Maids and housekeeping cleaners
SOC Code: 37-2012
Maids and housekeeping cleaners carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $34,660 and +0.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 1,356,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 27% AI exposure, Maids and housekeeping cleaners sits 10 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 22% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Maids and housekeeping cleaners sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Maids and housekeeping cleaners has ai exposure of 27%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Maids and housekeeping cleaners vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Maids and housekeeping cleaners is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Maids and housekeeping cleaners (SOC 37-2012) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 1,356,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +0.4% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $34,660, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Maids and housekeeping cleaners. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Keep storage areas and carts well-stocked, clean, and tidy.
- 2. Carry linens, towels, toilet items, and cleaning supplies, using wheeled carts.
- 3. Clean rooms, hallways, lobbies, lounges, restrooms, corridors, elevators, stairways, locker rooms, and other work areas so that health standards are met.
- 4. Disinfect equipment and supplies, using germicides or steam-operated sterilizers.
- 5. Empty wastebaskets, empty and clean ashtrays, and transport other trash and waste to disposal areas.
- 6. Sweep, scrub, wax, or polish floors, using brooms, mops, or powered scrubbing and waxing machines.
- 7. Observe precautions required to protect hotel and guest property and report damage, theft, and found articles to supervisors.
- 8. Replenish supplies, such as drinking glasses, linens, writing supplies, and bathroom items.
- 9. Sort, count, and mark clean linens and store them in linen closets.
- 10. Clean rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture, and draperies, using vacuum cleaners and shampooers.
Key Skills Required
- Service Orientation
- Coordination
- Time Management
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Chemistry
- Education and Training
- Production and Processing
- Communications and Media
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Telecommunications
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Maids and housekeeping cleaners?
Maids and housekeeping cleaners has an AI exposure score of 27%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Maids and housekeeping cleaners?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Maids and housekeeping cleaners is projected to grow by 0.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 1,356,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Maids and housekeeping cleaners?
Key skills for Maids and housekeeping cleaners include Service Orientation, Coordination, Time Management, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Maids and housekeeping cleaners earn?
The median annual wage for Maids and housekeeping cleaners is $34,660, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Maids and housekeeping cleaners?
The typical entry-level education for Maids and housekeeping cleaners is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Maids and housekeeping cleaners?
Maids and housekeeping cleaners roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).