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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:
| Starting | $16.17 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $17.17 |
| Top | $18.74 |
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
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 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.
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.
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 Jun 24, 2021 and Aug 03, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Sweep, mop, wash and polish floors | 98 |
|---|---|
| Pick up debris and empty trash containers | 95 |
| Dust furniture | 90 |
| Vacuum carpeting, area rugs, draperies and upholstered furniture | 83 |
| Clean, disinfect and polish kitchen and bathroom fixtures and appliances | 80 |
| Handle and report lost and found items | 74 |
| Distribute clean towels and toiletries | 73 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 73 |
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 71 |
| Make beds and change sheets | 69 |
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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
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.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $19.24 | $16.17 | $15.50 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $20.50 | $17.17 | $16.55 |
| Top | $15.00 | $23.09 | $18.74 | $18.00 |
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.
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.
| Public Administration | $41,612 |
|---|---|
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $32,912 |
| Educational Services | $32,769 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $29,849 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $27,544 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $27,075 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $26,642 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $24,483 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $24,099 |
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 May 19, 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.