Employment Readiness
How To Become A Housekeeper
Maybe you’re returning to the workforce after some time off—raising kids, caring for family, or simply needing a reset. Or maybe you’re just starting out, looking for a way to earn money, build experience, and find a job that fits your schedule. Whatever your story, hotel housekeeping is a great place to start.
You don’t need a degree or years of experience to get started in hospitality—just a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the willingness to show up. According to the 2025 State of the Industry Report, hotels employed over 2.15 million people in 2024 and are expected to employ more than 2.17 million in 2025—proving there’s real opportunity for those ready to work.
Let’s break down what housekeepers do, what employers are looking for, and how you can start working in this role.
What Does A Housekeeper Do?
Housekeepers play a big role in keeping hotels, resorts, and other hospitality spaces clean, safe, and welcoming for guests. This job is all about attention to detail and staying on top of daily tasks that help everything run smoothly behind the scenes.
Whether you're working in guest rooms, hallways, or public areas, you’ll be part of the team that helps create a great first impression—and keeps guests coming back. Most shifts involve working independently or alongside other cleaning staff, often with a clear checklist and routine to follow.
Here are some of the most common tasks you’ll handle in a typical housekeeping shift:
- Making beds and changing sheets
- Cleaning bathrooms and wiping surfaces
- Replacing towels and restocking supplies
- Taking out the trash
- Vacuuming and dusting guest rooms or hallways
- Reporting anything broken to maintenance team
What To Expect As A Housekeeper?
Like most housekeeping jobs, your day will usually start with a quick meeting or assignment from a supervisor, followed by a list of rooms or areas to clean during your shift. You’ll move through your list steadily, ensuring each space is cleaned, stocked, and ready for the next guest.
Most housekeepers work indoors, in air-conditioned spaces, which is a big plus, especially during the hot summer months. Depending on the business, you may work mornings, afternoons, or weekends. Shifts can be part-time or full-time, and many jobs offer weekly pay.
You’ll typically work on your feet, moving between rooms and lifting or pushing items like laundry bins, vacuums, and supply carts. That means being physically active, but not overly strenuous. Many people enjoy the independence of this role and the satisfaction of seeing their work make a real difference.
If you’re someone who enjoys routine, takes pride in cleanliness, and likes staying busy, a housekeeping job can be a great match.
What Kind of Skills Do You Need to Become a Housekeeper?
You don’t need formal hospitality experience to succeed as a housekeeper—but a few key skills can make a big difference.
First, being reliable and on time is essential, since the rest of the team depends on you to keep things running smoothly. Housekeeping is also physically active work, so being comfortable on your feet and moving throughout your shift is important.
You should be good at following directions, as you’ll often have specific tasks or routines to follow. While most of the job is behind the scenes, it helps to be friendly and polite in case a guest asks for help.
And lastly, the ability to work independently or as part of a team makes you a strong fit for many housekeeping environments. If you’ve ever cleaned your own home, kept things organized, or worked in a customer-facing job, you already have a solid foundation to build on.
Why Housekeeping Is a Good Job Choice
If you’re looking for a steady job that doesn’t require a long resume or years of experience, housekeeping could be the perfect fit. Whether you're reentering the workforce, just starting out, or simply want something reliable and flexible, this role offers real opportunities such as:
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Same-day pay: get paid after each shift you complete.
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Flexible schedules: part-time and full-time options.
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Entry-level access: no fancy resume needed.
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Potential to grow: gain experience for future hotel jobs like supervisor or front desk roles.
Ready To Get To Work In Hospitality?
Housekeeping jobs are available now - and we're here to help you get hired quickly. Click here to connect with your local branch. So if you’re ready, let’s get to work in hospitality.
