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Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed

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Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $36,840/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$28,640$50,270

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 351,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingMonitoringTime ManagementCoordinationSocial PerceptivenessActive LearningReading ComprehensionService Orientation
Top knowledge areas
Public Safety and SecurityAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceTransportationLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsPersonnel and Human Resources
Core tasks

• Service, clean, or supply restrooms.

• Gather and empty trash.

• Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.

• Monitor building security and safety by performing tasks such as locking doors after operating hours or checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created.

• Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.

• Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.

• Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.

• Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners?

The median pay for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners is $36,840 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners?

Employment for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners is projected to change +2% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners?

Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.

How many job openings are there each year for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners?

About 351,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.