NYC hotel maids to earn more than new police officers and firefighters: reports

Under the new labor contract, unionized housekeepers, described as "room attendants," will see their salaries rise significantly, with some workers projected to earn more than $100,000 annually under the contract

Published: May 24, 2026 6:43pm

Hotel housekeepers in New York City are set to make more than many rookie police officers, firefighters and even some teachers after a powerful hotel union approved a new labor contract that dramatically boosts wages over the coming years. 

The agreement between the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and hotel owners narrowly avoided a potential strike that threatened to disrupt tourism ahead of major events including the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.  

Under the deal, unionized housekeepers, described as "room attendants," will see their salaries rise significantly, with some workers projected to earn more than $100,000 annually under the contract. 

Starting pay for many hotel workers will rise this summer, while hourly wages are expected to continue climbing over the life of the eight-year agreement.  

According to reports, rookie NYPD officers currently earn around $60,000, while new NYC firefighters make less. 


 

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