Hotel cleaners

What does a Hotel Housekeeper do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Hotel Housekeeper is responsible for creating a clean, pleasant, and welcoming environment for hotel guests. Tasks include cleaning hotel rooms, changing bed linens, vacuuming, wiping surfaces, refilling hygiene products, and ensuring everything functions properly in the rooms. In addition to private guest areas, maintenance of common areas such as corridors, elevators, and the reception vicinity is often included. The work is usually performed at a high pace with clear quality standards, where both accuracy and efficiency are crucial. The work environment involves physical labor, often with heavy lifting and repetitive movements, as well as contact with colleagues and guests.

Salary development over time

The salary for Hotel Housekeepers has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,600 SEK per month, rising to 26 700 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has reached 27 600 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.8% over three years. This growth can partly be attributed to the industry’s increased focus on working conditions, collective agreements, and recruitment challenges, especially during periods of high demand for labor. Despite the positive trend, the salary level remains somewhat below the average for the labor market, reflecting the nature of the profession and educational requirements. The salary development indicates that employers increasingly value experience and reliability in the profession.

Hotel Housekeeper Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 27 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,600 SEK/month (men), 25,700 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 29,700 SEK/month (men), 28,500 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 166 SEK
• Gender differences: Men earn 28,500 SEK, women 27 300 SEK (96% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Specific regional data is lacking, but salary levels may vary depending on location and employer.

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Hotel Housekeeper, no formal education beyond compulsory schooling is generally required, but some employers may prefer applicants with a high school diploma or experience from service professions. Training is often conducted directly at the workplace, where practical skills and routines are taught. Some hotels offer internal training or introductory programs to ensure quality standards and a safe working environment.

• Formal education: None required, but high school diploma is advantageous
• Introduction/internship: Common to have on-the-job training and internships during the introductory period
• Courses/certificates: Some employers offer internal courses in cleaning techniques and hygiene
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition and ability to work independently are highly valued
• Tips: Service-mindedness and thoroughness are important qualities for success

Common Benefits and Compensation

Hotel Housekeepers are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as shift allowances, holiday pay, occupational pensions, insurances, and sometimes wellness grants. Additionally, employers may offer wellness subsidies, staff discounts, and work clothing. Extra compensation is usually provided for evening, weekend, and holiday work.

Competition and Challenges

Competition for positions as a Hotel Housekeeper varies depending on region and season. Although job opportunities nationwide are considered good, certain periods and locations may experience higher competition or recruitment difficulties. The profession involves physical challenges such as heavy lifting and repetitive movements, demanding good health and work capacity. Part-time work is common, and there is often a paradox between a large supply of part-time workers and employers’ need for full-time staff. The industry is also affected by economic cycles and tourism development, which can cause fluctuations in workload and employment security.

Tips for Aspiring Hotel Housekeepers

To succeed as a Hotel Housekeeper, it’s beneficial to combine thoroughness with efficiency, as the work requires attention to detail and the ability to maintain a high pace. Good physical condition is a significant asset, given the frequent movement, lifting, and working in various positions. Service-mindedness and a friendly attitude towards guests and colleagues are highly valued, especially since the hotel environment relies on teamwork and guest satisfaction. Flexibility is important, as shifts can vary, and quick adaptation to unforeseen situations is often needed. Responsibility and punctuality increase the chances of gaining trust and independent tasks. Being attentive to instructions and quickly learning new routines also makes a big difference. Finally, stress tolerance is advantageous, as the work sometimes involves tight schedules and high demands on delivery.

Key Facts about Hotel Housekeepers

• Education level: Compulsory school or high school, with on-the-job training
• Work environment: Physically demanding, often team-based and under time pressure
• Employment type: Commonly part-time and shift work
• Demand: Large opportunities for employment nationwide according to the Employment Service
• Special skills: Service-mindedness, thoroughness, and good physical condition

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After gaining some experience as a Hotel Housekeeper, opportunities may exist to advance to supervisory roles, such as head cleaner or team leader within hotel cleaning. Some choose to further their education within the hotel and tourism sector and can then move into reception, conference management, or other service roles. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, job prospects within the cleaning profession are generally good, and demand is expected to remain stable over the next five years. There are often available positions, and the job market is characterized by both recruitment difficulties and a potential supply of part-time workers. For those interested in service and career development within the hotel industry, there are good prospects for building a long-term career.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hotel Housekeepers

• What is the average salary of a Hotel Housekeeper?
  - The average salary for a Hotel Housekeeper is 27 600 SEK per month.
• How do salary differences between men and women look?
  - Men earn 28,500 SEK, women 27 300 SEK, which means women earn 96% of men's salary.
• What is required to get a job as a Hotel Housekeeper?
  - Usually no formal education is required, but high school diploma and experience from service professions are advantageous.
• Are there good job opportunities?
  - Yes, the Employment Service assesses the opportunities as high within the profession.
• What benefits are usually included?
  - Common benefits include shift allowances, holiday pay, occupational pension, insurances, and sometimes wellness subsidies.
• What is the work environment like for Hotel Housekeepers?
  - The work environment is physically demanding with a high pace and strict quality requirements.
• Can one advance within the profession?
  - Yes, with experience there are opportunities for supervisory roles and further training within the hotel industry.