Discover the benefits and find out how you can start right away
Complete Guide: Over 2,000 Housekeeper Jobs in the UK Paying Up to £16 per Hour
Earn up to £16 per hour as a housekeeper: your gateway to a stable income in the UK. With over 2,000 vacancies available, you choose when and where to work. Find out how to apply today!
Here’s what becoming a housekeeper can offer you:
You will remain in the same website
10 minutes that could secure your housekeeper job: real benefits, where to earn more, how to stand out in applications, and tips that work. Check below!
Benefits of working as a housekeeper
Being a housekeeper in the UK offers practical benefits, especially if you’re looking for quick income and flexible working hours. Here are the main advantages:
Immediate income: average pay ranges from £12 to £16 per hour, depending on the region, type of workplace and your experience.
High demand: hotels, guest houses, private homes and cleaning companies are constantly hiring, ensuring quick opportunities for employment.
Flexible hours: you can choose morning, afternoon, or part-time shifts, ideal for balancing with studies or family responsibilities.
On-the-job training: many employers accept beginners, providing hands-on training without requiring previous courses.
Accommodation and meals: some roles in hotels and private homes offer accommodation, helping reduce your cost of living in the UK.
Career progression: the role allows you to grow within the hospitality sector, with real chances of promotion.
Stable work: regardless of the season, there is always demand for qualified housekeepers.
Challenges of working as a housekeeper
It’s important to have a realistic view before starting in this profession. Here are the most common challenges:
Repetitive physical activities: lifting, bending and moving cleaning equipment requires stamina.
Contact with cleaning chemicals: it’s necessary to use gloves and protective equipment to avoid allergies or skin irritation.
Flexible hours may include weekends or holidays: depending on the workplace, you may need to work during public holidays.
Attention to detail: maintaining high standards of cleanliness requires focus, patience and care.
Time pressure: in hotels or places with high turnover, there may be limited time to clean rooms.
Customer interaction: maintaining professionalism even in challenging situations is essential.
Handling unexpected situations, such as broken items or complaints.
With focus, discipline and good organisation, it is possible to overcome these challenges and make the most of the opportunities in this field.
Best sectors for housekeepers in the UK
Choosing the right sector can make a big difference when looking to earn well as a housekeeper. Here are the best sectors, in order of benefit, to help you start practically and securely.
1. Luxury private homes
Working in high-end households is one of the most rewarding options. Wages tend to be higher, typically between £14 and £20 per hour, and many roles offer free accommodation, helping you save on rent.
The routines are organised and personalised in calm environments, involving cleaning, organising wardrobes and taking special care of clothing and items.
Besides good pay, this sector helps build valuable references for future roles.
2. Hospitality (hotels and guest houses)
The hospitality sector has year-round demand, offering stable contracts and opportunities to progress into supervisory and management roles.
Pay typically ranges from £12 to £16 per hour, depending on location and hotel type. Many places provide meals on-site and sometimes accommodation, helping with your adaptation in the UK.
For those looking to build a solid career, hospitality is an excellent choice.
3. Rural properties and boutique hotels
Properties in areas like the Cotswolds and Lake District offer competitive wages and often include accommodation, with a lower cost of living than in big cities.
The pace of work tends to be calmer, with well-defined routines, allowing you to work with peace of mind and a good quality of life. This is ideal for those seeking stability in a quieter environment.
4. Student accommodation and university residences
Working in student housing can offer stability, especially during the start and end of terms when demand for cleaning is highest.
The job involves cleaning rooms and communal areas, with daytime hours and a structured routine, ideal for those seeking stability while keeping weekends free or picking up extra shifts if needed.
5. Contract cleaning companies
These companies hire housekeepers to work in offices, clinics and commercial buildings.
This sector’s main advantage is flexibility, allowing you to manage your own schedule and ensuring consistent income and weekly stability.
For those who prefer working in different locations while maintaining control over their schedule, this is an excellent option.
6. Care homes
Working in care homes combines cleaning and organising tasks with small support activities for residents.
This sector has high demand and offers fixed daytime hours, helping you maintain a balanced routine.
For those seeking stability and considering progressing into care roles in the future, care homes can be a gateway into the care sector.
How to stand out as a housekeeper?
In a competitive market, certain actions can help you secure better housekeeper jobs:
- Take basic online courses in cleaning or hospitality to add to your CV.
- Maintain a professional attitude: punctuality, discretion and personal presentation are key in this sector.
- Request references from previous clients or supervisors, even informal ones.
- Create a simple portfolio with photos (with permission) of your completed work to showcase your attention to detail.
- Improve your English, even to a basic level, to follow instructions and communicate with clients or supervisors.
- Be flexible with your availability if you want more working hours or extra shifts.
- Offer to learn additional tasks like laundry or stock organisation.
- Standing out in the sector increases your chances of securing higher wages and stable employment.
Difference between a housekeeper and a cleaner
Although both roles involve cleaning and organising, there are clear differences:
Housekeeper:
- Works in hotels, guest houses, companies or fixed private homes.
- Follows specific routines with a focus on standardisation and hygiene protocols.
- Usually has a fixed or regular contract with set weekly hours.
- May include extra tasks like laundry or stock organisation.
Cleaner:
- Works in different homes daily without a fixed employer.
- May have more freedom in their schedule but less income stability.
- Focuses on general cleaning without strict hospitality standards.
- Paid per day or per service provided.
- Housekeeper jobs, especially in the UK, offer more stability and opportunities for career progression within the hospitality sector.
Career progression opportunities
Starting in housekeeper roles can be just the first step. Potential progression includes:
Housekeeping Supervisor: managing cleaning teams and organising rotas.
Head Housekeeper: overseeing the entire housekeeping department in hotels or guest houses.
Accommodation Manager: managing the accommodation sector in hotels with increased responsibilities.
Specialising in luxury homes as a live-in housekeeper with higher pay.
Starting your own cleaning services, building a client base.
Moving into administrative areas such as hotel reception or operations management.
Housekeeping offers progression opportunities for those looking to build a stable career within hospitality or services.
Practical tips for promoting yourself and standing out when applying
To improve your chances of securing housekeeper jobs:
- Prepare a clear, organised CV, even with limited experience, highlighting skills like punctuality, attention to detail and willingness to learn.
- Set up email job alerts to apply quickly.
- Request reference letters from previous employers or clients.
- Respond promptly to messages and calls, as this sector often hires quickly.
- Show flexibility with your availability to increase your chances of being hired.
Health and safety tips for housekeepers
To avoid health issues while working as a housekeeper:
- Wear gloves and masks when using chemicals to avoid allergies and skin irritation.
- Keep rooms ventilated while cleaning.
- Take short breaks to stretch arms and legs to prevent aches.
- Lift weights safely, bending your knees and maintaining good posture.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day and eat light meals before long shifts.
- Wear non-slip shoes to avoid falls.
- Learn to use cleaning equipment correctly to ensure your safety.
Hotels vs Private Homes
Working in a hotel:
- Structured routine with fixed hours and clear protocols.
- Opportunity to work as part of a team with supervision and support.
- Fast-paced environment requiring quick room turnover.
- Opportunities for career progression within the hotel.
- Benefits like meals and, sometimes, accommodation.
Working in a private home:
- More personalised routines, depending on the family’s needs.
- Opportunity to build a close relationship with employers.
- Tasks may include laundry and wardrobe organisation.
- Possibility of live-in arrangements in some cases.
- Potentially more flexible hours, depending on the agreement.
- Both options offer stability and consistent income, making them practical choices for those seeking housekeeper jobs in the UK.
Not necessarily. Many employers provide on-the-job training and hire beginners who are willing to learn.
It typically ranges from £12 to £16 per hour, depending on the region and your experience, with some roles including accommodation.
No. Basic English is usually enough to follow instructions and communicate with supervisors for most roles.
Yes, many housekeeper jobs in the UK offer flexible hours, allowing you to choose morning, afternoon or part-time shifts. This makes it easier to balance work with studying or family responsibilities while ensuring a stable income.
Conclusion
Working as a housekeeper in the UK is a practical opportunity for those seeking immediate income, even without prior experience.
With high demand, flexible hours and growth opportunities, this profession allows you to build a balanced routine while earning consistent income in pounds.
If you are ready to take the first step, prepare your CV, register on job platforms and start applying for housekeeper jobs today. Good luck!
