Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

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.

SOC: 37-2011.00

Common Job Titles

CleanerCustodial WorkerCustodianJanitor

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • Hands-onPerform heavy cleaning duties including floor care, wall and glass washing, and rubbish removal in commercial and institutional buildings using industrial cleaning equipment.
  • Hands-onOperate floor maintenance equipment including buffers, scrubbers, and carpet shampooers following safety protocols and manufacturer guidelines.
  • KnowledgeIdentify equipment malfunctions and maintenance needs through routine inspections of building systems and cleaning equipment.
  • KnowledgeApply time management principles to prioritize and schedule cleaning tasks across multiple building areas with varying urgency levels.
  • Hands-onExecute routine maintenance activities including filter changes, minor repairs, and equipment adjustments using hand tools and power tools in accordance with building maintenance protocols.
  • KnowledgeMonitor building conditions, safety hazards, and security concerns during daily rounds to ensure compliance with safety and cleanliness standards.
  • MindsetRespond to supervisor instructions and tenant requests in a timely and service-oriented manner while maintaining professional communication.
  • Hands-onHandle hazardous materials and chemical cleaning agents safely using personal protective equipment and following OSHA and manufacturer safety guidelines.
  • Hands-onPerform outdoor maintenance tasks including snow removal and debris clearing from sidewalks using manual tools and power equipment under various weather conditions.
  • KnowledgeDocument maintenance issues, supply inventory, and work completion records using basic computer applications and written logs to communicate with management.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

2,199,900

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$27,570
10% of workers earn the following or more$49,040
Workers on average earn$37,460

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Public Safety and Security3.4/5
  • Administration and Management3.1/5
  • English Language2.9/5
  • Customer and Personal Service2.7/5
  • Transportation2.3/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

EkoOperating system softwareSqueegee

Tools & Equipment

Adjustable hand wrenchesAdjustable widemouth pliersAerial manliftsAir compressorsCarpet shampooersClaw hammersCordless drillsDesktop computers