Although there is no postsecondary education required to become a housekeeping inspector, many employers prefer to hire candidates who are bilingual and have a valid driver's license. Successful housekeeping inspectors must be able to handle multiple tasks, and they should also possess excellent communication and organizational skills as well.
Essential Information
Housekeeping inspectors perform deep-cleaning inspections, prepare work orders and conduct daily operations. They hold a supervisory position that oversees laundry operations, inventory and guest complaints. Hotels, hospitals, resorts, offices and various establishments employ housekeeping inspectors. No formal education is required, but housekeeping inspectors must be able to handle many duties. They should be excellent communicators, and the ability to speak a language other than English is a plus.
| Required Education | None; high school diploma or GED certificate may be preferred |
| Other Requirements | Housekeeping experience; many employers want someone who is bilingual and holds a valid driver's license |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 8% for first-line supervisors of housekeeping and janitorial workers |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $42,040 for first-line supervisors of housekeeping and janitorial workers |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Job Duties for Housekeeping Inspectors
As the coordinator for housekeeping staff, housekeeping inspectors ensure that the company meets all cleanliness and condition requirements. Responsibilities include recording inspection results, resolving guest complaints and maintaining accommodations standards. Their role also involves developing and training other housekeeping staff. Additional duties may vary by employer, but oftentimes, housekeeping inspectors take part in purchasing supplies and controlling inventory.
Housekeeping inspectors examine rooms prior to guests arriving and conduct inspections upon their departure to assess if any damages have occurred. They function as the primary contact between housekeeping personnel and other staff members to make certain that rooms are ready for guests. In addition to counting linens, they deliver amenities and help clean rooms as needed.
Housekeeping Inspector Requirements
Job Requirements
Housekeeping inspectors must possess excellent organizational skills and be detail-oriented. Being able to work in a fast-paced environment, make sound decisions and utilize good judgment benefits people in this position. They need to be able to multi-task, establish priorities and communicate well with others. Having knowledge of computers and software programs, such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word, helps with this job. Employers expect housekeeping inspectors to be familiar with housekeeping standards and current practices.
Applicants typically undergo a background check and drug test before being hired. Some employers may require a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. They also look for someone with prior experience in housekeeping; at least a year. Bilingual candidates may have more opportunities than those who solely speak English.
Educational Requirements
This position doesn't typically require a formal education. Employers usually prefer a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency. Aspiring housekeeping inspectors who only speak one language may want to consider taking other language classes, such as Spanish.
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2020, first-line supervisors of housekeeping and janitorial workers, including housekeeping inspectors, earned a median annual salary of $42,040. Jobs for these workers were predicted to increase much faster than average from 2019-2029, per the BLS.
A housekeeping inspector's duties can include ensuring that a building's cleanliness meets company standards, overseeing daily operations of the housekeeping staff and maintaining records of housekeeping operations. While they don't require special formal education, housekeeping inspectors are expected to have a sound knowledge of current housekeeping standards and practices. Speaking a second language, such as Spanish, can be a useful skill, and many jobs in this growing field require previous housekeeping experience and a drivers' license.
