What does a housekeeper at a hotel do? – Tasks and work environment
A housekeeper at a hotel is responsible for keeping guest rooms, corridors, and common areas clean, well-organized, and inviting. The work includes making beds, vacuuming, wiping surfaces, changing towels, and refilling consumables such as soap and toilet paper. It often also involves reporting damages or deficiencies to the reception and ensuring guests have a pleasant stay. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, physical activity, and varying shifts, with both morning and evening shifts common.
Wage development over time
Over the past three years, the wage development for hotel housekeepers has shown a steady upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 25,600 SEK per month, increasing to 26 700 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 indicates that the average salary is now 27 600 SEK per month. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.8% during the period, which is slightly higher than the general wage growth in the industry. Salary increases can be linked to a continued strong demand for labor in the hotel sector and increased quality and service requirements. At the same time, employers in certain regions have had to adjust wages to attract and retain staff, especially due to labor shortages and competition from other service sectors.
Hotel housekeeper salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 27 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary (men): 25,600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary (women): 25,700 SEK/month
- Highest salary (men): 29,700 SEK/month
- Highest salary (women): 28,500 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 166 SEK/hour
- Women earn: 96% of men's salary
Education and qualifications
To work as a hotel housekeeper, usually no formal education is required, but many employers prefer applicants to have completed high school, preferably within hotel and tourism programs. Practical experience in cleaning or service roles is often advantageous, and some hotels offer internal training or introductory courses for new employees. Personal qualities such as thoroughness, responsibility, and a service-minded attitude are highly valued in the recruitment process.
- High school education: Hotel and tourism programs are advantageous
- Internal training: Many hotels offer introductory courses
- Practical experience: Experience in cleaning/service is sought after
- Language skills: Basic Swedish or English facilitate communication
- Prerequisites: Often no formal requirements, but responsibility and thoroughness are important
Many hotels have implemented environmentally friendly cleaning routines, which means housekeepers often work with eco-friendly cleaning agents and routines to reduce water and energy consumption. This provides an opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable hotel industry and adds a new dimension to the profession beyond traditional cleaning tasks.
Common benefits and compensations
A hotel housekeeper often benefits from collective agreements that provide holiday pay, overtime pay for unsocial hours, and sometimes wellness contributions. Other common benefits include staff discounts on hotel stays, work clothing, and opportunities for further training within the hotel industry. In some cases, bonuses linked to work performance or guest satisfaction are also offered.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a hotel housekeeper is generally moderate but can vary depending on region and season. One of the biggest challenges is the physically demanding nature of the work, with risks of musculoskeletal injuries and repetitive movements. Employee turnover is relatively high, which requires quick onboarding and flexibility among staff. Additionally, language skills and the ability to handle stressful situations can be crucial for success and job satisfaction in the role.
Tips for those wanting to become a hotel housekeeper
To succeed as a hotel housekeeper, attention to detail is essential, as the work demands consistent quality in every task. Good physical condition facilitates daily work, as heavy lifting and many steps are common. Being service-oriented and able to greet guests politely contributes to a positive environment for both guests and colleagues. Flexibility and adaptability to rapid changes are important traits, especially during busy periods. Having a positive attitude and the ability to collaborate with others are also valuable since the team is often multicultural and teamwork is key to achieving common goals. Learning basic Swedish or English can make communication easier with colleagues and guests. Finally, taking advantage of internal training opportunities and showing engagement can open doors for further development within the hotel industry.
Key facts about hotel housekeepers
- Salary range: 25,600–29,700 SEK/month
- Average salary: 27 600 SEK/month
- Educational requirements: Often high school, but no formal requirements
- Work environment: Physically demanding and fast-paced
- Demand: Great opportunities for work, especially during high season
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years as a hotel housekeeper, opportunities may open for advancement, such as team leader, cleaning coordinator, or responsible for environmental and quality work within the hotel. Some also choose to further their education within the hotel and tourism sector and take roles like receptionist or conference services. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that job opportunities within the cleaning profession remain strong, and demand is expected to stay unchanged over five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by many working part-time and a certain shortage of full-time employees, which can create additional opportunities for those seeking more hours. Currently, there are 123 available jobs in this profession nationwide.
Frequently asked questions about hotel housekeepers
- What does a hotel housekeeper earn?
- The average salary is 27 600 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and employer.
- What are the gender differences in wages for housekeepers?
- Women earn an average of 27 300 SEK per month, which corresponds to 96% of men's average salary of 28,500 SEK.
- What education is required to become a hotel housekeeper?
- Often, a basic high school education is sufficient, but there are no formal requirements. Practical experience and service skills are highly valued.
- What are the future prospects for hotel housekeepers?
- Job opportunities are abundant, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for a hotel housekeeper?
- The highest salary is 29,700 SEK (male, private sector, postgraduate education). The lowest is 25,600 SEK (male, municipal sector).
- Are there regional wage differences?
- Wages may vary slightly between regions, but the differences are relatively small compared to other professions.
- What benefits are common in this profession?
- Common benefits include overtime pay, holiday allowance, wellness contributions, and staff discounts on hotel stays.
