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Housekeeping Attendant

Housekeeping attendants keep hotels, motels, clubs, dormitory rooms and associated lobbies, halls and banquet rooms neat, clean and well stocked.

Also Known As

Caretaker, Chambermaid, Cleaner, Housekeeper, Light Duty Cleaner

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 6661: Light Duty Cleaners

2006 NOC-S

  • G931: Light Duty Cleaners

2011 NOC

  • 6731: Light duty cleaners

2016 NOC

  • 6731: Light duty cleaners

2021 NOC

  • 65310: Light duty cleaners

2023 OaSIS

  • 65310.01: Light duty cleaners
Duties
Updated May 19, 2021

Duties and responsibilities vary from one place of employment to another but, in general, housekeeping attendants:

  • Sweep and mop floors or vacuum carpets
  • Dust and polish furniture, and keep it arranged properly
  • Vacuum draperies and upholstered furniture
  • Empty ashtrays and garbage containers
  • Sort, count, mark and fold linens
  • Make beds or change bedding
  • Scrub, disinfect and polish bathroom fixtures
  • Replace towels, soap, stationery and other supplies
  • Report damage, theft and articles they find to the executive housekeeper or supervisor
  • Observe precautions required to protect hotel and guest property and health
  • Keep storage areas and carts well stocked, clean and tidy

In hotels, motels and resorts, housekeeping attendants may clean lobbies, halls and banquet rooms as well as guest rooms. They generally are responsible for:

  • Cleaning carpets and floors
  • Shampooing carpets and upholstered furniture
  • Hanging draperies
  • Changing light bulbs
  • Collecting soiled linens and garbage
  • Receiving and storing linens
  • Restocking toiletries and other supplies
  • Moving furniture

In some establishments, housekeeping attendants may be responsible for setting up banquet and meeting rooms, or making minor repairs.

Working Conditions
Updated May 19, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Housekeeping attendants work indoor shifts that include weekends and holidays. They are required to push, pull and lift items weighing up to 20 kilograms. They may use harsh cleaning chemicals, which may require use of gloves or masks.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Light Duty Cleaners

2006 NOC: 6661

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in copying instructions to clean lobbies, hallways, offices and rooms of hotels, hospitals, schools, office buildings and private residences, and to disinfect operating rooms and other hospital areas

OBJECTIVE

Interest in handling equipment to sweep, mop, wash, wax and polish floors, and to vacuum carpeting and area rugs, draperies and upholstered furniture

innovative

Interest in inspecting surfaces and objects for dust, dirt and grease to determine appropriate cleaning products to use

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated May 19, 2021

Housekeeping attendants need:

  • To be healthy and have stamina (to maintain a rigorous pace of manual work)
  • Good grooming and conservative appearance (their presentation reflects on the establishment)
  • A friendly attitude
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication skills
  • Respect for privacy, and a high regard for sanitation
  • The ability to cooperate with other employees

They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work, and using cleaning equipment.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Light duty cleaners

2016 NOC: 6731

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 274 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 21, 2024 and Dec 21, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Sweep, mop, wash and polish floors
Tasks: Dust furniture
Tasks: Pick up debris and empty trash containers
Experience: Will train
Tasks: Vacuum carpeting, area rugs, draperies and upholstered furniture
Tasks: Wash windows, walls and ceilings
Tasks: Clean, disinfect and polish kitchen and bathroom fixtures and appliances
Tasks: Handle and report lost and found items
Attention to detail
Tasks: Disinfect operating rooms and other areas
Educational Requirements
Updated May 19, 2021
  • Minimum Education Varies

There are no specific education requirements for housekeeping attendants. Training generally is on the job. Employers may require character references that indicate job applicants are honest and trustworthy.

Housekeeping attendants frequently use chemical cleaning products, so knowledge of health and safety rules, as well as Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is an asset.

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated May 19, 2021
  • Certification Not Regulated

Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.

However, Tourism HR Canada (formerly the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council or CTHRC) offers voluntary Housekeeping Room Attendant certification that is recognized in the tourism and hospitality industry across Canada. Certification training is accessible from the emerit website.

Additional voluntary certifications related to line employees are also available from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). For example, they offer a program that leads to the Certified Guestroom Attendant credential.

Employment & Advancement
Updated May 19, 2021

Housekeeping attendants are employed in hotels, motels, resorts, clubs and dormitories. Employment may be seasonal.

With experience, housekeeping attendants may move into other jobs in the tourism industry. Those who have supervisory experience and a high school diploma (or are willing to upgrade their education) may advance to executive housekeeper and management positions.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Light duty cleaners
2016 NOC: 6731

81.6% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Light duty cleaners
2021 NOC: 65310
Medium
Demand
25,800
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Light duty cleaners
2016 NOC: 6731
2.5%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
631
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated May 19, 2021

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Light duty cleaners

2016 NOC: 6731
Average Wage
$17.80
Per Hour
Average Salary
$28,401.00
Per Year
Average Hours
30.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 6731 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $19.91 $16.54 $15.75
Overall $15.00 $23.08 $17.80 $16.75
Top $15.60 $25.91 $19.94 $19.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Construction
Manufacturing
Information, Culture, Recreation
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Business, Building and Other Support Services
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Accommodation & Food Services
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
57%
57%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
35%
35%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
7%
7%
Vacancy Rate
1%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Personal and Food Services
Other Sources of Information
Updated May 19, 2021

Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association website: www.ahla.ca

American Hotel and Lodging Association, Educational Institute website: www.ahlei.org

emerit website: emerit.ca

Tourism HR Canada website: tourismhr.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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