Houseman (Hotel Support)

Houseperson / Runner / Public Areas

This page summarizes the Houseman (Hotel Support) role in the United States for international candidates. Exact terms vary by employer and season. CV is required for review.

CV is mandatory: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.
Sector: Hospitality (Hotels) Typical route: H-2B Work type: Seasonal (property-dependent) Last updated: January 1, 2026

Role snapshot

Core purposeKeep housekeeping operations flowing: stock, run, reset, support.
Where you workHotels, resorts, clubs, seasonal properties (indoor + some outdoor walkways).
Typical hours35–40 hrs/week, rotating shifts; weekends/holidays are common.
Team setupHousekeeping manager → supervisors → room attendants + housemen.

Workday flow (what “support” means)

  • Start-of-shift setup
    Stock carts/closets, stage linen, check supply levels and priorities.
  • Peak turnover window
    Run linen, remove trash, deliver guest items, support quick resets.
  • Public-area refresh
    Keep halls, lobbies, restrooms, and service landings presentable.
  • Close-out
    Restock for next shift, report maintenance issues, tidy storerooms.

Gross pay & compensation (typical)

Based on recent H-2B job orders for hotel houseperson/houseman-type support roles, a common gross pay range is:

Gross hourly wage range (typical): $15.00–$22.00 per hour
Actual wage is set by the employer’s job order, state, and experience tier.
  • Weekly gross estimate: ~$525–$880 (35–40 hours at the typical range)
  • Overtime: when offered/required by law or job order, commonly paid at time-and-a-half after 40 hours/week
  • Pay frequency: weekly or bi-weekly is common (job-order dependent)

What “gross” means

Gross pay is before taxes and any lawful, disclosed deductions (for example, voluntary meals, optional housing, or uniforms where permitted). The employer must provide pay details and deductions clearly on pay statements.

Typical duties (expanded)

  • Transport clean linen, towels, amenities, and supplies to floors and closets
  • Remove trash, soiled linen bags, and room-service trays from halls/service landings
  • Restock carts/closets: sheets, pillowcases, toiletries, bags, paper goods
  • Support room attendants with quick resets (beds, rollaways, cribs, minor setup)
  • Clean and refresh public areas: corridors, elevators, lobbies, restrooms (as assigned)
  • Report maintenance issues early (leaks, broken fixtures, stains, safety hazards)
  • Operate basic floor-care tools (vacuum, mop systems, spot-cleaning equipment)

Quality & safety standards

  • Follow checklists and brand standards (appearance, odor control, guest-ready details)
  • Use chemicals safely: correct dilution, gloves/PPE, proper storage and labeling
  • Keep fire exits, stairwells, and corridors clear (no carts blocking access)
  • Respect privacy rules: do not enter occupied rooms unless instructed and authorized
  • Lift and move items using safe technique; request team lift when needed
Hotels care about consistency: your work prevents room delays and guest complaints.

“Short candidate portrait”

You will likely succeed in this role if you:

  • Prefer practical work with visible results and clear priorities
  • Can maintain pace for a full shift and stay organized under pressure
  • Are comfortable with walking, pushing carts, lifting, and repeated motion
  • Communicate calmly with supervisors and (occasionally) with guests
  • Handle routine tasks well without losing attention to detail

Requirements (detailed)

Must-have

  • CV in English with correct phone/email (required for review)
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and property checklists
  • Physical ability to push supply carts and lift typical hotel items (linens/amenities)
  • Reliability: punctuality, consistent attendance, readiness for weekend/holiday shifts
  • Respect for guest privacy and hotel security rules

Nice-to-have

  • Prior hotel, resort, cleaning, warehouse, or facilities support experience
  • Basic English for guest interactions and safety communication
  • Experience with floor equipment (vacuum types, extractors, mop systems)

Work readiness checklist

  • Comfortable working on your feet for long periods and moving between floors/areas
  • Comfortable with cleaning products and sanitation routines (training provided)
  • Ready for “task switching” (restock → run items → reset areas → report issues)
  • Can keep a steady pace without sacrificing cleanliness and order
  • Can communicate issues early (missing supplies, broken items, hazards)
Important: specific employer requirements can include background checks, site policies, or experience thresholds depending on property and state.

How this role fits into hotel operations


Note: This page is a role category overview. Exact duties, start date, housing options, and pay are defined by the hiring employer’s job order and property policy.

Working conditions in the USA (practical, current)

  • Schedule reality: hotels follow occupancy. Hours and shift times can vary by week; weekends/holidays are commonly required.
  • Pay rule: the employer must pay at least the wage stated in the job order, and pay must meet or exceed the applicable minimum/prevailing requirements.
  • Hours guarantee: under H-2B rules, employers must generally meet a “three-fourths” hours guarantee across the contract period (with exceptions in limited scenarios).
  • Fees & travel (H-2B context): visa and related fees are generally employer-paid/reimbursed as required by program rules; travel/subsistence treatment depends on the contract stage and compliance obligations.
  • Subsistence during eligible travel: job offers typically reference published daily subsistence ranges; amounts can be updated periodically by official schedules.
  • Tools and supplies: required tools/supplies for the job are employer-provided on site; do not pay “deposit” for mandatory tools.

Compliance disclaimer: This page is informational and not legal advice. Official obligations depend on the employer’s certified job order and applicable federal/state rules.

Related roles in Hospitality (Hotels)

Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.

FAQ

Is “Houseman” the same as “Houseperson”?

In many U.S. hotels, yes. Employers use different titles for similar support work: running linen and supplies, supporting room attendants, and maintaining public areas.

What gross pay should I expect?

Job orders commonly show gross hourly wages around $15.00–$22.00 for houseperson/houseman-type support roles, depending on the state, employer standards, and experience tier. The wage stated in the employer’s job order is the reference point.

Do I need experience?

Some properties accept entry-level candidates, while others prefer prior hotel, cleaning, or facilities support experience. A strong CV that shows reliability and physical readiness significantly helps.

What should my CV emphasize for this role?

Reliability, physical stamina, teamwork, any cleaning/facilities/logistics experience, ability to follow checklists, and basic English. Add measurable details (shift length, pace, areas maintained, equipment used).