The average hourly wage for Housekeepers in Milwaukee is around $15 per hour. However, their overall earnings can be significantly boosted by tips, which vary widely depending on the establishment and clientele. In Milwaukee, Housekeepers generally earn between $3 to $8 per hour extra in tips, making their total compensation range from about $18 to $23 per hour on average.
This article explores which restaurants and hospitality venues pay Housekeepers the best and explains how various factors like restaurant type, location and additional certifications influence their income. We'll also provide tips on how to find well-paying Housekeeper positions in Milwaukee.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Housekeepers in Milwaukee, WI- 1. Sanford Restaurant
- 2. Ardent Milwaukee
- 3. Lake Park Bistro
- 4. Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge
- 5. Story Hill BKC
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Housekeeper Earnings in Milwaukee
- How To Find a High Paying Housekeeper Job in Milwaukee
- What’s the Outlook for Housekeeper Jobs in Milwaukee in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Housekeeper’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Milwaukee?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Milwaukee Housekeeper Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Housekeepers in Milwaukee, WI
While Housekeepers traditionally find employment in hotels, many upscale restaurants and hospitality venues in Milwaukee also offer Housekeeper roles with attractive pay and tip opportunities. These venues often focus on maintaining pristine environments and depend on Housekeepers to keep guest areas immaculate.
Below are some of the notable Milwaukee establishments known for offering good compensation for Housekeepers:
1. Sanford Restaurant
Sanford is an upscale American restaurant famous for its sophisticated menu and high attention to detail, including cleanliness and ambiance. Housekeepers here find rewarding pay and a respectful work environment.
2. Ardent Milwaukee
Known for its creative dishes and modern interiors, Ardent prioritizes both customer experience and hygiene, offering competitive wages and occasional tipping opportunities to Housekeepers maintaining the venue.
3. Lake Park Bistro
A classic French restaurant set in a historic Milwaukee location, Lake Park Bistro values meticulous upkeep. Housekeepers at this spot benefit from steady wages and good tip potential during busy dining evenings and events.
4. Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge
Bacchus offers a refined dining and lounge experience, making it essential for Housekeepers to maintain an inviting atmosphere. They are known to offer above-average wages and the opportunity for tips from generous clientele.
5. Story Hill BKC
Story Hill BKC is a modern American restaurant with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and atmosphere. Housekeepers here are appreciated for their role, supported by competitive pay scales and occasional gratuities.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Housekeeper Earnings in Milwaukee
The type of establishment has a significant influence on the hourly wage and tip potential for Housekeepers in Milwaukee. Fine dining and upscale venues usually offer higher base pay and larger tip pools, reflecting their client base and service expectations.
In contrast, casual dining places and smaller eateries tend to have lower wages with minimal tip opportunities for Housekeepers. Below are some of the main ways restaurant type affects Housekeeper earnings:
- Upscale and fine-dining restaurants provide better wages and consistent tipping, often benefitting from affluent clientele who value superior venue upkeep.
- Casual restaurants might rely more on a steady volume of business rather than high-ticket sales, resulting in modest pay and limited tips.
- Restaurant location within Milwaukee impacts tips, with venues downtown or in tourist areas usually offering higher tip potentials for Housekeepers.
- Certification and experience can boost pay, especially in venues requiring knowledge of sanitation standards and advanced cleaning techniques.
In typical Milwaukee casual restaurants, Housekeepers might earn around $3 to $5 per hour in tips, whereas in upscale venues tipping can jump to $6 to $8 per hour or more during busy weekends or special events.
How To Find a High Paying Housekeeper Job in Milwaukee
Securing a well-paid Housekeeper position requires more than just showing up. Here are several tactics to improve your chances:
Perfect Your Application Materials
Make sure your resume emphasizes any prior Housekeeping, cleaning or hospitality experience. Highlight certifications like OSHA training or hospitality-specific cleaning courses to stand out.
Network Within the Hospitality Sector
Connect with local hospitality groups or attend industry job fairs in Milwaukee. Sometimes high-paying Housekeeper roles are filled by referrals or through direct networking channels.
Target the Right Venues
Focus applications on upscale restaurants, hotels and resorts, especially those located in Milwaukee's downtown or tourist-heavy areas, as they usually offer better compensation packages.
Prepare for In-Person Visits and Interviews
When possible, visit potential employers during slower hours to drop off your resume and introduce yourself. Being personable and professional in person can leave a lasting impression.
What’s the Outlook for Housekeeper Jobs in Milwaukee in 2025 and Beyond?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Housekeeper roles in Milwaukee are expected to grow moderately through 2025 and beyond. Milwaukee's steady tourism, expanding restaurant industry and hotel developments contribute to increasing demand for Housekeepers.
Job growth prospects are strongest in luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants, driven by rising expectations for cleanliness and guest experience after the post-pandemic hospitality surge.
Additionally, venues with strong sustainability practices often recruit Housekeepers trained in eco-friendly cleaning methods, presenting niche opportunities for those with relevant skills or certification.
Is a Housekeeper’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Milwaukee?
Combining the average base wage of $15 per hour with typical tips, Housekeepers in Milwaukee can expect total earnings around $18 to $23 per hour. Annually, this translates to approximately $37,000 to $48,000 before taxes for full-time workers.
Milwaukee’s cost of living is relatively affordable compared to many U.S. metropolitan areas. Typical monthly expenses include:
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $950
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet): $150–$200
- Groceries: $300–$400
- Transportation: $70–$120 depending on usage
With careful budgeting, Housekeepers earning at the higher end of pay scales in Milwaukee can comfortably cover living essentials and enjoy a decent standard of living. Higher earnings often correlate with employment in upscale venues or additional shifts during peak seasons.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Milwaukee Housekeeper Jobs
For this list, we focused on establishments that consistently offer competitive base wages and opportunities to earn tips or bonuses for Housekeepers. Locations were chosen based on reputation, employee reviews and reported compensation data.
We also placed emphasis on venues that provide safe and professional working environments and are geographically accessible within Milwaukee to encourage manageable commutes for prospective employees.
Finally, restaurants and associated hospitality venues selected often demonstrate commitment to investment in employee training and certifications, raising both pay and skill levels in this role.
