How to Become a

Housekeeping Supervisor

The complete career guide to be a Housekeeping Supervisor: salary, job growth, employers, best schools, and education you may need to get started.

Why We Love It

  • $40,060
    Potential Avg. Salary
  • 6%
    Job Growth Rate
  • Growing Demand
    Job Outlook
  • Don't Take Work Home
    Career Attribute

A housekeeping supervisor works alongside the housekeeping manager to support daily operations and leadership of a housekeeping section at a hotel, hospital, medical center or a resort.

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What is a Housekeeping Supervisor?

Duties

Housekeeping supervisors have the following duties on a day-to-day basis:

  • Monitor the checking and upkeep of rooms by house or room attendants, so quality standards are consistently maintained.
  • Support other team members with acquiring all supplies and tools for completing jobs as required.
  • Work alongside Ground Control to fix maintenance issues efficiently and on time; record such work assignments and personnel actions for monthly reports.
  • Undertake orientations or impart in-service trainings for new employees to thoroughly explain work procedures, policies and demonstrate use of tools or equipment on-site.
  • Support the timely resolution of special requests made by guests, such as extra bed, towels, blankets or pillows.

Day In The Life

If you choose a career path as a housekeeping supervisor, you can rest assured that your days will be hectic and keep you on your toes. Most of your time will be occupied overseeing a team of housekeepers and other staff to seamlessly perform responsibilities like cleaning rooms, making beds and restocking supplies. Daily checks of the inventory of supplies like soap, toilet paper, towels, floor wax, clothes detergent and polish, at the property is up to you and other senior staff. This pertains to supplies both on the property and in individual rooms.

You must be comfortable managing large groups of people and taking care of any challenges that emerge; this includes listening to both employees’ and guests’ feedback. If working at a hospital or hotel, you will direct hotel staff to take care of used linens and bed sheets. Finding quick and effective remedies to maximise staff productivity while elevating their morale is a great asset to have as a housekeeping supervisor in a physically demanding work environment.

Work Schedule

Housekeeping supervisor positions are usually full-time but work a varied schedule. You will be working in shifts, either evening, morning or night. Work can require your presence over weekends as well as public holidays due to the nature of the service sector. Part-time hours are sometimes negotiable depending on the role requirements.

Growth Of The Job

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, states that the projected job growth rate for those in this profession is 6 percent over the 2014-2024 decade. Housekeeping is expected to provide more opportunities in the coming years, but it is closely linked to the state of the economy. If you start off as a housekeeping supervisor, you will eventually be promoted to a housekeeping manager. Other related positions to expect are accommodation manager, training manager or a senior team leader position with adequate experience. Some individuals branch out on their own with an independent franchise that provides premium cleaning services.

Typical Employers

As a housekeeping supervisor, you can expect to be working for established hotel chains, casinos, middle and large scale residential establishments (e.g. spa resorts, exclusive clubs, holiday centres). Some medical care institutions, nursing homes and health clinics also require housekeeping supervisors. Salary potential varies based on what type of employer you have, the number of years of experience possessed and the location.

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How To Become a Housekeeping Supervisor

To be a housekeeping supervisor, you need to demonstrate progressive experience or the necessary qualifications related to the hotel and hospitality sector. Most individuals in supervisory positions start from a basic job like hotel or room attendant, then work their way up the ladder. A minimum high school diploma or GED certificate is necessary to advance your career.

You must be quick with arithmetic for calculations regarding assigned budget and finances, and be able to closely follow directions for assigned work. Being bi-lingual or tri-lingual is a huge advantage in the field, especially having an advanced knowledge of English and Spanish. Strong command over multiple languages can help connect better with guests and communicate clearly with international customers.

A reliable knowledge base of hotel or hospital policies related to housekeeping, especially with regard to treatment of guests is very helpful in this type of position. Since it is a supervisory role, past experience in managerial positions and the ability to give clear guidance and instructions to other team members is appreciated by potential employers. Moreover, most employers provide in-house training once you join, to build your foundation regarding the safe use of equipment and maintenance of the property.


Housekeeping Supervisor Salary Data

We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.

National Anual Salary

Low Range

$28,350

Average

$40,060

High Range

$62,080

National Hourly Wage

Low Range

$14/hr

Average

$19/hr

High Range

$30/hr

How do Housekeeping Supervisor salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Housekeeping Supervisor's can make an average annual salary of $40,060, or $19 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $28,350 or $14 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.

Salary Rankings And Facts

  • #528 Nationally for All Careers


Highest Education Among Housekeeping Supervisors

  • 0.5%   Doctorate
  • 1.4%   Masters
  • 10.7%   Bachelors
  • 8.3%   Associates
  • 26.9%   College
  • 37.1%   High School
  • 15.1%   Less than High School

Job Growth Projections and Forecast

2014 Total Jobs

247,900

2024 Est. Jobs

262,800

Job Growth Rate

6%

Est. New Jobs

14,900

How does Housekeeping Supervisor job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 14,900 jobs for a total of 262,800 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 6% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.

Growth Rankings And Facts

  • #373 Nationally for All Careers


What Companies Employ The Most Housekeeping Supervisors

Industry Current Jobs New Jobs Needed % Increase
Self-employed workers 69,800 2,200 2%
Elementary and secondary schools; local 18,700 1,100 1%
Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) 7,000 700 1%

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