Career Overview
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 Known As
- Cleaner
- Custodial Worker
- Custodian
- Janitor
Alternate Job Titles
- Airport Attendant
- Alley Cleaner
- Blinds Cleaner
- Blinds Washer
- Brass Cleaner
- Brass Polisher
- Building Attendant
- Building Custodian
- Building Exterior Cleaner
- Building Maintenance Custodian
- Building Services Technician (Building Services Tech)
- Building Services Worker
- Camp Attendant
- Camp Tender
- Campground Cleaning Attendant
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Trunk Strength
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Extent Flexibility
- Problem Sensitivity
- Static Strength
- Manual Dexterity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Selective Attention
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Cooperation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
On-the-Job Training: None or short demonstration
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Aerial manlifts
- Air compressors
- Carpet shampooers
- Claw hammers
- Cordless drills
- Desktop computers
- Dry mops
- Equipment dollies
- Extension ladders
- Floor buffers
- Floor strippers
- Floor waxers
- Forklifts
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Spend Time Walking or Running
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $27,570 |
| Median | $35,930 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $49,040 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 2,199,900
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $34,660
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $35,270
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $33,800
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,140
Dishwashers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $33,670
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.