Housekeeper Jobs in NYC, NY

Housekeeper Jobs in New York City, NY

Looking for Housekeeper jobs in New York City, NY? With its world-renowned hotels, luxury high-rises, and fast-paced lifestyle, NYC offers a wide range of opportunities for professional housekeepers and cleaning staff.

We’ve gathered a detailed list of current Housekeeper job openings in New York—over 109 active Housekeeping listings—along with key information on qualifications, day-to-day responsibilities, and employment benefits.

Whether you’re browsing for “housekeeper jobs near me” or exploring options like Room Attendant, Private Estate Housekeeper, or Housekeeping Supervisor, you’ll find roles suited to all levels of experience across all five boroughs.

This guide covers everything you need to get hired: where to apply, how much housekeepers make in NYC, the most in-demand job types, and your legal rights as a domestic or hospitality worker.

How to Apply for Housekeeper Jobs in New York City, NY

New York doesn’t have a single “right way” to land a housekeeping role—the city’s hiring ecosystem is as multilayered as its skyline—but successful applicants usually follow a three-step rhythm: polish your paperwork, target the right channels, and ace the in-person impression. The details below walk you through that cadence while weaving in NYC-specific wage rules, union nuances, and insider shortcuts.

1. Build a Great Housekeeper Resume

Show, don’t tell. Hiring managers in hotels and luxury condo towers thumb through dozens of documents every hour. Replace vague phrases (“attention to detail”) with micro-stories that prove the claim:

• “Turned over 16 suites nightly while maintaining a 98 % guest‐satisfaction cleanliness score.”
• “Implemented color-coded microfiber system that trimmed chemical costs 12 %.”

Spotlight NYC-ready credentials.

• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Card—signals you know safety regs.
• HTC Local 6 Training Certificates—free to union members; many non-union hotels still treat them as gold.
• CPR/First Aid—private-estate families love multi-skilled hires.

References that talk New York. A shout-out from a Front-Desk Manager at a Midtown property carries more weight than a distant suburb supervisor. If you’re new to the city, volunteer for a short-term Airbnb turnover gig first, then harvest a local referral.

2. Choose Your Application Channel Strategically

Pro tip: Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m.–noon, is prime “open door” time for HR walk-ins at Midtown four- and five-star hotels—shift managers have wrapped morning briefings but lunch rush hasn’t started.

3. Nail the Interview—Even When It’s a “Practical” Test

Hotels and high-end residences increasingly skip traditional sit-downs and usher candidates straight into a vacant suite to judge technique. Expect to:

1. Strip and remake a king bed in under seven minutes (tight hospital corners).
2. Spot-treat a carpet stain—know enzyme cleaner vs. solvent.
3. Inventory minibar and linen closet using handheld software.

Rehearse your method at home: time yourself, film it, critique posture and efficiency. Small tweaks—folding duvet in thirds instead of half—shave seconds and impress supervisors.

What Makes NYC a Unique Housekeeping Market?

Union Muscle and Wage Floors

• The NYC minimum wage jumped to $16.50/hr on Jan 1, 2025, and will index to inflation starting 2027.
• In union hotels covered by the latest Hotel Trades Council/Local 6 agreement, starting Room Attendants already clear $24–$27/hr with full family medical and pension contributions set to rise 40 % over the contract’s life.
• Even non-union properties feel the pressure: the metro-area average wage for Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners hit $22.62/hr last year, with a median around $19.18/hr.

Legal Shields for Domestic Workers

New York’s Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights guarantees:

• Overtime pay at 1.5× after 40 hrs (live-out) or 44 hrs (live-in).
• One full 24-hour rest day each week; unused rest must be paid at OT rate.
• Up to 56 hours of paid sick leave annually for employers with 100+ staff.

Document your hours—digital timesheets win disputes faster than handwritten logs.

Borough-by-Borough Hotspots

• Manhattan: Five-star giants along Central Park South and newer Hudson Yards hotels battle for experienced union talent—wages and benefits peak here.
• Brooklyn: Boutique properties in Williamsburg and Downtown BK favor hybrids who can flip rooms and stage design-centric lobbies; pay sits a notch below Manhattan but climbs quickly with styling skills.
• Queens/Bronx: Healthcare facilities and airports dominate; infection-control protocols are stricter, yet schedules are predictable (great for parents).
• Staten Island: Mostly residential; live-in roles often bundle ferry passes, private basement suites, or use of a household car.

Quick Math: What Take-Home Looks Like

A non-union Manhattan Room Attendant making the metro mean of $22.62/hr and working 46 hours (typical OT week during peak tourist season) would gross:

• 40 hrs × $22.62 = $904.80
• 6 hrs OT × $33.93 = $203.58
• Weekly total: ≈ $1,108.38 before taxes.

Stack that against the NYC living-wage threshold for a single adult ($21.95/hr per MIT calculator, mid-2025), and you’re marginally ahead—though rent still swallows a lion’s share. Hence the popularity of shared rooms in company-leased apartments near JFK or Long Island City.

Most Common Types of Housekeeper Jobs in New York City

The housekeeping industry in NYC isn't a monolith—it spans five-star hotels, upscale brownstones, luxury rental buildings, commercial offices, hospitals, and short-term rentals. Each role comes with distinct responsibilities, pay rates, and work conditions. Below is a breakdown of the most sought-after housekeeping positions across the city.

1. Hotel Room Attendant

One of the most stable and recognizable roles, Room Attendants are the backbone of NYC’s hospitality industry. These staff members clean guest rooms, refresh linens, sanitize bathrooms, and ensure all spaces meet brand standards before check-in.

• Where you’ll work: Major Midtown hotels, boutique stays in Chelsea or SoHo, large chains near Times Square
• Typical pay: $18.50–$22.00/hr (non-union); up to $27/hr (unionized hotels)
• Schedule: Rotating shifts including weekends and holidays, with full-time benefits at larger hotels
• Tip potential: Low—hotel guests rarely tip housekeepers directly, though some hotels include service charges

Room Attendants working at union properties under Local 6 contracts enjoy comprehensive medical, pension, and guaranteed overtime—making these among the most coveted housekeeping jobs in the city.

2. Residential Building Housekeeper

Upscale apartment complexes, especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn, employ dedicated housekeeping staff to clean common areas like lobbies, gyms, lounges, and corridors. Some also assign housekeepers to service individual tenant requests.

• Where you’ll work: Doorman buildings, co-ops, and new developments in areas like the Upper East Side and Downtown Brooklyn
• Typical pay: $20–$28/hr, often with full benefits and union eligibility through building service unions like SEIU Local 32BJ
• Perks: Paid time off, holiday bonuses, MetroCard subsidies, potential for career growth into superintendent or facilities management roles

3. Private Estate or Live-In Housekeeper

Discretion, loyalty, and versatility are the keys to success in private home settings. Estate housekeepers often handle full-home deep cleans, laundry care, closet organization, pet care, and even occasional childcare or light cooking.

• Where you’ll work: Townhouses in the Upper West Side, mansions in Westchester, Long Island summer homes, or even traveling between properties
• Typical pay: $25–$50+/hr or salaried (e.g., $70,000–$100,000/yr) with accommodations and meals provided
• Perks: Private living quarters, use of a vehicle, cell phone stipends
• Drawbacks: Long hours, blurred lines between work and personal time, limited privacy

These roles often go unadvertised publicly and are filled through agencies or referrals. Employers may request non-disclosure agreements, driving records, or personal background checks.

4. Healthcare Facility Housekeeper

Hospitals, urgent care centers, and nursing homes across NYC hire housekeepers to maintain sterile environments in high-traffic areas.

• Where you’ll work: Mount Sinai, NYU Langone, NewYork-Presbyterian, and smaller rehab centers in the Bronx and Queens
• Typical pay: $18–$23/hr with weekend and overnight differentials
• Duties: Sanitizing patient rooms, hallways, surgical prep areas, and restrooms
• Requirements: Must understand biohazard protocols, wear PPE, and complete infection-control training

Healthcare housekeeping roles are less physically demanding than hotel work but carry higher responsibility and consistency in hours.

5. Vacation Rental Turnover Specialist

With thousands of Airbnbs and short-term rentals spread across the city, hosts need cleaners who can quickly and thoroughly reset units between guest check-ins.

• Where you’ll work: Apartments in Williamsburg, Harlem brownstones, East Village studios, or even Jersey City
• Typical pay: $20–$35+/cleaning depending on unit size, with some cleaners earning more as freelancers
• Tools required: Smartphone, portable vacuum, eco-friendly products (many hosts specify brand preferences)
• Scheduling: Often last-minute with tight turnarounds (e.g., 11 a.m. checkout, 3 p.m. check-in)

This is a perfect entry point for those looking to freelance, set their own schedules, or break into the housekeeping industry without formal credentials.

Tips for Boosting Your Hiring Odds in NYC

Housekeeping roles in New York are competitive—especially those with union perks or live-in setups. Here are some real-world strategies to stay ahead:

• Create a Google Voice number dedicated to job applications so you don’t miss recruiter calls.
• Keep a mobile-friendly résumé PDF on your phone via Google Drive or Dropbox—so you can apply on-the-go.
• Join Facebook and WhatsApp job groups targeting NYC domestic or hospitality workers. Many high-paying private families post openings there before agencies even hear about them.
• Sign up for a trial of TaskRabbit or Handy, complete two jobs, and use the reviews to build credibility. Even if you don’t intend to freelance long-term, it’s a good way to generate testimonials.
• Ask for written references on company letterhead—even short-term employers. This documentation can make or break your application in luxury households or union environments.

Lastly, consider learning basic English housekeeping terms if you're ESL (English as a Second Language). Understanding terms like “lint trap,” “grout,” or “turnover service” shows initiative and reduces mistakes—especially when dealing with detailed supervisors or picky clients.

Skills and Certifications That Make You Stand Out

The housekeeping job market in New York City is competitive. Employers—especially in upscale hotels, luxury condos, and private residences—aren’t just looking for someone who can vacuum and dust. They want reliable professionals who work efficiently, follow safety protocols, respect privacy, and understand the city’s fast-paced standards.

Below, we break down the technical (hard) skills, soft skills, and certifications that can give you a competitive edge in your job search.

Hard Skills Every NYC Housekeeper Should Master

These are the core job-specific abilities that employers expect you to demonstrate from day one:

1. Detail-Oriented Cleaning Techniques

• Deep-cleaning procedures (baseboards, grout, blinds, ceiling vents)
• Mattress flipping, stain removal, and mold prevention
• Proper layering of bed linens, including hospital corners and duvet folding

2. Laundry & Garment Care

• Familiarity with delicates, steamers, pressing stations
• Sorting by fabric and color, recognizing “dry-clean only” items
• Folding methods for high-end wardrobes (KonMari and vertical folding are popular in private homes)

3. Use of Cleaning Equipment and Chemicals

• Safely operating industrial vacuums, floor polishers, and carpet shampooers
• Diluting concentrated chemicals correctly using OSHA-approved ratios
• Identifying which products are safe for stone, glass, wood, or stainless steel

4. Inventory and Supply Management

• Replenishing hotel carts, linen closets, and utility rooms
• Tracking usage of gloves, sprays, microfiber cloths, and PPE
• Flagging low stock or placing supply orders proactively

Soft Skills That Employers Value

In NYC, housekeeping often means working around guests, clients, residents, or medical staff. The ability to maintain professionalism under pressure is just as critical as how you clean.

1. Discretion and Trustworthiness

Especially vital for private estate housekeepers, live-in roles, and cleaning celebrity or executive homes. Employers want someone who respects privacy, confidentiality, and boundaries.

2. Time Management and Speed

NYC operates on the clock. Hotels may expect a cleaner to fully reset 14–18 rooms per shift. Being fast without sacrificing quality is essential.

3. Adaptability

Whether it’s switching cleaning products due to allergies, handling last-minute guest check-ins, or navigating a language barrier, flexibility goes a long way.

4. Communication Skills

Being able to clearly ask questions, report issues, or follow instructions (especially in English) can help avoid mistakes and improve performance.

5. Professional Appearance and Demeanor

Even behind the scenes, a tidy appearance, polite tone, and punctuality reflect well on your employer—especially in luxury environments.

Certifications That Give You a Competitive Edge

While housekeeping doesn’t legally require certification, having one or more of these can help your resume stand out—especially in union hotels, hospitals, or when applying through agencies.

1. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Card

• Offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Teaches workplace safety, chemical handling, PPE usage
• Often free or low-cost through local training centers
• Highly respected in commercial, healthcare, and union environments

2. CPR and First Aid Certification

• Not always required, but a big plus in private home settings (especially if children or elderly are in the household)
• Shows employers you’re capable in emergencies

3. HTC Local 6 Housekeeping Training

• If you’re aiming for a union hotel role, this is a major advantage
• Covers NYC hospitality cleaning standards, room turnover protocols, and customer interaction
• Available to union members and sometimes through hospitality training schools

4. Green Cleaning Certification

• Focuses on non-toxic, eco-friendly products and practices
• Great for roles in organic spas, LEED-certified buildings, and environmentally conscious employers
• Can often be obtained online via platforms like ISSA or Green Seal

5. Hospital Cleaning & Infection Control (IC) Training

• Required for many healthcare housekeeping jobs in NYC
• Teaches procedures for biohazard disposal, terminal cleaning, and sanitation of high-touch surfaces
• Often provided on the job but having pre-certification is a huge advantage when applying

Language Skills: A Hidden Asset

Many NYC housekeeping roles value bilingual or multilingual applicants, especially those who speak:

• Spanish
• Russian
• Mandarin
• Haitian Creole
• Bengali
• Polish

Even if the job doesn’t list language requirements, being able to understand guests or residents in their native tongue builds trust and helps you get promoted faster—especially in supervisory or guest-facing roles.

Where Are the Housekeeping Job Hotspots in NYC?

New York City’s housekeeping job market isn’t evenly distributed. While opportunities exist across all five boroughs, certain neighborhoods offer better wages, steadier work, and faster hiring—depending on whether you’re targeting hotels, private homes, healthcare, or commercial cleaning roles.

Here’s a borough-by-borough breakdown of where to look and what to expect:

Manhattan: High-Paying, High-Pressure Hospitality

Overview:
Manhattan is ground zero for the city’s luxury hospitality and residential job market. With an abundance of five-star hotels, elite private homes, and doorman buildings, it’s the borough with the highest housekeeping wages—but also the most competitive.

Top Neighborhoods for Housekeeping Jobs:

• Midtown East & West: Home to The Plaza, St. Regis, and Marriott Marquis
• Upper East Side: Wealthy families hiring private live-in or live-out help
• SoHo & Tribeca: Boutique hotels and tech executives with luxury lofts
• Financial District: Business traveler hotels and luxury condos

Role Examples:

• Room Attendants in union hotels (Local 6 contracts)
• Private housekeepers for high-profile families
• Residential building common-area cleaners

Pay Range:

• Hotel: $22–$27/hr (unionized)
• Private home: $25–$45/hr (live-out or live-in)
• Residential building: $20–$28/hr

Brooklyn: Rising Demand in Growing Neighborhoods

Overview:
Brooklyn’s rapid gentrification has led to increased demand for both private household and short-term rental housekeeping. Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn, and Park Slope lead the way.

Top Neighborhoods:

• Williamsburg & Greenpoint: High Airbnb turnover, boutique hotels, wealthy professionals
• Park Slope & Carroll Gardens: Family homes hiring part-time cleaners
• Downtown Brooklyn: Luxury high-rises and large rental complexes
• Bed-Stuy & Bushwick: Affordable housing with property managers hiring for maintenance/cleaning

Role Examples:

• Vacation rental turnover specialist
• Live-out housekeeper for brownstone homes
• Residential cleaner in new apartment complexes

Pay Range:

• Short-term rentals: $25–$35+ per clean
• Family homes: $20–$30/hr
• Apartment buildings: $18–$24/hr

Queens: Steady Work, Especially in Healthcare

Overview:
Queens offers some of the most consistent housekeeping work, especially in hospitals, airports, and large corporate buildings. While the pay isn’t as high as Manhattan, shifts are reliable and benefits are often included.

Top Neighborhoods:

• Long Island City: Residential complexes and co-living buildings
• Jamaica: Proximity to JFK Airport (hotels + commercial facilities)
• Flushing & Elmhurst: Hospitals, clinics, and family homes
• Astoria: Private households, smaller hotels, and cleaning companies

Role Examples:

• Hospital janitorial technician
• Office/commercial building cleaner
• Airbnb cleaner for airport-access rentals

Pay Range:

• Healthcare: $18–$23/hr
• Commercial: $16–$20/hr
• Short-term rental: $20–$30 per unit

The Bronx: Affordable Work Options for Entry-Level Cleaners

Overview:
The Bronx has a lower cost of living and a high concentration of healthcare facilities and affordable housing developments, many of which hire local cleaning staff. While wages are lower, it's a good starting point for those entering the field.

Top Neighborhoods:

• Fordham & Tremont: Hospitals and rehab centers
• Riverdale: Residential homes and assisted-living facilities
• Hunts Point: Industrial cleaning jobs (warehouses, factories)

Role Examples:

• Housekeepers in nursing homes
• Building cleaners for housing complexes
• Hospital or rehab facility sanitation workers

Pay Range:

• Healthcare: $17–$20/hr
• Building cleaner: $15–$18/hr
• Commercial: $14–$17/hr

Staten Island: Private Homes and Quiet, Steady Gigs

Overview:
Staten Island doesn’t have the hotel density of other boroughs, but it offers plenty of work in family homes, retirement communities, and medical offices. Many live-in roles offer accommodations due to longer commutes.

Top Neighborhoods:

• Tottenville & Great Kills: Larger suburban-style homes hiring live-in help
• St. George & New Dorp: Medical clinics and dental offices
• South Shore: Elderly residents hiring part-time cleaners

Role Examples:

• Private live-in housekeeper with full basement apartment
• Weekly cleaner for retired couples
• Part-time cleaner in medical offices

Pay Range:

• Private homes: $20–$30/hr or salaried with housing
• Part-time roles: $16–$20/hr
• Clinics/offices: $18–$22/hr

Borough Comparison Snapshot