Housekeeper

A professional cleaner who handles the routine and deep cleaning needs of a residence or estate.

The Role of a Housekeeper

A Housekeeper is a professional cleaner who performs a variety of routine and scheduled tasks to maintain the cleanliness and organization of a home.

Residences vary greatly in their size, staff and cleaning requirements, so household teams vary anywhere from a part-time housekeeper to a team of housekeepers/other household staff. Housekeepers are responsible for following the standards of the household: for furniture care, laundry and special care for things like china/crystal/antiques/collectibles. He or she will perform deep cleaning at consistent intervals, along with daily or weekly cleaning. This person may have responsibilities that overlap with other staff, such as a personal/family assistant who handles holiday decorations or seasonal wardrobe changes, or helping a Private Chef to prepare food or clean-up after food service.

An excellent Housekeeper will be hard-working, reliable and service-oriented. They will give principals peace of mind knowing that their home is always in great shape for them and their guests to enjoy throughout the year.

Job Description

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Formal education is not a requirement for Housekeeper positions, although most Housekeepers will have completed their secondary education and/or received formal housekeeping training at some point in their prior experience.

Long-term, its far more important for your Housekeeper to have the right personality and disposition than to have the exact training or skills you are looking for from Day 1. We typically look for 3 years of experience for a Housekeeper, however some of the best Housekeepers come from other types of work, such as caregivers or nannies, or candidates who are otherwise at the beginning (or a transition stage) of their career.

SKILLS

Exceptional cleaning standards, developed through formal training or in a professional capacity
Expertise in caring for items requiring special care (china, silver, crystal, antiques, art, clothes, etc.)
Technological proficiency and familiarity with commonly used smart home systems (e.g., HVAC, home automation, security systems, etc.)
Depending on a principal(s) needs, specific skills such as fluency in a language other than English, or household service skills in areas other than housekeeping

CERTIFICATIONS / TRAINING

Professional training and certifications are not a requirement in this role, but many Housekeepers will have completed training through a hotel, resort or white glove service training program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Housekeeping responsibilities vary depending on the presence of other staff members and size of the residence, but common duties include:

Cleaning and maintaining all areas on the interior of a home, including home furnishings
Following a home’s standard operating procedures for cleaning, and helping to implement new procedures to increase the efficiency of labor or product-use
Special care for antiques, collectibles and other valuables in the residence
Executing on a list of tasks to be performed daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually
Drawing attention to maintenance issues throughout the residence
Organizing closets, dressers and other storage areas
Working with other housekeepers to ensure all responsibilities are met
Other tasks that may overlap with other service areas, such as child or pet care, food preparation, personal assistance, etc.

ATTRIBUTES

Characteristics of a successful Housekeeper include:

Attention to detail

A Housekeeper should have a keen eye for detail and be able to spot areas that need further attention or that may affect the overall enjoyment of a residence. He or she should be meticulous, thorough and diligent in performing their tasks, and also be able to follow instructions and standards precisely. They should also be proactive, organized and efficient, and be able to prioritize and manage their time effectively.

“Nothing is too small” attitude

A Housekeeper should have a positive and can-do attitude that reflects their willingness and enthusiasm to take on any task, no matter how big or small. The person in this role should be respectful and courteous, treating every task with equal importance and care. He or she should be proactive, adaptable, professional and always striving to deliver high-quality results with enthusiasm and efficiency.

Team player

A Housekeeper should be a team player who works well with other staff members and contributes to an efficient work environment. They should be cooperative, supportive and respectful of others’ opinions and perspectives, and be able to communicate effectively and constructively. He or she should be willing to share information, knowledge and feedback and also be open to learning from others and seeking help when needed.

Responsibility and integrity

A Housekeeper should be responsible and accountable for his or her actions and decisions. In a situation where a Housekeeper reports directly to a principal, he or she must be capable of fully managing themselves, taking ownership of their role at all times. They should always demonstrate integrity and honesty in their work, adhering to ethical standards and protecting the confidentiality and privacy of the estate and its principal(s) at all times.

COMPENSATION

Total compensation for a Housekeeper generally ranges from $50 – 85K. Factors that command a higher salary include specific experience, education or training requirements, an ability to work outside of normal hours, flexibility to travel between multiple homes or live-in with a principal, and fluency in languages other than English. Components of a Housekeeper’s compensation may include:

Base salary

Fixed annual amount received for performing duties as agreed upon. A Housekeeper’s base salary varies depending on the size, location and number of residences they are responsible for cleaning, as well as the experience and qualifications of the Executive Housekeeper.

Discretionary Bonus

A variable amount that is paid annually, based on an individual’s performance. A Housekeeper’s bonus is ultimately tied to the principal’s overall satisfaction and may fluctuate from year to year.

Living Expenses

A principal may prefer that housekeeping staff lives in with them, either at their residence, at an adjoining accommodation on their property or within certain proximity of the residence. Reasons for this include the need for this person to be available off-hours, the importance of proximity to the residence or principal due to various duties associated with the role or because the residence is located in a remote area. If a principal requires any of these living situations of their Housekeeper, housing and/or moving expenses are expected to be included in the employee’s compensation package.

STANDARD BENEFITS

For homes with a part-time or a modest housekeeping staff, benefits may not be required. For established estates, or for staff that are managed by a family office, a Housekeeper will typically have access to the following corporate-style benefits (or receive a stipend to obtain such benefits themselves):

Medical, dental and vision

Standard health benefits help employees stay healthy, reduce absenteeism and ultimately increase productivity.

Retirement savings account

401k, thrift savings plan or simple IRA, especially with employer matched contributions, shows your employees your commitment to their future.

Paid time off

PTO allows your employees to take time off from work for various reasons, such as vacation, sickness, personal matters or holidays.

Travel/miscellaneous expenses

Expenses incurred when travelling or conducting business on behalf of the house. Expenses include transportation, accommodations, meals and other costs related to business travel and may be reimbursed or covered by an allowance or budget.

OTHER BENEFITS / "PERKS"

Additional benefits are often included to enhance the attractiveness of an employment offer, as well as encouraging long-term employment. Such benefits include:

Education

Tuition reimbursement, scholarships/savings plans for those with college-aged children

Professional development

Encouraging and covering an employee’s participation in training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences or professional certifications

Health and wellness

Healthy food, beverages or snacks offered at the house
Paid or discounted gym memberships or fitness classes
Access to wellness programs with counseling services, health screenings, substance abuse treatment, etc.
Life and disability insurance

Employee assistance

Financial counseling
Legal advice
Transportation reimbursement or allowance

Charity

Volunteer opportunities
PTO days for community service
Charitable match program

Family benefits

On-site childcare or childcare reimbursements
Parental and family medical leave

Workplace

Remote work/flexible hours
Casual work attire
Employee recognition programs, awards or rewards

REPORT STRUCTURE

A Housekeeper generally reports to:

An Executive Housekeeper (if present)
A House or Estate Manager
Directly to the principal(s)
A designated individual within the family office (Director of Operations or Administration, Chief of Staff or Managing Director)

Have Questions?

Clean, Organized & Welcoming

A Housekeeper does more than just clean—they create an environment of order, comfort, and care. With meticulous attention to detail and expertise in maintaining fine furnishings, they ensure your home is always at its best. Whether managing daily upkeep or deep cleaning, a skilled Housekeeper elevates your living space and gives you the freedom to enjoy your home without the hassle.

Looking for a Housekeeper who goes beyond cleaning? We’ll find you a true professional that will keep your home running smoothly for years to come.

“We only place Housekeepers who bring care, professionalism, and attention to detail into every home they serve.”

Adam Cook

Managing Director, Old State Staffing

A Home That Feels Effortless

Why You Should Consider a Housekeeper

A dedicated Housekeeper provides much more than just cleaning—they bring organization, upkeep, and a sense of calm to your home. With experience in high-end home care, they ensure your space remains immaculate while handling delicate fabrics, fine finishes, and household organization. A Housekeeper can help you: