Learn the earning potential of making money cleaning houses!
A few months ago, I needed a new house cleaner, and as I did my research online, I quickly realized that I could expect to pay as much as $85 per hour for a crew of two people to clean my house. I thought this was extremely ridiculous.
I did some research and found job ads for local cleaning companies that paid mostly between $9-$12.75 per hour to their employees.
So I figured if on average someone can expect to make about $11 per hour, why should I pay over four times their combined real hourly rate just because I went through a real cleaning service? I don’t think so.
I ended up finding my cleaning lady by posting an ad on Craigslist explaining exactly what I was looking for and how much I was willing to pay. I ended up getting over 60 applications in one week! It was overwhelming, to say the least.
The lady I eventually chose wasn’t a maid by profession – she had retired a couple years back from being a receptionist at a doctor’s office and wanted to make some extra cash without going back to an office environment.
As she stated in her application email, she “wasn’t a house cleaner, per se, but she was good at cleaning her own house!” LOL She’s exactly what I needed.
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The Going Rate for Housekeepers?
Of course, this entire process got me thinking – how much money could you realistically expect to make cleaning houses?.
I offered $15 per hour to clean 3-4 hours per week. I went higher than what it seems other companies in my area pay their cleaners because it would be a very part-time job, and I figured the right person would be someone who didn’t have another job but needed this side job to be worthwhile (turns out I was right!).
Before I settled upon the $15 rate for house cleaning, I ran it by my college age babysitter.
I asked her what amount she’d have to make per hour to take a job that included cleaning bathrooms, knowing that she doesn’t like that task very much. She said $10-$15 would be a minimum but $15 would be better.
How Much Can You Make Cleaning Houses?
Seeing as how I was quoted $85 per hour for a 2-person cleaning crew, I figure $15 per hour is a reasonable amount to pay someone to clean, and it’s also a good number to consider charging if I were ever to go into this business.
It’s a good deal for the customer (compared to the alternative), and it’s a good deal for the worker, considering you’d likely make less working for a cleaning company.
As a busy mom who only has a few hours to work here and there, I greatly appreciate a way to make extra cash in exactly the amount of time I have.
Making Money Cleaning Houses – How Much to Expect
Just to see if my hunch is right, I did a quick search on my local Craigslist page. I found several house cleaner job ads that listed the following pay rates:
- $9 per hour during a two-week training period, then $12-$15 per hour after that
- $8 per hour during a two-week training period, then $9 per hour after that
- $9.75 – $12.75 per hour
- $10 per hour, including travel time
If I were looking for a cleaning job today, I’d be interested in the one that pays $10 per hour, including travel time. Now that’s a good deal!
**Update: Keep in mind that I wrote this post way back in 2012, so these numbers are almost a decade old. If you are interested in this kind of work now, you will need to do new research.
Tools of the Trade
I wouldn’t have a clue what house cleaners like to use except my cleaner tells me exactly what to buy for her and keep at my house. Here’s what I can remember off the top of my head:
- Windex
- Bona floor care system
- Orange Glo
- Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
- Scrubbing Bubbles
- Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes
And this is in addition to the regular stuff like sponges and paper towels. I feel like I’m leaving something out…I’ll come back to update this once I go check.
What else would you add to the list?
Make Extra Money Cleaning Houses
I’ve never been a big fan of cleaning my own home, but for some reason, I find it kind of satisfying to help other people clean. Maybe I will get into this business once my children are all in school.
It beats going back to an office environment, for sure! And I like how I can set my own hours and work as much or as little as I’d like since it’s per-hour income. After working overtime on salary (without extra pay for overtime) for so many years, an hourly wage might be a nice change.
Do you clean other people’s homes for extra cash? How much do you charge? Do you charge by the hour or by the job?
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wendy says
15 is not enough. You would realize that once you did it for a living. Were cleaning toilets and cleaning people’s dirt! People who sit in offices make 15. I would never clean for that little. I make 25-35 an hour. All my clients appreciate my hard work and would never insult me by paying me less. 🙂
Lena Gott says
Wow, thanks for the comment, Wendy! I didn’t realize it could be that much, but I also assume you’re not a high schooler/college kid just looking to make some extra cash? I could also see how cleaning a public bathroom or office bathroom could be a lot different than the rarely used bathrooms of a single family home.
Vickie says
I charge $25 per hour. My clients become like family to me. I think it’s important to note if your housekeeper is doing this as a profession for your housekeeper, there’s insurance both on their vehicle and them selves personally to consider. Often times while you may only have them 2 hours or 4 hours, they do not hold down your typical 8 hour day. It is also physical work. A good housekeeper should be like your right arm :). They should tune their cleaning regimen to the need of their clients. I take great pride in my work and gain so much from a job well done.
Lena Gott says
Thanks for stopping by, Vickie! I am surprised by how many people who stop by my blog are already cleaning houses. Did you find my blog because you’re researching how much to charge? Just curious!
Matty says
There are many considerations left out of the article. Cleaning companies must carry business licenses, employee insurance, employee drug testing/background checks, and surity bonds to cover and damages, or theft. An office space, with commercial utilities, will run about $1500 per month. In addition, a dispatcher/receptionist must be paid, along with workman’s comp. Most people don’t have time to place an ad, interview, and confirm background, or drug testing results. Having said this, I believe they could pay their employees $20, and make a good profit. For customers, you need to be aware of those who come into you home, fall, and sue. Cleaning companies remove the risk, and assume it themselves.
Lena Gott says
Hi Matty – I see your point. I doubt most people looking to make a little bit of extra cash would go to those lengths, although they very possibly should. Most people I know who clean houses for a living don’t do it through any kind of company.
Janice Solomon says
Yes! Alot of people do not realize how much h it actually costs us as a housekeeper doing it on our own. No one wants to think about fuel cost, wear and tear on our vehicles as well as the cost of supplies if we provide them. I’m somewhat baffled by how people tend to think that because we clean instead of sit at a desk that we don’t deserve to be compensated fairly.
june says
I would not pay hourly….15 dollars an hour…you’re going to get a slacker. Can they do the job or not? period. Just pay them fair market value and make sure they do it. If they have any game on they will come through. You don’t want some slacker who waddles their way around your home drinking your coffee and reading your magazines every hour.
Lena Gott says
Interesting, June. How much would you pay? I know people who work professional jobs that pay less than $15 an hour and are fine with it. Most customer service jobs I know of pay much less than that. Why would $15 an hour be insulting?
Patti says
I do clean houses for a living and $15 is on the low end. It’s hard work if you do it right and you are often dealing with many obstacles that the average person doesn’t think of.
Also consider that your housekeeper is usually paying all her own insurance and not just healthcare, there is liability also. Some clients want you to be bonded as well.
A home with pets and/or children is much more work than a couple Someone who frequently entertains is additional work as well.
Is your housekeeper using her own products that she knows work or is she being subjected to the unknown chemical concoctions supplied by numerous clients?
Basically what I’m saying is that a housekeeper doesn’t just dust and keep your toilet clean. Your housekeeper knows more about your family than your best friend and takes care of your prized possessions as though they were her own. A good housekeeper is like having a wife and mother all rolled into one who is there to take care of you so that you can take care of your family.
Lena Gott says
Thank you for your comment, Patti. Our housekeeper gives me a list of all the specific products she likes, and I keep those in stock. 🙂
Dani says
Well said Patty. I am a sahm and I clean a house for $20 an hour. I also have to pay for a babysitter some days and only walk away with $14 per hour on those days. I do feel like I know the family I clean for very well even though I only see them once in a while. I believe $15 an hour is too low. I am considering charging more for the next house I clean….
Lena Gott says
This is great information! I’m glad you ladies are commenting! I still personally won’t pay more than $15 per hour, but I also believe everyone should set their rates as high as the market will bear. Conflicting ideas, I know. But in one I’m on the paying side and the other on the earning side.
Tal says
To speak of what should be charged you would have to own a cleaning business and know the ins and outs. A $15 dollar a hour cleaning lady would more than likely not carry workers compensation, liability insurance, use certified geen cleaning products, invested in any form of industry standard training, or even be licensed or registered, in the event she breaks your great grandma favourite vase you are stuck with the loss. Cleaning is no longer a mop and bucket from your car unless you are doing it as a hustle. If you are running a cleaning business to grow as any organization should, your rates will have to reflect that. If you are doing it to stay at the same level for years and absorb losses then a lower rate is fine. A cleaning company is in no way in the same class as someone looking to make vacation money to mexico. You are comparing hiring a hustler to an organisation somewhat same service but different categories. Its like McDonalds selling a cup of coffee for 1.39 vs a speciality coffee shop who has invested more in their ingredients and offer a variety of flavours. A personal maid is different from house keeping service. Those who start out with low rates learn quite quickly its a 2 way street 1 you keep low rates and buy dollar store products and just make extra cash in your pocket and never report the income or increase so you can run a legal business.
Lena Gott says
You’re right! She doesn’t do it as a business and has no desire to do so. 😀
krystal brown says
I agree 15 is far too low
rachel says
Very well put Patti! It’s not until you do this as a profession. ….which it is a profession, that you realize and appreciate that cleaning homes is hard work. It’s not just like cleaning your own home…you go above and beyond to clean someone else’s home. I think Lena you will realize that cleaning homes as a profession is harder than you think until you do it yourself as your own business. Yes it’s true there is “Professional jobs” that make $15 an hour and people are fine with it but the owner of the business can only pay that much because they have to cover for the employees health care and other business expenses. It’s the same as having your own house cleaning business. Whatever you make ….it be $15 an hour, out of that you don’t pocket all of that you have to set money aside for taxes and other business expenses.
Peggy says
I have used the same two ladies to clean my home for the last seven years. I have worked 40+ hours a week in a demanding and stressful field and a single mom of two boys. I would be lost without my house cleaners.
It’s unfair to discuss cost without discussing specifically what you expect from your house cleaner. Also, there’s a huge difference between hiring someone for a few hours a week-which appears to be the preferred option in the blog-verses my choice to have a complete top to bottom house cleaning every week.
Regardless, in my humble opinion, $15 per hour is very, very low. I don’t mean to insult the blog author, but I would not expect much from the house cleaner at this price point. However, any busy mom might just be ecstatic to have ANY help at all-and in that case 15 bucks is worth it’s weight in gold!
To get the biggest bang for your buck, I’d recommend paying the house cleaner by the day. For example, I pay the two ladies $65 per day, they show up Monday mornings at 9AM and spend approximately 1.5 hours cleaning my home top to bottom. My house is about 2,000 sq ft.
Every cleaning includes: dusting every room including furniture and ceiling fans to baseboards, full bathroom cleaning, full kitchen including emptying DW and polishing appliances, vacuuming sofa, vacuuming all carpets and floors, steam cleaning all hardwood and tile floors. Over the years, the ladies have gone above and beyond my expectations and folded laundry and cleaned windows when they saw a need. People who are well paid and appreciated usually show their gratitude in some way or another.
Digressing,the moral of the story is that cleaning professional help do the required “once a week thorough cleaning” that every house needs. As a busy mom, all I have to do the remainder of the week is to keep up with the dishes and do a “quick once over” later in the week.
For the convenience sake alone, $65 a week is cheap.
Heidi Hill says
I have had a cleaning business for 35 years. I have never and will never clean a house on a per hour basis. All my jobs have always been priced per job. I make very good money cleaning, averaging about $50 per hour. I am thorough and fast so it’s a good fit for me. For those of you who think that is too much money ” just” to clean houses, then I suggest you think about the things I don’t get with this job. No paid holidays, no paid sick days, no,paid vacation, no workmans comp, no benefits of any sort. What I do get is freedom to set my own schedule, pick and choose the jobs I want and be my own boss. You have to put up with some people thinking you must be stupid because ” all ” you can do is clean houses, but if you can get past that, it’s a great way to make really good money. Just don’t work per hour! You will be ripping yourself off for a lot of hard work!
Lena Gott says
Thanks for your honest feedback, Heidi! I love hearing from others who have been doing this for a while.
Courtney says
I completely agree with Heidi. Per hour is not the way to go. If you only clean 1-3 hours and you clean your clients house top to bottom…$45 to clean someone else’s entire house say it takes you 3 hrs.. Pretty insulting I would say for Anyone..profession or not. Flat rate with specifically what you expect from the job is better for the both of you.
Lena Gott says
Thanks for stopping by, Courtney! While I do see your point, I don’t agree that it’s better for both of you. It’s clearly better for the house cleaner. But it can become a bad deal for the homeowner if the person they hired doesn’t live up to expectations. The reason I went to hourly is because I had a previous cleaning crew that I paid per job. Well, the first few times they did an excellent job, and I felt like I was getting a fair deal. But every other time they came they would rush because they had somewhere to be. Meanwhile, I was paying the same whether they did a great job or a so-so job, and it didn’t sit well with me. For that reason, I went to an hourly rate for my housecleaner, and I feel it’s completely fair. I made sure to pay her more than she would make elsewhere, and over time she did get faster, but I kept her total rate the same. So I think that situation has worked out for both of us. Whereas she used to work 5 hours for $75, now she works 3.5 or so for the same. $20+ per hour is a great rate – I know accountants with 20 years experience who don’t make that much! I think it’s all in your perspective and also where you live. We live in a low cost area, so $20 an hour is actually a good rate. If we lived in a large city, then not so much.
Dgsd says
I get 12.32/hour cleaning a school 8 hours every day. Public school. Bathrooms, classrooms, gym, locker rooms. Geesh, am I in the wrong job?!
Kerry says
Heidi, I would love to talk to you about your manner of charging per job! I’m looking for advice on doing same!
Kayci Wood says
That is very true plus, we see things the home owner doesn’t because our eyes are trained to see every streak on a mirror, every piece of hair on the floor, every bread crumb on a cabinet, and every called cob web in a corner.
we clean your house in about two and a half hours where it may take the homeowner a whole day or possibly the whole weekend.
To me…. a home owner cleans the surface but a house cleaner cleans every square inch.
If you hire someone by the hour they’re going to lag and not do a very good job, in my opinion. if there is a standard rate and we know we are going in to clean your home for a set price we want to keep you as a client and will go above and beyond, sometimes doing extra things at no extra charge.
You are right in thinking you hire us but after a while we decide if we keep you as a client.
If we use our gas and spend our time to come to you at a cheap rate, trust me, you will be replaced by a client who pays more.
I’m not sure when this was posted, maybe 1980s but 15 an hour is just not worth our time.
patsy says
Thank you for your advice.
Tiffany says
I recently started cleaning two houses and I really enjoy it but it is hard work. For example, I have three boys that I homeschool and they wear me out. But after my cleaning days my whole body hurts. I’m not sure of many other jobs where you are trusted to be in someones home, alone, seeing intimate things that you could very well share with the the whole world, and you have to work your butt off. I get paid for both by the job. This is what they want me to do, this is how much they pay, and I can do it however I please. One of these is right across the street, but one is way out of my way. That factors in too, for my wage. I do believe I deserve what I make and I make double what you are paying.
Lena Gott says
I pay $75 for approx. 3.5 hours of work. That’s almost $22 per hour. I forgot to mention that I also allow my cleaner (who’s also my occasional sitter) to clean WHILE she babysits, so during nap times, etc. And I pay her for both regardless. I still feel like it’s a pretty good deal for her, and I’m sticking to that! 🙂 I also guarantee her babysitting hours when she wants them (like when she’s off for the summer from her regular job). I actually don’t have any other controversial posts on this blog, so I love the debate we have going on!
Kathy says
To Each their own, but I recently left an office job paying $50k salary plus benefits,etc and have started my own business. I need to make enough to cover bills and realize I will and am literally working my butt off. I started with $60 quotes and that is just not nearly enough for the following factors:
My own car insurance, wear and tear on vehicle and gas.
My own cleaning arsenal with tried and proven products. These aren’t bottles I gather from my own home daily. I purchased all of these for homes. They aren’t cheap when buying all quality products at once.
I spend a minimum of 4 hrs on first time cleans with no break except for a quick sip of water. I am sweating by continuously working hard to make both the client happy and myself.
I now use quality microfiber rags and go through many in one home as to not cross contaminate room to room. This means I need plenty for one day and two houses.
I also use separate items if a home has animals vs one that doesn’t because…who knew…us housekeepers must be highly aware of those with allergies and I cannot use the same duster (of not a disposable swiffer) in the next home that has allergies. I do not use the washed rags that were in animal homes vs non animal homes. Color coding is great.
Same goes for cleaning agents. I have to keep notes if they are allergic or opposed to something. I know cleaners who ask for all the supplies to be provided (which I may do in the future because of cost). One new client requested more “green” products. I spent a fortune on multiple Method cleaners ($2.99 to $5.99 a bottle. Plus a double pack of method wood floor cleaner at bj’s for $10) and cleaned her on a Sunday as a one time exception. My rate was $60 and she had weird spots in bathroom she wanted up. 1.5 hrs later with real cleaners and it was sparkly. I was informed after the fact that another cleaner responded to her ad and she was also trying her out. After I cleaned it right. I made no money on that job and actually lost money, I addition to the only family time I have since hubby works third shift. I inquired with her and she was happy with work but said she didn’t see a difference on some items with the Method cleaner and told me i forgot to empty her vacuum canister. Wow. Good tip though since I.don’t empty my own when done.
After cleaning: if I use my designated cleaning mops (one for animal and non animal homes) they get disinfected each night in bleach. All rags also get a load or two of disinfectant and laundered.
My cleaning job doesn’t stop when I leave the client, as I also make sure those items used to clean are clean for next use. Paper towels are awesome but very costly for the amount I use in one home. I carry one roll for toilets.
My new clients are being charged at least $80. A full day of two homes, plus travel, etc. was a full office job in terms of hours and I made less with all the physical work.
Homes are people’s biggest prized possessions and homeowners will be the first to spot something not up to par. We must keep them satisfied for our word of mouth referrals. Bad stuff, even very minor, travels faster via word of mouth than good stuff. Best to do it right every time and take as long as it takes to get it right.
I had hoped to make it home in time for my 1st grader to get off bus with my new career, but two long cleans in a day doesn’t allow this. So, my husband also has to wake up to get him.
All that for may be $120 a day. If you are lucky to have two a day. With no benefits, paid vacation, paid sick days, etc. I made more for a less demanding job, work clothes, 401k, disability ins, life insurance, etc but I am much happier doing this and it is HARD.
WHEW.
Kathy says
That 1.5 hrs I commented on was for bathroom alone for those stains because that is what she requested. Total was 4.5 hrs on a Sunday.
Mandy says
I recently started my own business cleaning houses and commercial buildings. I wasn’t real sure on what I was going to charge at first considering the economy right now. I am currently charging a flat rate of $70 for 4 hours. I clean what the customers need done the most and then try to do more if I have enough time left. This way, I can do two houses per day and still be making a pretty good living. The commercial jobs a re a bit different. I will meet with them and discuss needs, availability, and pay. I will be honest, I prefer the commercial jobs…they pay really well majority of the time.
Lena Gott says
Thanks for sharing your experience and rate, Mandy! Do you get $70 for homes and more for commercial buildings?
Tree says
So when Suzy Trunkslammer falls in your home, be prepared to have your homeowners ins pay for it. When she doesn’t pay taxes on the money you paid her and the irs audits her and then they come after you, be prepared to pay for it. And all the penalties. When something is stolen or damaged, be prepared to never have a recourse because she didn’t have ins. We, LEGITIMATE cleaning company owners don’t pocket all that ‘extra’ money. We have to pay for all the above mentioned items. It makes me mad when I hear how people shouldn’t hire me because you can find cheaper. So you expect every company to not follow the law? Would you be ok with your dentist or doctor not to have proper ins and such?
Nicole says
I would never want to clean for as little as you suggest. When you hire a company, the employees are doing the cleaning and the company is taking care of everything else. When you are on your own you have to pay for supplies, equipment, insurance, employment taxes, and let’s not forget that you have to cover vacation and sick pay, as well as retirement and health insurance.
I will also point out that when you hire an individual in your home who isn’t licensed, you are required to fill out their employment tax forms to report to the government.
Furthermore if they are to get injured in your home, you could be sued and if they break something or steal, it will be your problem. I choose to fully insure myself to protect everyone. I would think trying to save a few bucks by hiring someone who doesn’t share those priorities is not the way to go.
Find someone insured, who does a good job and pay them well. Not everyone can do the job as you suggest. It is hard work and any self employed individual has a business mind, which should be respected. Not everyone does, hence the people working for companies making minimum wage.
Jodi says
$15 an hour is not high end at all. Cleaning companies pay their employees about that and they are paying social security taxes and providing supplies and equipment for their employee. Are you paying employer taxes for your cleaner?
A fair “cash” deal for an independent cleaner would be about $25 an hour. It isn’t a regular job so you must forget about minimum wage, etc. It takes time, gas, supplies and equipment for the cleaner and the work isn’t guaranteed employment – no insurance or benefits of any kind.
Lena Gott says
Most part-time jobs don’t provide insurance or many benefits, and I don’t know many that pay $25 an hour that don’t require a college education. I do pay her a bit more now that we’ve been together for so long.
Jodi says
A cleaner spends much longer than 8 hours in order to get paid for 8 hours…drive time between homes, loading/unloading equipment & supplies. It isn’t like a regular place of employment where you go back and forth to one location every day and can rely on a steady paycheck.
It’s true that most pt jobs don’t offer benefits, but the employer is still required to pay taxes, which you aren’t doing.
Cleaning is more of a gig than a job. I’m surprised that you still don’t seem to get that, despite all the responses you’ve gotten.
I am a former educator with a masters degree. I now have my own cleaning business. I pay my employees $15 an hour (I also give them a yearly bonus and paid vacation). I have all the necessary insurance, and I pay taxes.
Like I said before, a fair, under-the-table cash deal is no less than $20-$25 an hour depending on what you supply. Sure, you may be able to find someone for less, but they may not do a great job, and if they do then you have to be comfortable with the fact that you’re ripping them off by being cheap.
Lisa Harlow says
In my opinion, you should pay for house cleaning by the square footage of a home. I live in a 4,200 square foot home. I have 2 kids and 2 dogs. I have to say that cleaning my home is hard work. It can take 1 hr alone just to vacuum my house and clean the hardwoods. I have mirrors in my bathroom that go from the counter to the ceiling along a 14 foot wall. Just cleaning those mirrors alone takes a long time. You shouldn’t demean people who clean homes & think they deserve just minimum wage. When I have a cleaning company clean my home, I pay $150 and believe me, They earned every penny!!!!
Lisa Harlow says
Also, I have a friend who hired someone to clean her house that she found through an ad site like Craigslist. This woman did not have a registered company nor did she work for one. Things were going well until 6 months later when my friends $25,000 earrings went missing!
Lena Gott says
It sounds like she didn’t get paid as she went along?
Lena Gott says
That does sound like a lot of cleaning. I am not at all suggesting someone be paid minimum wage. I believe minimum wage is in the $7.50 range and I pay my house cleaner $15 an hour.
Lisa Harlow says
What do y’all u mean it sounds like she didn’t get paid? My friend paid the woman well but I guess the earrings were too hard to pass up. The uninsured maid probably didn’t have to work for the rest of the year once she hocked those earrings. Think of it this way. Doesn’t it seem a little ridiculous to pay a hairstylist $50 or more plus tip for a 15-30 minute haircut. A housekeeper works a lot harder than a hair stylist!
Lena Gott says
ohhh, I read it as “$25,000 EARNINGS” not earrings! oops sorry about that!
Bec says
Cleaning houses is a lot of hard work. Some people offer to pay a flat rate, and others offer to pay per hour. I state what I am willing to accept, and $30 per hour is what I average.
Time is money. So, when I enter a clients home I am losing money every second that I am not moving. I have to be quick so that I can get back home to my children.
On average it takes me 2-2 1/2 hours to complete a 4,000 sq. ft. home, but that is with no breaks and moving as quickly as I can. Talk about getting your heart rate up and breaking a sweat, lol!
Since my work is part time and I stay home with my kids to home school the rest of the time anything less than $30 per hour would just be a waste of time and energy. I am amazing at what I do. My clients are always pleased with my work and have been more than willing to pay we what I am worth.
$15 per hour is not enough for the physical demands of housekeeping. Maybe if someone is desperate they will be grateful for that amount, but like some other people already mentioned it is a bit insulting.
Marilyn says
And this is exactly why we HATE working for tight fisted, smug women like you. It is back breaking work for people who are NEVER happy with the result. Who certainly have money to spare to even consider hiring a cleaning service person, but would rather be condesending and manipulative in getting the cheapest price ever.
Lena Gott says
I’m going to approve your comment temporarily, only so I can provide a rebuttal.
1. If you don’t like the terms, then don’t work for someone like me.
2. I don’t know why you assume I’m NEVER happy with results. Did I say that? I’ll have to go re-read my post.
3. I am not a condescending person or manipulative. In fact, I am quite the opposite.
AP says
I clean 6 homes. Each 2x per month.It takes me an average of 3 hours and I charge a flat rate of $85 per cleaning. I supply the cleaning supplies,unless a client has a special product they want me to use and they offer to supply it. It’s hard manual labor. Im in shape because of cleaning.But the skill that I’m paid for is my eye. I see everything. I don’t miss anything. I really enjoy cleaning and making a place sparke. It’s satisfying to see the difference I make from my hard work.
When you talk about $10 and $15 an hours, I think chump change. That tells me you should do it your self. There are 10000 other jobs that someone can do that requires less skill, and energy to do and make that. $10-$15 per hour is insulting.
Lena Gott says
Hi there – I did the math and if you’re averaging 3 hours for $85 each time that means, assuming sometimes you can do it in 2 hours and some in 4, then you earn between $21 – 42 per hour but you have to provide your own supplies, so suffice to say if you ever take 4 (or more) hours to do a house, then you basically earn the same as my rate while providing supplies? I think anyone who says $15 an hour is ridiculous is basically insinuating that anyone who takes a job for $15 or less per hour is not very smart. Now that’s insulting!
I’d guess that more people than not earn $15 or less in this country. I am glad you can earn more, but to say that $15 an hour is insulting makes it sound like you don’t want to live here among most normal people. A lot of people would be happy to earn anywhere close to $15 an hour and be able to provide food on the table. Like I said, GOOD FOR YOU, but I think you’re being unrealistic.
Just my two cents. Perhaps I’m getting a bit touchy about all the negativity here!!! I’m sorry if you felt like I was insulting you in any way with my post above. That was not my intention.
Hannah says
I’m not sure where all of you live but I live in San Francisco which is one of the most expensive cities in the country. That said, I have an advanced degree and I chose to leave the professional world behind and one job I do part-time is clean houses. I earn more than the blog author’s price of $15 an hour but it’s relative to where I live. I don’t think for most places around the country, her price is low or insulting. I’m guessing you all live in San Francisco or Manhattan? Otherwise, your fees seem unrealistic. Granted there are some people who pay more and I do make $23 an hour but I know of many cleaners in my city who earn $20 an hour and I think that’s about average.
There are other aspects of this argument I won’t emphasize so as not to cause anybody undue problems, but most cleaners are paid cash which is another thing to consider. Part-time jobs at $15 an hour is a fair rate. I’m thinking some of these comments are coming from people with a vested interest in discrediting independent workers and others from people who must live in cities with an extremely high col.
Lena Gott says
Finally – someone who agrees with me!! 😀 $15 an hour is a good wage where I live.
johnny day says
Boy oh Boy how some of us are living in a bubble. It’s this type of thinking is why there are so many people blaming businesses for the decline in American’s standard of living. Number one what you are suggesting to do is illegal !!!!!!!!!!!!! Did you take in consideration that the services that you priced checked have much more cost on their end than the 9 dollar per hour paid to the employee. Also did you take in the fact that this wage is for a apprentice and that apprentice will be accompanied by a seasoned pro if the company is a legit cleaning service. Well guess what, the profit that businesses make now days is the smallest number on the income statement. Besides the 9 dollars per hour there is: Labor burden, Workmen’s comp. insurance, Liability insurance, payroll tax, employee’s health and medical, state payroll tax in some states, gross revenue tax in some states, yearly business license fees, environmental fee’s (yes that’s right a business does not get to wash chemicals down the sink!!!!!) , rent, property tax, fuel, equipment, consultant fees to make sure you are paying every dam tax and fee correctly to keep out of hot water with some over bloated government agency . Are you going to pay all that on top of the 15 per hour? Do you know you can get in serious hot water for not paying burden on employees? Yes if they cannot provide your with a business license then they are your employee.
You should think twice before going public with a under the table scheme and pay your fare share. Anyone whom is fortunate enough to afford a house cleaner can pay their fair share. Not saying you need to pay 45 per hour but 15 does not near cover a legal employee.
Lena Gott says
Hi Johnny – I appreciate your comment. I would like to point out that not providing those benefits is not the burden required to prove employment status. Employment status is determined by many things, including the way the work is performed (note: not legal advice!) 😀
Someone who comes to your home once a week for a few hours and brings their own supplies, works on their own terms to complete a contracted job is not usually your employee. It is illegal for someone not to pay taxes on their wages, but not illegal for you to give them wages. And I never said it was under the table.
Theresa says
Hello all,
I am a house cleaner . I have been in business for 7 years . I am state registered . I live in Maryland. There you are only required to register your business.you don’t need to have a license if you are only providing a service and don’t have employees.
But with that being said I have a registered business and I PAY taxes . I have no employees. I do all the cleaning myself and can say for me to make a living off this I have ave to work HARD. I clean 2 houses a day 5 days a week one week and 6 days the next . I work 8 hours a day not including drive time . Now I know everyone has to drive to work but I have no final destination. I drive to my first house clean that load my supplies up and then on to the next one. So I have millage put on my car which equals out to be well over the national average . Also not to mention the gas . I supply all my own supplies . All brand name because I do not want to spend extra time scrubbing because my supplies don’t cut through the grime .I buy on average one vacuum per year . A brand name vacuum (a shark). The vacuum runs Me about $150.00 and I spend about $25.00 a week for supplies . I physically put strane on my joints and feet every day bending and reaching. I have noticed a significant amount of deterioration of my overall body since cleaning. I am only 32 but the physical aspect of this job is no joke . I get no paid vacation , no benefits or no raise. I charge by house not hour but I average $30.00 per hour. When you deduct the cost of all the supplies gas and maintenance of my car that takes my pay down alot. Also please remember you are paying for the trust between your cleaner and you not just with stealing but to take gentle care of your home . I have had most of my customers from the beginning and know them well . And they trust me and are happy to even give me a nice tip for Christmas. Yes you may be able to get someone for cheap but just remember you get what you pay for . If someone is willing to clean your whole house for $35/$40 chances are you will be looking for another cleaner before long because no one can survive and live a decent life on that money and chances are they won’t stick with cleaning for long.
Lena Gott says
Hi Theresa – Thank you for your lovely comment. I like how you disagreed with the post, but politely! 😀 I would like to encourage you to start charging more. You sound like an amazing house cleaner, and it sounds like your clients are loyal. If you increased your rate, say by 50%, and you lost a few people, you would ultimately come out ahead and with less wear and tear on yourself. I don’t believe you need to constantly worry about how much you’re netting. If the net earnings seem off to you, then you can increase it and likely still be completely booked with clients. The right people will gravitate towards you, I promise! I’m learning this same thing myself as I determine pricing for my own online products. Pricing low has not been working out because I have to make so many more sales to break even…
Amanda says
Theresa very good points!!
Amanda says
I am an individual cleaner as well as a small business owner of a cleaning business. If that makes sense, ha I have one employee and do not plan to ever hire again. The amount of people I had to go through to find just one…. never again! I appreciate who I have so much!
Never ever below $20 an hour for a house , thats cutting myself short some I know, and many people tip on top of that probably because they know thats a bargain price 🙂 Offices are a higher rate.
To put perspective, I spend a bit of time in my office, traveling on the road (wear and tear on vehicle, time spent hopping form place to place), I use cloths so a load of laundry every day, I supply all materials for the job, I pay for two types of insurance on top of payroll and my CPA to keep track of expenses for tax time (taxes are high here for self employed) and it is hard work to do as a living!! It can wear on a person in two ways physically and mentally.
I have turned down 3 houses this past week because we are full. I do get rather annoyed at people that have the mindset of low-balling a cleaning person because knowledge in the field is important. Don’t want someone to use the wrong thing or be rushed and ruin your stuff! Time is money in this business whether theres profit or not.
Step #1 finding a great trust worthy knowledgeable cleaner … DO whatever you can to keep them coming back if you really want to have the service and like what they do. People that are actually good and work hard are very hard to come by. Most of those applicants you got in response wouldn’t work.
Lena Gott says
thank you for your kind & thoughtful response, Amanda!
Norma says
Oh my gosh. I’m a full time night student and I’m seriously thinking about either joining a cleaning company or starting my own business. I love working alone, I love cleaning..and I am a hard worker. I can’t really tell from these posts if anyone is happy with their decision to clean houses.
Please keep in mind that the cost of living varies drastically from state to state. I live in Washington and the cost of living is pretty high. I’m glad I have resources like this website to investigate if cleaning houses for a living would be a good fit for me.. Thanks Lena for outing this post out there!
Lena Gott says
That’s true – it’s not clear if anyone who’s commented truly loves cleaning. I would love to hear some testimonials for owning a cleaning business if anyone is up for that…just comment!
Alejandra Limas says
In San Diego the median rate is between $25 per hour up to $45 or higher. I have never met or heard of anyone getting paid $15 dollars per hour lol! Rents and coat of living in California is very expensive. No one would live off $15 dollars an hour. Maybe in another state but not here.
Lena Gott says
I can totally see that. Where I live, cost of living is fairly low.
Jane says
I hope she is paying her taxes, but if so, she is being seriously taken advantage of. As a house cleaner, I pay taxes, and in my state someone who is self-employed pays up to 35% on what they earn. So, I may charge $25/hour, but I maybe only making about $16.25/hour depending on the total earnings for that year. I enjoy working for clients who value integrity and don’t mind paying a fair rate.
Lena Gott says
I truly appreciate you coming to MY blog and telling me I lack integrity. 🙂 You probably live in a high cost area. Where I live, $16.25 BEFORE taxes is a very good hourly rate, much less after taxes. I think everyone who is getting upset by the $15 per hour rate is not familiar with cost of living around the country.
Dee says
I know this is an old thread but I just mentioned to neighbors that some companies were quoting $300 to clean houses my size (3351sf). That’s even with excluding bedrooms and living areas upstairs. Just for 2.5 baths, kitchen, and sweep mop vacuum 2 living areas downstairs. I asked if they knew any one that would do $15 and I was literally bombarded with interested parties. They were documented and worked for cleaning companies that paid MAX $9-12 an hour without benefits. They said the biggest perk was being able to make their own hours AND make more than the company charged because clients would be able to afford a consistent schedule vs once every blue moon. They go down the street cleaning and do 4-5 houses a day starting at 7/8 am. So that’s basically 8hrs at $15. We all supply our own stuff too. Also, I’m in Texas $15 is still good in 2018 and this conversation started years ago. In 2014 $11.75-12 probably would’ve been good.
Lena Gott says
I’m so glad you chimed in, Dee! $15 is still good in North Carolina where I live, too.
Mara Bittencourt says
$15 an hours is like slavery. Cheap labor. I woube ambarrassed paying someone that low because they needed the money. If clean houses were easy, we wouldn’t be hiring someone. A work job is to sit there an look pretty. Not cleaning someone’s toilets and trash.
Lena Gott says
Wendy – I’m approving your comment, but I beg to differ. $15 is NOT slavery. Not even close. It’s a very livable wage where I’m from. It all depends on where you live.
Entrepreneur says
Wow, $15.00 an hour for hard—physical labor is shameful and a slap in the face.
You are literally insulting the profession.
Jeff says
Just wondering…is it just the idea of a “high” hourly rate you’re stuck on? As a former CPA, you know what you were worth hourly, having the education, skills, and certification you worked hard for. Maybe you were paid $30-$50/hour or more. But if you owned or worked for a firm, clients were likely billed at closer to $200/hour. And they paid that because of the value they received. Cleaning businesses are the same, just on a different scale.
If money is tight, I understand wanting to pay less. But what is your own time worth? That’s what you’re replacing, after all…that and a cleaner home. To have a team come in and clean twice a month, in and out quickly, all for around $200? That’s a good value to me and for a lot of other people. I don’t need to think about what I’m paying by the hour, how that compares to hourly rates of other work, etc.
Lawn care is quite similar. I *hate* mowing and trimming. At my previous home, I paid a crew $55/week to mow my lawn. A crew of three came in with the equipment and the skill to finish it in less than 15 minutes. Frankly, I don’t care that their effective hourly rate is $220/hour. My yard looked better than when I tried to do it, and all I had to do was pay them.
I stumbled on your site while running numbers on a potential service business that includes residential cleaning. I’m planning to provide jobs with benefits in an area where there’s a huge wealth disparity, and the people who need jobs like this can’t afford to live close to where the jobs are. Because of the growth here (lots of vacation rentals & new hotels), all of my first 10-15 hires should have management opportunities either in residential or commercial cleaning.
Your article wasn’t quite the info I was looking for, but it was a good read and helped me think through some things. I would *love* to speak with more people like the ones commenting here, just for the wealth of info they have.
Lena Gott says
Hi Jeff – I live in an area at about 100% of the median income in the U.S. and as a CPA with a master’s degree with 5 years experience (about when I hired my cleaning person), I was only making $27 per hour. I worked for a company, not public practice at that time. When you look at it that way I still think approximately $10 less per hour for a job that doesn’t require 5 years of college and passing the CPA exam is about right!
If you happen to read this, just wanted to update you that we’ve since moved and I have another cleaning crew. I let them quote me (so I had no input into what they asked for), and I was quote $180 per week to clean my new home (flat rate for one visit) and it takes 3 of them about 2 hours to do everything I need done (they do a more than just cleaning). When you break down the hourly rate per person it’s $180 divided by 6 hours, so $30 an hour. I’m fine paying that because they came recommended AND they do an excellent job.
I think it’s worth noting that the different between me then and now is that I can simply afford to pay more. I think that’s a fact lost in translation here. I needed help with my house when I didn’t have much wiggle room in my budget, so $15 is the MOST I could have ever paid at that time. I had my house cleaned every other week back then and weekly now because I work much more.
Hope that helps you with your research!
Kat says
Lena, your reply to Jeff here is elitist and shameful. Identifying someone’s and contribution through the lens of your own graduate education is just wrong. My English professor in college only made $38,000 per year and she had a PHD. Yet I know people personally who work in the corporate world and in technology who have only an associates degree and they make six figures. Education doesn’t mean the same thing that it once did. And I find it offensive that you base your willingness to pay someone a fair wage comes through the lens of how you view your own self worth.
Lena Gott says
Hi Kat – Surely you don’t go around in your life overpaying for everything or never analyzing a purchase before deciding? I don’t see how trying to logically reason out pay ranges is elitist or offensive. Most jobs come with a pay “range.” If you’ve ever worked in a corporate environment, you will know that there are even things called PAY BANDS that you sometimes can’t enter into without certain education or ever exit (upward) without more experience, more education or a promotion. In other words, they are pay limits by job role to control costs because money is not unlimited!
You are correct that education doesn’t always equate to earnings…everyone knows this. That fact has nothing to do with how much I’m willing to pay for a service. I was just trying to give a simple example that you took way out of proportion for some reason.
As I said in the end, it really boiled down to how much I was able to pay for someone to help me AT THE TIME. When we were strapped for cash as a young married couple with little ones at home, there is just no way I could justify paying many multiples of my own corporate hourly rate for someone to clean my house. Didn’t matter how much I liked the cleaning or how good the work was….I could only pay what I could only pay. Luckily, I was able to find someone who just wanted a simple side job & we worked very well together. She is a good friend to this day even though she no longer lives nearby!
Normally I don’t publish comments like yours, but I felt like this was a good time to address the fact that many people have taken this simple post out of context. This is not a serious enough subject for me to get offended over. I wrote a simple post that I thought would be ENCOURAGING to some….they say no good deed goes unpunished and after writing my thoughts publicly for over a decade, I’m inclined to believe that’s true!
Julia says
Hi
I think it would really help, if people that comment on here would let us know the area they live in. That could help understand the pricing of your cleaning crew and/or the wage/pay difference between the different posts here.
I live in Silicon Valley, CA. I can not even find a babysitter that would work for $15/hr. Just to put wage and pay into relations to cost of living out here. A one bedroom apartment will cost you roughly $2200 per month to rent (that is on the low end, if you are lucky).
Now, imagine what you would have to pay someone to clean for an hour (or do anything for an hour) with high living expenses.
I like your article and it is somewhat informative, yet it is area specific to the town or area you live in.
I live in a very small house, ca 1200 sqft, with two very small bathrooms. It cost me about $250 per week to get the house cleaned (basic cleaning). It takes two people between 1.5 to 2 hours. Yes, they are bonded and insured. I live in CA and people get sued all the time, so I would only hire a housekeeper/cleaner that has insurance and is licensed . Yes, I probably pay extra for that. However, here were I live there are a few things to consider. As someone mentioned earlier, how much is it worth to me to get my house cleaned? A lot! We live in a very busy area. It can take me an hour just to go grocery shopping. Traffic is horrible, no matter where you go. So time is money. If I can have some extra time and not worry about cleaning my house, worth it.
Can I afford it? Well, there was a time when I couldn’t. $275 is still steep, yet we as a family now make enough money where it doesn’t hurt so much anymore. Everything is expensive here, so we pick our choices of comfort. Another good example, I have to pay $70/hr for one music lesson for my kids (piano), whereas my friend in Iowa pays $25/hr for an hour and the teacher comes to her house (mine doesn’t, I have to drive 20 min each way).
Could I get someone cheaper? Probably. I could go on Craigslist and see, if I can hire someone for less. What is my risk? Getting someone that will get hurt and sue me on purpose? Invite their friends and have a party when I am gone? Damage my house while cleaning? The list of questions is endless and I do not like to worry – not worth it.
It is like cutting corners with something that is important to you. My home and family are important to me. I would only trust someone in it, that is licensed, bonded and insured. I have kids, pictures, valuables, pets, nice floors, furnitures, etc. I would like to keep them safe. Is it worth it to me to pay a little more? Yes! Would I cut corners with someone putting breaks on my car, not knowing if it is going to be safe, but saving money? No! Same thing.
Bottom line, it is very hard to put a price tag on some service, not knowing what they actually provide, who they are, and in what area they operate.
Jade says
Companies charge more per hour because they’re not just paying the house cleaner their hourly wage. I’m sure you haven’t considered these things because, like you said, you really don’t know much about professional cleaning. Costs vary depending on the company, but there are many things you haven’t taken into consideration. Transportation costs, supplies, Insurance, taxes, the cost of running an office, paying employees to run said office, etc. Even professional cleaners who work independently have added costs to consider. Independent cleaners are advised to include all costs when determining hourly wage. Needing some extra cash is one thing, supporting yourself as a full time independent cleaner is another. There will always be people who choose cheap over supporting experienced small businesses & that’s ok. If your house cleaner pays taxes she’s doing manual labor for minimum pay. Our society tends to put less value on the jobs no one wants to do, despite how needed some of these jobs are. According to what you’re willing to pay a house cleaner, someone who does this job full-time would make less than $25,000 a year after taxes. That blows my mind being that most who agree with you would never work for so little, especially doing manual labor. I hope readers of this article scroll down, read my comment and see that paying someone $25 -$30 an hour to clean your home isn’t only fair, it’s actually a great deal.
Lena Gott says
Less than $25K a year after taxes is a low salary, but not out of the realm of possibility for my area for one person. I live in a low cost of living area. When my husband and I had a combined household income of less than $60k and we had a 2500 square foot house on 1/2 acre, two cars, two kids, and money to go on vacations. I think everyone is getting very upset without understanding just how low the cost of living is in some areas. I didn’t rob my cleaner. I actually gave her a raise from her old job of working the receptionist desk at a doctor’s office for less than $10 an hour. I provided all her supplies, so she wasn’t out that expense. I don’t know if she was bonded, but honestly she lived in my neighborhood so I wasn’t too worried about that. She was literally my neighbor a few streets over. It’s all a matter of perspective on whether you think the hourly rate is worth it. In a small town, it’s quite fair. Thanks for commenting!
PO Cleaner says
Enjoyed the read, seems the hourly wage is quite lower where you’re at as you sure did your research. I like your thoughts on starting your own cleaning business since you do enjoy it as we’re just getting ours off the ground. Thanks for the read 🙂
Vallarey says
$25-$35 is suitable for someone who does it for a living. Most cleaners (including me) supply our own products/vacuum/mop/microfiber towels, etc, and are insured and licensed. Honestly, for $25 per hour, you won’t get the best clean. And most people charging more are background checked and reputable. When it comes to house cleaning, you get what you pay for. And many people who have done it for a while, although they are efficient, make sure to give you an accurate estimate. It may be take more time to clean your home because you have more nice nacs, many pets, a bunch of kids who get finger prints everywhere, if you want laundry done, dishes done, etc. And most will give you a customized estimate if you only want your high traffic areas like kitchen/bathrooms/living areas and the option to add the bedrooms when you need them.
I understand not wanting to spend an arm and a leg to get your house cleaned, but for a good cleaner who is reputable and has good knowledge of what products to use where, is fine with pets/kids, trustworthy, is flexible, AND someone you don’t mind hanging around your house for a few hours to clean… they are a dime a dozen.
Lena Gott says
Again, I think you might live in a higher cost of living area than I do! I was working 5 years as a CPA before I exceeded $25 an hour and I was required to get a master’s degree (not cheap), pay to study for and take the CPA exam, wear business attire, pay for parking on my own, etc. Where I live, $25 an hour is a very good wage even if you have to provide your own supplies / education.
Mariah says
Just for fun considering it’s now almost 2023 I thought I would share what I make now working for a cleaning company in the Tacoma Seattle area. I make a minimum of $32 an hour. It’s crazy to think how times have changed and how blessed I feel and I am to be making as much as I am. $15 Is now minimum wage in my state, when I first started cleaning with a cleaning company eight years ago I started off $15.50 an hour plus tips So the amount that you paid her back then was really spot on. I guess it all just depends on the market etc. There are a lot of factors that go in to this. The company that I work for is a premium cleaning company and only Accepted me because I had eight years of experience. the average that I have found outside of what I’m doing now seems to be somewhere in the $20-$25 range per hour but That’s mostly people who do it on their own. I feel like I landed a really lucky position. Anyways I’m not sure if anyone will even see this because this is literally a decade later lol it was just a fun read and I just found it really interesting to think about how much things can change over the years. 😊
Lena Gott says
Thank you so much for chiming in, Mariah! I actually get quite a few comments on this post still to this day, but I can’t publish most of them because they are really hateful. After revisiting this thread again, it’s so nice to hear someone validate the $15 amount I threw out almost a DECADE ago which was a great rate in the rural south. I’m surprised it was also that range in Seattle, but like you said, it’s interesting to look back on the trends!