Hotel Housekeepers' Salaries: An Insight into Pay Rates and Work Conditions
As a housekeeper in the hotel industry, the compensation package can vary widely depending on the location, the hotel chain, and the specific role. In this article, we explore the typical pay rates for housekeepers, comparing different scenarios ranging from entry-level positions to luxury hotels.
Hourly Wages and Work Shifts
Being a housekeeper involves a lot of hard work and dedication. For instance, an individual working in New Orleans might earn between $9.00 to $9.50 per hour if employed as a temporary worker. Alternatively, housekeepers paid directly by the hotel might earn $12.50 per hour. In many cases, the housekeeper's earnings come from both hourly wages and tips. Working 6-hour shifts, four times a week, a housekeeper might clean anywhere from 8 to 10 rooms per shift, depending on the workload and demand.
In more upscale hotels, such as those under the Marriott brand, the entry-level pay for housekeepers is often around $11 an hour. However, this can rise to $12 an hour. It's important for job seekers to do thorough research on the hotels they are applying to, as pay and benefits can vary significantly. Additionally, understanding the hotel's star rating can provide insight into potential tip income.
Wage Variations Across Different Locations
The pay scale for housekeepers can significantly vary depending on the location and the type of hotel. In my country, for example, housekeepers might be paid anywhere from $4.00 to $10.00 per hour, plus a portion of a gratuity pool and any additional tips left by guests. Housekeepers in destination locations and hotels with higher brand statuses might earn much better pay, often meeting or exceeding the $10.00 per hour mark.
Training is another crucial factor in determining a housekeeper's pay. While training for housekeeping positions might take only a few days, training for front desk staff can be much more extensive due to the need to work with the public and manage computers. This often leads to higher starting wages for front desk employees compared to housekeepers.
At my current hotel, for example, we start all new employees at $9.25 per hour. Within the first 90 days, the employee’s performance, including their proficiency, teamwork, and guest interactions, will determine their pay raise for the first formal review. In my town, we have over 40 hotels and motels, and we pay well above the average to attract the best employees.
Real-Life Experiences
One striking difference in housekeeper wages is the number of rooms they clean per shift. In a 5-star hotel, a housekeeper might clean up to 16 to 18 rooms in one night. Due to the higher workload and the luxury nature of the hotel, they might even make over $120 in tips on a good night. However, in many other lower-end hotels, the earnings can be much lower. For instance, in my current job, I barely make $2 per day if I'm lucky. Cleaning 30 or more rooms in a day is not uncommon, leading to significant physical and mental strain on the employees.
Conclusion
The pay for hotel housekeepers can vary widely depending on the location, the hotel's star rating, and the specific role. Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed decisions when looking for a job in the hospitality industry. Whether you're starting out at the bottom or working your way up in a luxury hotel, knowing what to expect in terms of pay and tips can significantly impact your overall satisfaction and career prospects.