On average, Housekeepers in Chicago earn around $15 per hour. This figure can be supplemented significantly by tips, which typically range from $5 to $15 per hour depending on the venue. While tips are not as commonly associated with Housekeepers as they are with front-of-house staff, in many upscale settings, Housekeepers can receive generous gratuities from appreciative guests.
In this article, we’ll explore which types of restaurants and hospitality venues offer the best pay for Housekeepers and how various factors such as location, restaurant type and certifications influence earnings. We’ll also guide you through strategies for landing a high-paying Housekeeper job in Chicago and what to expect from the job market moving forward.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Housekeepers in Chicago, IL
Although Housekeepers primarily work in hotels and resorts, many upscale restaurants with private dining spaces, event hosting or hotel-adjacent services also employ them. In Chicago’s bustling hospitality scene, these renowned venues often offer attractive compensation packages for Housekeepers, recognizing their vital role in maintaining a clean welcoming environment.
Some top-paying restaurants and hospitality venues for Housekeepers include:
1. Girl & The Goat
Famous for its innovative small plates and lively atmosphere, Girl & The Goat is an award-winning restaurant in Chicago's West Loop, attracting a trendy clientele and hosting frequent private events. Housekeepers here often benefit from competitive wages and occasional gratuities on event days.
2. Alinea
A veritable icon in the world of fine dining, Alinea offers imaginative multi-sensory culinary experiences. Their high standards extend to every aspect of the establishment, including Housekeeping, often resulting in higher wages and bonuses reflective of its prestigious status.
3. The Signature Room at the 95th
Sitting atop the John Hancock Center, The Signature Room combines breathtaking views with upscale dining. Housekeepers supporting this prime venue are compensated well for maintaining the high standards expected by clientele and special occasion guests.
4. Oriole
An intimate fine-dining restaurant that offers an exceptional tasting menu experience, Oriole demands immaculate presentation in every room. Housekeepers here are appreciated with competitive pay and opportunities for tips at private events and Chef’s tastings.
5. RPM Steak Chicago
This modern steakhouse, owned by celebrity restaurateurs, is known for its premium cuts and a sophisticated crowd. Housekeepers benefit from a bustling environment, where discretion and thoroughness are rewarded with solid base pay and possible tips during special reservations.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Housekeeper Earnings
The type of establishment where a Housekeeper works significantly influences both hourly wages and tipping potential. Typically, upscale restaurants, often affiliated with hotels or resorts, offer the highest pay rates due to higher guest expectations and a greater emphasis on cleanliness and presentation.
Larger hospitality venues such as hotels integrated with fine dining establishments provide Housekeepers with the opportunity to earn higher base pay along with occasional tips, especially for maintaining private event spaces and VIP areas.
On the other hand, casual dining restaurants, while employing Housekeepers, frequently offer lower pay and fewer tipping opportunities since guest interaction and direct gratuities are less common in these settings.
- Upscale venues: Base wages $14-$18 per hour, tips $10-$15 per hour
- Mid-range restaurants/hotels: Base wages $12-$15 per hour, tips $5-$10 per hour
- Casual dining: Base wages $10-$13 per hour, fewer or no tips
How To Find a High Paying Housekeeper Job in Chicago
Research and Target Upscale Venues
Focus your job search on well-established restaurants, hotels or resorts known for high guest traffic and premium service. Places with private dining or event hosting are often looking for reliable Housekeeping staff.
Enhance Your Resume and Certifications
Highlight prior experience in high-end hospitality environments. Obtaining certifications in cleaning safety or hospitality standards can also give you an edge.
Network Within the Hospitality Community
Attend industry events and reach out directly to managers and supervisors. Personal connections often lead to better job opportunities than online applications alone.
Prepare for Interviews Thoroughly
Show your understanding of cleanliness standards and your commitment to guest satisfaction. Demonstrate reliability, attention to detail and flexibility in shift availability.
What’s the Outlook for Housekeeper Jobs in Chicago in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for Housekeepers in Chicago’s hospitality sector is expected to grow steadily through 2025, buoyed by the city's strong tourism industry and continued expansion of upscale restaurants and hotels.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Housekeepers is projected to increase in urban centers like Chicago, driven by rising demand for clean and well-maintained accommodations and dining spaces.
Growth factors include:
- Increase in business and leisure travel requiring hotel and restaurant upkeep
- Expansion of luxury dining and multi-purpose hospitality venues
- Heightened hygiene standards post-pandemic boosting cleaning service needs
These trends make Housekeeper jobs in Chicago a promising and stable career choice.
Is a Housekeeper’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Chicago?
With an average hourly wage of $15 and tips potentially adding $5 to $15 more, a Housekeeper in Chicago can earn between approximately $36,000 and $50,000 annually.
While this wage is modest, it can cover basic living expenses in Chicago, where the 2025 average monthly costs include:
- Rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,500
- Utilities: $150
- Groceries: $300
- Public transport or gas: $100-$150
Housekeepers who secure jobs in upscale establishments with consistent tips often find they have enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, including some savings and discretionary spending.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Chicago Housekeeper Jobs
We selected these venues based on a combination of data sources including job listings, employee reviews and industry insights, focusing on those offering competitive pay and strong benefits.
- Competitive wages: Above-average base pay reflecting Chicago’s hospitality market
- Location: Situated in popular high-traffic dining and hospitality districts
- Reputation: Well-known establishments with consistent customer flow and positive work environments
- Additional benefits: Opportunities for tips, bonuses and career growth
These factors collectively provide Housekeepers with the best opportunities to earn, grow their skills and enjoy a satisfactory work environment in Chicago.
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