Top 10 States with the Most Stable Labor Costs for Cleaning Businesses

For cleaning business owners, labor costs are usually the single biggest expense—and also the most unpredictable. Wages that jump unexpectedly can squeeze margins and make it harder to win contracts. On the other hand, markets where wages grow steadily and predictably make it easier to plan, set fair pay, and keep both your clients and your cleaners happy.

It’s important to note: stable labor costs don’t mean keeping wages low at the expense of workers. In fact, fair, consistent pay is one of the best ways to build loyalty and reduce turnover in the cleaning industry. For business owners, the real win is being able to plan for the future—offering fair wages while maintaining healthy margins.

Based on 2024 U.S. cleaner wage and employment data, here are the Top 10 States where labor costs are the most stable—balancing fair pay for cleaners with predictability for business owners.

10. Wyoming (WY)

• Cleaner Wage: $16.42/hr
• Annual Wage Growth (CAGR): +3.9%
• Job Growth (CAGR): -0.2%

Wyoming’s wages grow below the national average, giving owners a stable baseline. Although the labor pool is slightly shrinking, wage pressures remain low, making planning easier.

9. Connecticut (CT)

• Cleaner Wage: $18.12/hr
• Annual Wage Growth (CAGR): +3.2%
• Job Growth (CAGR): -0.4%

Connecticut’s higher wages come with slower-than-average growth, keeping future costs predictable. For owners, this means you can budget with confidence while still offering competitive rates.

8. Alaska (AK)

• Cleaner Wage: $18.77/hr
• Annual Wage Growth (CAGR): +3.1%
• Job Growth (CAGR): -0.3%

Despite being one of the higher-paying markets, Alaska’s wage growth is among the slowest in the country. This creates a steady environment where costs won’t spike unexpectedly, though hiring can be competitive in smaller labor markets.

7. Nevada (NV)

• Cleaner Wage: $17.54/hr
• Annual Wage Growth (CAGR): +2.8%
• Job Growth (CAGR): +2.3%

Nevada strikes a unique balance: wages rise slowly, but the labor force is growing. That means affordable, stable costs for employers, plus a healthy supply of new workers.

6. Hawaii (HI)

• Cleaner Wage: $17.85/hr
• Annual Wage Growth (CAGR): +2.9%
• Job Growth (CAGR): -4.1%

Wage increases are mild, offering predictability, though the declining labor pool could make hiring more competitive. For business owners, that means reliable costs but potential recruiting challenges.

5. North Dakota (ND)

• Cleaner Wage: $16.24/hr
• Annual Wage Growth (CAGR): +3.7%
• Job Growth (CAGR): -0.6%

North Dakota combines affordability with low, steady wage growth. While the overall market is shrinking slightly, employers can count on predictable payroll expenses year to year.

4. Kentucky (KY)

• Cleaner Wage: $15.84/hr
• Annual Wage Growth (CAGR): +4.1%
• Job Growth (CAGR): +0.2%

Kentucky offers one of the lowest average wages on this list, and its wage growth is steady but not excessive. That makes it easier to maintain margins in both small and large contracts.

3. Puerto Rico (PR)

• Cleaner Wage: $9.88/hr
• Annual Wage Growth (CAGR): +1.7%
• Job Growth (CAGR): +0.7%

Puerto Rico stands out for having the slowest wage growth in the nation. While wages are very low, the real advantage for employers is predictability: costs rise minimally, year after year.

2. Guam (GU)

• Cleaner Wage: $10.67/hr
• Annual Wage Growth (CAGR): +2.3%
• Job Growth (CAGR): -5.5%

Like Puerto Rico, Guam is a market defined by affordability and slow, steady wage increases. The shrinking labor pool may be a concern, but costs remain highly predictable.

1. U.S. Virgin Islands (VI)

• Cleaner Wage: $13.56/hr
• Annual Wage Growth (CAGR): +4.0%
• Job Growth (CAGR): +2.5%

The Virgin Islands take the top spot for stability. Wages are affordable and grow right at the edge of predictability, while the labor pool is expanding. For cleaning businesses, this rare combination of workforce growth and cost control makes VI the most stable market to plan long-term.

Why Stability Matters

For cleaning businesses, stability in labor costs is about more than numbers on a payroll spreadsheet. It means:

• Fair wages without surprises: Predictable growth makes it easier to pay cleaners competitively while keeping bids realistic.
• Stronger retention: Fair, consistent pay helps keep your best cleaners around.
• Smarter planning: With costs you can anticipate, you can confidently invest in training, technology, or new contracts.

At the end of the day, businesses win when cleaners win too. Stable labor markets make it possible to balance fair compensation with sustainable growth.

Want deeper insights?
Download the 2025 Cleaner Wage Growth Report to see how wages are trending in every U.S. state—and how to plan ahead for both your business and your people.

Data Sources & Methodology

Primary Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
Coverage: 2019–2024 • All 50 states + DC, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam
Occupations: SOC 37-2011 & SOC 37-1011