Housekeeper Pay Guide in the UK (2026)
Pay benchmarks for a UK housekeeper in 2026: minimum wage, gross vs net, and going rates.
Quick answer: pay must be at least the National Minimum/Living Wage for the employee's age band (£12.71/h for 21+ from April 2026, less for younger workers). In practice, going rates for experienced housekeepers — especially in London — sit above the minimum. Always agree the wage in gross.
Setting the right pay keeps you legal and helps you attract and keep good people. Here are the 2026 benchmarks.
Minimum wage floors
- 21 and over: the National Living Wage (£12.71/h from April 2026).
- 18–20 and under 18/apprentice: lower age-banded rates.
- Rates change each April — check gov.uk for the current figures.
Going rates above the minimum
Experience, extra duties (childcare, cooking, ironing) and location push rates up. In London and the South East, experienced housekeepers command noticeably more than the minimum.
Gross vs net
Agree pay in gross. Net deals leave you carrying the cost of tax-code changes, which can rise unexpectedly. Convert gross to net with the calculator.
Official sources
Conclusion
Start from the age-banded minimum, add for experience and location, and quote gross. Put the figure in the written contract.
See also
- How much it costs — on-costs the employer carries.
- Take-home pay — what the worker actually receives.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in 2026?
The National Living Wage is £12.71/hour for age 21+ from April 2026. Under-21 and apprentice rates are lower. This is the minimum gross hourly pay.
Are London rates higher?
Usually yes — London and the South East, and more experienced housekeepers, typically pay above the minimum given demand and cost of living.