Building and grounds
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.
Median pay
$36,840
Growth to 2035
+2%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
321,800
Time to qualify*
1 month
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- No formal educational credential
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners: 28% usually work over 40 hours a week
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.
Also called: Building Custodian · Building Services Technician (Building Services Tech) · Building Services Worker · Cleaner · Custodial Worker · Custodian · Facilities Worker · Heavy Duty Custodian
Outlook and AI
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners held 2,432,600 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 2,486,200 by 2035 (+2%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
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- Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners vs. Maintenance and repair workers, general
- Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners vs. Floor sanders and finishers
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