maid, cleaning lady

As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum wage for nonexempt cleaning staff covered by the FLSA is $7.25 per hour as of 2026. Overtime must be paid at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Many states mandate higher rates, such as $15.50 per hour minimum in Washington state effective January 1, 2026.

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for janitors and building cleaners is $18.21 per hour or $37,870 annually in 2026 based on May 2023 data adjusted for projected inflation. The lowest 10 percent earn $13.00 per hour, while the highest 10 percent earn $24.50 per hour.

As per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, nonimmigrant workers can apply for H-2B visas for temporary cleaning positions, with a fiscal year 2026 cap of 66,000 visas plus supplemental allocations up to 64,000. Employers must obtain temporary labor certification from DOL showing insufficient US workers. Applications require Form I-129 filed at least 75 days before start date.

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, no formal educational credential is required for janitors and cleaners; short-term on-the-job training of less than 1 month is typical. About 70 percent of workers have a high school diploma or equivalent, and employers often prefer less than 6 months of related experience.