Janitors and Cleaners
O*NET title: Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Also called: Janitors and 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.
Also called: Airport Attendant, Alley Cleaner, Blinds Cleaner, Blinds Washer, Brass Cleaner, Brass Polisher
Median pay
$36,840
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$28,640 – $50,270
People employed
2,209,760
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 6.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 7.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
Janitors and Cleaners pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What janitors and cleaners do
- 01Service, clean, or supply restrooms.
- 02Gather and empty trash.
- 03Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.
- 04Monitor 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.
- 05Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.
- 06Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Transportation
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from janitors and cleaners
- Dishwashers78% · −6%
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers77% · −5%
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand77% · +9%
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers77% · +34%
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment76% · −3%
Change into janitors and cleaners
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment74% · $35,830
- Dishwashers73% · $34,810