspersonESTJThe ExecutiveISFJThe Protector

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Maid Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

Similar Careers

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners+2.2%Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants+3.8%Subway and Streetcar Operators+3.7%Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs+7.1%Crematory Operators+3.1%Taxi Drivers+11.5%Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers+4.3%Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand+1.8%

Explore More Careers

Best Trades & Skilled Labor Careers →Browse all careers →

Job Outlook

Employment of Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners is projected to grow 0.6% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

51/100Elevated disruption risk
  • ·41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·37% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Maid make?

The median Maid earns $36k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Maid jobs?

Our model puts Maid at 51 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 37% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.

Is Maid a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 0.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 175,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Maid?

Most Maid roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a Maid?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Maid career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

Take the assessment →

Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes