Complete Guide: Over 2,000 Housekeeper Jobs in the UK Paying Up to £16 per Hour

Benefits of Working as a Housekeeper in the UK

Working as a housekeeper in the UK offers practical advantages, especially if you need quick earnings and flexible hours. Here are the main benefits:

✓ Immediate income: Typical pay ranges from £12 to £16 per hour, depending on region, workplace type, and your level of experience.

✓ High demand: Hotels, guest houses, private households, and cleaning companies are constantly hiring, creating fast access to jobs.

✓ Flexible schedules: Choose morning, afternoon, or part-time shifts—ideal for balancing work with studies or family responsibilities.

✓ On-the-job training: Many employers welcome beginners and provide practical training, with no need for prior courses.

✓ Accommodation and meals: Certain hotel and private home positions include lodging and meals, helping reduce your living expenses in the UK.

✓ Career growth: The role can open doors to supervisory and management positions within the hospitality sector.

✓ Steady work: Regardless of the season, there is constant demand for skilled housekeepers.

Challenges of Working as a Housekeeper

It’s important to understand the realities of this profession before starting. Common challenges include:

• Physical demands: Repetitive tasks like lifting, bending, and moving equipment require stamina.

• Chemical exposure: Proper use of gloves and protective gear is necessary to avoid skin irritation or allergies.

• Unconventional hours: Some roles require working weekends or public holidays.

• Attention to detail: Maintaining high standards of cleanliness calls for precision, patience, and focus.

• Time pressure: In busy hotels or fast-paced workplaces, room cleaning may need to be completed quickly.

• Customer interaction: Professionalism is key, even when facing difficult situations or complaints.

• Unexpected issues: From damaged items to sudden requests, adaptability is essential.

With discipline, focus, and good organisation, these challenges can be managed, allowing you to make the most of opportunities in this field.

Best Sectors for Housekeepers in the UK

Choosing the right sector can significantly influence your earnings and job satisfaction. Here are the top options, ranked by benefits:

1. Luxury Private Homes

High-end households often offer the best pay—typically £14 to £20 per hour—and many provide free accommodation, reducing living expenses.
Tasks involve organised routines, wardrobe care, and delicate cleaning in calm, well-structured environments.
These roles also build strong references for future opportunities.

2. Hospitality (Hotels & Guest Houses)

This sector maintains steady demand all year, with stable contracts and clear career progression paths.
Pay generally ranges from £12 to £16 per hour. Many hotels offer meals on-site and sometimes accommodation, easing the transition to UK life.

3. Rural Properties & Boutique Hotels

Locations such as the Cotswolds or Lake District often offer competitive wages plus accommodation, alongside a lower cost of living than big cities.
The work pace is calmer, routines are well-defined, and the lifestyle is quieter—perfect for those seeking stability.

4. Student Accommodation & University Residences

These roles are busiest at the start and end of academic terms.
The work includes cleaning rooms and common areas, with mostly daytime schedules. This is ideal for those who want structured hours and weekends free.

5. Contract Cleaning Companies

These companies provide cleaning services to offices, clinics, and commercial spaces.
The main benefit is flexibility—allowing you to manage your own schedule while ensuring steady weekly income.

6. Care Homes

Care homes combine cleaning with light assistance for residents.
These positions have high demand, fixed daytime schedules, and can serve as an entry point into the care sector.

How to Stand Out as a Housekeeper

In a competitive market, these strategies can help you secure better roles:

• Take basic online cleaning or hospitality courses to strengthen your CV.

• Maintain professionalism—punctuality, discretion, and neat appearance are essential.

• Request references from previous clients or supervisors, even informal ones.

• Create a simple portfolio with photos (with permission) showing your work.

• Improve your English, even at a basic level, to follow instructions and communicate effectively.

• Be flexible with availability to access more hours or shifts.

• Learn extra skills like laundry management or inventory organisation.

Housekeeper vs Cleaner: The Difference

Although both roles involve cleaning, there are distinct differences:

Housekeeper:

• Works in hotels, guest houses, companies, or fixed private homes.

• Follows strict routines and hygiene protocols.

• Usually has a fixed contract with regular weekly hours.

• May include extra duties like laundry or stock control.

Cleaner:

• Works in multiple private homes without a fixed employer.

• Has more freedom in scheduling but less income stability.

• Focuses on general cleaning without strict standards.

• Typically paid per service or per day.

Housekeeping jobs—especially in the UK—generally offer greater stability and career opportunities.

Career Progression Opportunities

A housekeeper role can be the first step toward higher positions:

• Housekeeping Supervisor – oversees teams and shift schedules.

• Head Housekeeper – manages the entire housekeeping department.

• Accommodation Manager – responsible for hotel accommodation operations.

• Live-in Housekeeper in luxury homes – often with higher pay.

• Cleaning Business Owner – building a private client base.

• Hospitality Administration – transitioning into reception or operations.

Tips for Applying and Standing Out

To increase your chances of getting hired:

• Prepare a clear, well-organised CV highlighting reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.

• Set email alerts to apply as soon as vacancies appear.

• Request reference letters from past employers or clients.

• Respond quickly to calls and messages, as hiring can happen fast.

• Show flexibility with work hours to increase job offers.

Health & Safety Tips

Protect your health and work safely by:

• Wearing gloves and masks when using chemicals.

• Keeping spaces ventilated while cleaning.

• Taking short breaks to stretch and avoid strain.

• Lifting items with correct posture to prevent injuries.

• Staying hydrated and eating light meals before long shifts.

• Wearing non-slip shoes to prevent falls.

• Learning to use all equipment safely.

Hotels vs Private Homes

Hotels:

• Structured routines and fixed hours.

• Team-based environment with supervision.

• Fast-paced, requiring quick room turnovers.

• Clear opportunities for promotion.

• Benefits such as meals and sometimes accommodation.

Private Homes:

• Customised routines based on the household’s needs.

• Closer relationships with employers.

• Tasks may include laundry or wardrobe organisation.

• Possibility of live-in arrangements.

• Often more flexible schedules.

Both paths offer stability and consistent income, making them practical choices for anyone seeking housekeeper work in the UK.