Becoming a Housekeeper?
A housekeeping job is a great starting point for someone interested in working in the hospitality field. A housekeeper is responsible for cleaning rooms in a variety of businesses. Housekeepers are employed by hotels and motels, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities and private residences.What Does a Housekeeper Do?A housekeeper has many tasks. They are responsible for making beds, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming floors and stocking supplies. Housekeepers may or may not be charged with cleaning common areas of the building in which they are employed. Housekeeping is often a grueling profession but it is not without its rewards. A good housekeeper is sure to get promotions, raises and incentives. Many hospitality managers start out as housekeepers before working their way up the ladder.What Does a Housekeeper Make?Starting salary for a housekeeper depends largely on the business that employs them. A housekeeper at a chain motel typically starts out making about $10 an hour while a housekeeper at a major metropolitan hospital may make as much as $13 an hour. A private residential housekeeper in a wealthy area can make as much as $30 an hour. As a housekeeper gains promotions and seniority, the wages increase. A senior housekeeper at a hotel in New York averages $15.48 an hour.What Qualifications Should a Housekeeper Have?A housekeeper does not need any special qualifications or education. They should have a good work ethic and a positive attitude. As they are often required to work around the guests of the establishment, they should possess a cheerful demeanor and resolve to be as unobtrusive as possible.Housekeepers who wish to advance in their field may consider taking classes in leadership, management and business in order to make themselves more appealing to their employer. Occasionally an employer will help subsidize the cost of these classes.Housekeepers are a vital part of the hospitality sector. They keep guest rooms, hospitals and private homes clean, safe and comfortable. Although housekeeping is not a high paying profession, it is a gateway to better careers in the hospitality industry. A housekeeper who works hard and is willing to learn on the job is sure to go far.