Janitors and Building Cleaners
1. OVERVIEW
Janitors and building cleaners maintain cleanliness, safety, and sanitation in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments such as schools, hospitals, offices, and apartment buildings. They ensure that spaces are presentable and in good working condition, often handling basic repairs and supply stocking. Their work is essential for health, safety, and facility upkeep.
2024 Median Pay: $35,930/year ($17.27/hour)
Job Growth (2023–2033): +3% (as fast as average)
Typical Education: No formal educational credential; on-the-job training
2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL
ENTRY LEVEL
Job Titles: Custodian, Janitor, Cleaning Technician
Education: No formal education required; High school diploma preferred by some employers
Experience: 0–2 years
Certifications (Optional): ISSA Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) Basic, OSHA 10
Core Duties:
Sweep, mop, vacuum, and disinfect building floors and surfaces
Restock and sanitize restrooms
Take out trash and recycling
Report any maintenance or safety issues
Use basic cleaning tools and follow safety protocols
Salary Range: $28,000–$38,000
MID LEVEL
Job Titles: Lead Custodian, Floor Care Technician, Building Services Assistant
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Experience: 2–5 years Certifications (Preferred): CMI Advanced, Green Cleaning Certification, CPR/First Aid
Core Duties:
Supervise and train entry-level staff
Order and manage cleaning supplies
Handle specialized cleaning tasks (e.g., buffing, carpet extraction)
Coordinate cleaning schedules and respond to service requests
Perform minor plumbing or electrical repairs
Salary Range: $38,000–$50,000
SENIOR LEVEL
Job Titles: Building Superintendent, Facilities Supervisor, Janitorial Manager
Education: High school or Associate’s degree preferred; trade courses in HVAC/plumbing a plus
Experience: 5–10+ years
Certifications (Valued): BSCAI Registered Building Service Manager (RBSM), OSHA 30, IEHA Certifications
Core Duties:
Manage janitorial and maintenance teams across multiple shifts or buildings
Develop budgets for equipment, staff, and supplies
Inspect facilities for cleanliness and code compliance
Oversee vendor contracts and larger repairs
Create maintenance logs and optimize cleaning operations
Salary Range: $50,000–$70,000+
3. HOW TO BECOME ONE
Minimum Education: No formal credential required
Preferred: High school diploma or GED
Training: Short-term on-the-job training with experienced cleaners
Certifications: ISSA/CMI, OSHA 10/30, RBSM, Green Seal Certified
Soft Skills: Time management, stamina, attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, communication
4. SKILLS & TOOLS
Core Skills:
Floor care (vacuuming, stripping, buffing)
Disinfection and sanitization
Supply and inventory management
Maintenance reporting
Basic HVAC, electrical, plumbing knowledge (senior level)
Tools:
Cleaning agents and disinfectants
Mops, brooms, vacuums, buffers
Snowblowers, rakes, leaf blowers
Basic repair tools (pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches)
Digital work orders (CMMS platforms)
5. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Locations: Schools, hospitals, offices, apartments, government buildings
Schedules: Full-time or part-time; often includes nights, weekends, or split shifts
Environment: Indoors and outdoors; repetitive physical tasks; potential exposure to chemicals and biohazards
6. JOB OUTLOOK
Demand Drivers: Need for sanitation in public and private buildings, especially healthcare
Annual Openings: ~350,000 through 2033
Growth Opportunity: Move into supervisory roles, become building superintendents, start independent cleaning businesses
7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS
Role: Grounds Maintenance Worker | Salary: $38,470 | Education Level: No formal credential
Role: Pest Control Worker | Salary: $44,730 | Education Level: High school diploma
Role: Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | Salary: $33,470 | Education Level: No formal credential
Role: Maintenance Worker | Salary: $45,000 | Education Level: High school diploma
8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT
Certifications & Associations:
ISSA CMI Training & Certification
Books:
"Custodial Technician Training Manual" by Cleaning Management Institute
"The Professional Cleaner Blueprint" by Dane Gregory
"Sanitation: Cleaning and Disinfection Basics" by John Imholt
Videos & Channels:
YouTube: "Clean Freaks University," "Janitorial Cleaning Tips," "CMI Training Channel"
LinkedIn Learning: Facility Maintenance & Safety Courses
Communities:
Reddit: r/janitors
Facebook: "Custodians United," "Janitor Support Group"
ISSA Community Forum
9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS
