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Caretaker, Chambermaid, Cleaner, Housekeeper, Light Duty Cleaner
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:
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.
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
Interest in handling equipment to sweep, mop, wash, wax and polish floors, and to vacuum carpeting and area rugs, draperies and upholstered furniture
Interest in inspecting surfaces and objects for dust, dirt and grease to determine appropriate cleaning products to use
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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.
Duties and responsibilities vary from one place of employment to another but, in general, housekeeping attendants:
In hotels, motels and resorts, housekeeping attendants may clean lobbies, halls and banquet rooms as well as guest rooms. They generally are responsible for:
In some establishments, housekeeping attendants may be responsible for setting up banquet and meeting rooms, or making minor repairs.
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.
Housekeeping attendants need:
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 2011 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Sep 27, 2022 and Oct 04, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Dust furniture | 92 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Pick up debris and empty trash containers | 91 |
| Tasks: Sweep, mop, wash and polish floors | 90 |
| Tasks: Vacuum carpeting, area rugs, draperies and upholstered furniture | 85 |
| Tasks: Clean, disinfect and polish kitchen and bathroom fixtures and appliances | 80 |
| Tasks: Wash windows, walls and ceilings | 68 |
| Tasks: Distribute clean towels and toiletries | 65 |
| Tasks: Make beds and change sheets | 62 |
| Attention to detail | 60 |
| Tasks: Attend to guests' requests for extra supplies or other items | 58 |
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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 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.
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.
Housekeeping attendants are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6731: Light duty cleaners. In Alberta, 81% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 6731: Light duty cleaners occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 705 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
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.
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.
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.
| 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
| Manufacturing | $46,279 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $43,982 |
| Educational Services | $39,622 |
| Construction | $37,669 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $30,122 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $28,663 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $28,401 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $27,496 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $27,213 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $26,248 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $21,186 |
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.