Janitors and Cleaners
Overview
Introduction
Janitors or cleaners, sometimes known as custodians, are responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of schools, apartments, hospitals, office buildings, manufacturing plants, and other public structures. In addition to daily cleaning duties, they may perform light repair work when needed and make sure heating and cooling systems are in proper working order. They may also be responsible for some outdoor work such as sweeping sidewalks or walkways. There are more than 2.4 million janitors and cleaners employed in t...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Earnings vary widely, depending on employer, geographical location, and experience and training level. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the median hourly wage for these workers in May 2018 was $12.55, or an annual salary of $26,110. The lowest wages reported were less than $9.16 (annual salary of $19,053), and the highest were more than $20.84 per hour (annual salary of $43,347)...
Work Environment
Working conditions for janitors and cleaners vary depending upon the establishment for which they are responsible. Because most office buildings are cleaned while they are empty, janitors for these establishments often work evening hours. Others, such as school and hospital custodians, work during the day. In places with a need for 24-hour maintenance, such as factories, janitors may be assigne...
Outlook
Employment for janitors and cleaners is expected to grow 7 percent through 2028, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Employment opportunities will be plentiful as the number of office buildings, apartments, schools, hotels, hospitals, and factories increases. The janitorial field is an easy one to enter since little training or education is re...
