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Housekeepers and related workers perform domestic cleaning and other housekeeping tasks within private households, hotels, schools, hostels and other non-private households.

Main tasks

  • Assists employer in washing, dressing, packing and other personal activities.
  • Performs a variety of domestic tasks including food preparation and service, cleaning and laundry.
  • Maintains household records.
  • Controls the purchase and storing of food, cleaning materials, linen and other household supplies.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£23,809.83

Average earnings

£14,738.79

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Clerical

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 2 NVQ; GCSE at grades A*-C

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 21%
Level 1 7%
Level 2 32%
Level 3 17%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 6%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 12%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 5%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.