Housekeeper vs. House Manager: What Are the Differences?

A housekeeper and a house manager both play important roles in keeping a household running smoothly. While a housekeeper is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the home, a house manager also handles additional duties such as budgeting, scheduling repairs and overseeing other staff members. If you’re considering a career in domestic services, understanding the key differences between these two positions can help you decide which is the best fit for you.

What is a Housekeeper?

Housekeepers are responsible for cleaning and maintaining residences and other buildings. They may work in private homes, apartments, hotels, hospitals or other commercial establishments. Housekeepers typically perform a wide range of tasks, such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, making beds and laundry. Some Housekeepers may also be responsible for running errands, such as grocery shopping or taking out the trash. In larger establishments, Housekeepers may be responsible for specific tasks or areas, such as cleaning the pool or maintaining the garden.

What is a House Manager?

A House Manager is responsible for the overall cleanliness, organization and operation of a household. They may oversee the work of housekeepers, gardeners, and other staff. House Managers typically develop and implement schedules and routines to maintain the household’s appearance and function. They also handle household finances, such as paying bills and maintaining budgets. In some cases, House Managers may also be responsible for entertaining guests and hosting events.

Housekeeper vs. House Manager

Here are the main differences between a housekeeper and a house manager.

Job Duties

Housekeepers have a more limited set of duties than house managers. They focus primarily on cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of a home or apartment building. This can include things like vacuuming, dusting and scrubbing floors. Housekeepers may also perform laundry and change bed linens.

House managers have many additional responsibilities beyond cleaning. They often act as a manager for an entire property, such as an apartment complex, overseeing all employees who work there and ensuring that residents are satisfied with their experience. House managers may schedule cleaning crews and make sure that housekeepers adhere to company standards. They may also communicate with residents about any building rules and regulations.

Job Requirements

Housekeepers typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, though some employers may prefer candidates with experience in the hospitality industry. Housekeepers also need to be able to lift heavy objects and stand for long periods of time. Some housekeeping positions may require certification in CPR or first aid.

House managers usually need at least a bachelor’s degree, though some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or higher. House managers also need to have several years of experience working in a managerial role. Additionally, house managers need to be proficient in computer skills and have knowledge of various software programs.

Work Environment

Housekeepers and house managers can work in a variety of environments, depending on the needs of their employer. Housekeepers may work for individuals or families who need help maintaining their homes. They may also work for companies that provide cleaning services to clients.

House managers typically work for large institutions like hotels, hospitals or nursing homes. These professionals often travel between different locations as they perform their duties.

Skills

Housekeepers and house managers both need to have excellent cleaning skills. Housekeepers are responsible for cleaning the interior of a home, while house managers may also be responsible for cleaning the exterior of a home, such as the yard or pool area. Both roles require an attention to detail to ensure that all areas of the home are clean and free of dirt, dust and debris.

Organizational skills are important for both housekeepers and house managers. Housekeepers need to be able to keep track of which rooms they have cleaned and which still need to be cleaned. House managers may need to coordinate the schedules of multiple housekeepers, as well as other service providers, such as landscapers or pool cleaners.

Both housekeepers and house managers need to have strong communication skills. Housekeepers need to be able to communicate with their customers, typically the homeowners, about their cleaning schedule and any concerns they may have. House managers need to be able to communicate with the homeowners, as well as with the housekeepers and other service providers. They may also need to resolve conflicts between different service providers or between service providers and the homeowners.

Salary

Housekeepers can earn an average salary of $31,038 per year, while house managers can earn an average salary of $47,328 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.