Housekeeper

As per the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, the federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act is $7.25 per hour for nonexempt cleaning staff as of 2026. Overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate is required for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Youth minimum wage is $7.25 per hour for workers under 20 during their first 90 consecutive calendar days.

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for janitors and building cleaners is $19.02 in 2026. The annual median wage is $39,560 for full-time workers. The lowest 10 percent earn $13.65 per hour, while the top 10 percent earn $26.45 per hour.

As per the U.S. Department of Labor, foreign workers need an H-2B visa for temporary non-agricultural cleaning positions, requiring a temporary labor certification from DOL. The FY 2026 H-2B cap is 66,000 visas, with additional supplemental visas possible. Employers file Form ETA-9142B for certification before USCIS petition.

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, no formal educational credential is required for janitors and cleaners. Workers typically receive short-term on-the-job training of less than 30 days. Only 28 percent have postsecondary education, with most learning tasks like using cleaning equipment on site.