Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners earn a median of $36,840 per year ($17.71/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 2.2% through 2035, with about 321,800 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
- SOC 37-2011
- Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance
- Last updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
Janitor and Cleaner, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners in four numbers
- Median pay
- $36,840a year, or $17.71/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $29KTop 10% $50K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +2.2%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+2.2%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +2.2% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 321,8002,432,600 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 20252.4M
- Projected 20352.5M
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 2.4M Projected 2035 2.5M - Typical education
- No formal credentialneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school13.5%
- High school62.4%
- Bachelor's23.5%
- Post-doctoral training0.6%
Highest education held by janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners Segment Value Less than high school 13.5% High school 62.4% Bachelor's 23.5% Post-doctoral training 0.6%
Also advertised as: Building Custodian, Building Services Technician (Building Services Tech), Building Services Worker, Cleaner, Custodial Worker, Custodian.
Pay
How much do janitors and cleaners make?
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners earn a median of $36,840 a year ($17.71 an hour, or about $3,070 a month); the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $28,640 and the top 10% more than $50,270 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The best-paying state is Massachusetts, with a median of $45,580. See Janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners salary in Massachusetts and every other state. By city, pay is highest around Seattle ($49,380 average): salary in every city.
Every janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$36,840
Middle half earn $32,240 to $44,060
- 10th
- $28,640
- 25th
- $32,240
- 75th
- $44,060
- 90th
- $50,270
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $28,640 |
| 25th | $32,240 |
| Median | $36,840 |
| 75th | $44,060 |
| 90th | $50,270 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $36,840
- Median hourly wage
- $17.71/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $38,760
- People employed
- 2,209,760
Versus all US occupations
At $36,840, Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners earn 28% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $14,140 a year.
Versus building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations
Inside the Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance group, where the middle occupation pays $46,340, this is 21% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $50,270 or more while the bottom 10% earn $28,640, a gap of 1.8×. That is a narrow spread, so experience and employer move pay less than in most occupations.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 4% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Massachusetts pays the most at $45,580, and still leads at $43,099 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay janitors and cleaners the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Massachusetts | $45,580 | $43,099 | 55,490 |
| 2Washington | $45,520 | $42,537 | 47,380 |
| 3New York | $41,640 | $38,584 | 195,250 |
| 4California | $41,090 | $37,112 | 234,240 |
| 5Vermont | $40,910 | $41,763 | 5,130 |
| 6Alaska | $40,510 | $39,576 | 5,200 |
| 7Minnesota | $39,610 | $40,164 | 42,300 |
| 8Oregon | $39,340 | $38,061 | 25,890 |
| 9New Hampshire | $39,150 | $37,585 | 9,420 |
| 10Maine | $38,940 | $40,124 | 9,180 |
Job outlook
Is janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +2.2% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | +2.2% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners to change 2.2% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 53,600 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 321,800 openings are projected each year, 13.2% of the 2,432,600 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Despite limited employment growth, about 321,800 openings for janitors and building cleaners are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The continued need for clean and healthy spaces is projected to support demand for the services that janitors and building cleaners provide. However, the continued use of high-tech cleaning methods may limit employment growth for these workers.
AI exposure: low
BLS places this occupation in its low relative AI exposure category, among the occupations least exposed to current AI.
Getting in
How to become a janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners
Janitors and building cleaners typically do not need formal education to enter the occupation. However, some employers may require or prefer that workers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Most janitors and building cleaners learn on the job.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
No formal educational credential
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Medium preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)62.4%
- Bachelor's Degree23.5%
- Less than a High School Diploma13.5%
- Post-Doctoral Training0.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 62.4% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 23.5% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 13.5% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 0.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners do?
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.
Janitors and building cleaners keep many types of buildings clean, sanitary, orderly, and in good condition.
Day-to-day tasks
- Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.
- Gather and empty trash.
- Service, clean, or supply restrooms.
- Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.
- Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties.
- Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
- Move heavy furniture, equipment, or supplies, either manually or with hand trucks.
- Dust furniture, walls, machines, or equipment.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most janitors and building cleaners work full time, but part-time work is common. Work schedules may vary. Because office buildings are often cleaned while they are empty, many cleaners work evening hours. When there is a need for 24-hour maintenance, such as in hospitals, cleaners work in shifts that may include nights, weekends, or holidays.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayConflict situations are rare.
Cost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Services to buildings and dwellings35%
- Educational services; state, local, and private17%
- Healthcare and social assistance7%
- Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals5%
- Self-employed workers5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Services to buildings and dwellings | 35% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 17% |
| Healthcare and social assistance | 7% |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 5% |
| Self-employed workers | 5% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening3.0
- Speaking3.0
- Critical Thinking2.8
- Monitoring2.8
- Active Learning2.6
- Reading Comprehension2.5
- Writing2.4
- Learning Strategies2.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 2.8 |
| Monitoring | 2.8 |
| Active Learning | 2.6 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.5 |
| Writing | 2.4 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Coordination2.8
- Time Management2.8
- Social Perceptiveness2.6
- Service Orientation2.5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.4
- Complex Problem Solving2.3
- Operations Monitoring2.3
- Persuasion2.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Coordination | 2.8 |
| Time Management | 2.8 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.6 |
| Service Orientation | 2.5 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.4 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.3 |
| Operations Monitoring | 2.3 |
| Persuasion | 2.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Cloud-based data access and sharing software
- Desktop communications software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
The workforce
Who works as a janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners?
Women make up 36.2% of janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners, against 47.1% of all employed people: more men than in the workforce as a whole.
32.8% are 55 or older (23.2% across all jobs), so a larger-than-usual share of the workforce reaches retirement age over the next decade. Those exits are counted in the BLS openings figure.
The median worker is 46.7 years old (all workers: 42.1).
- Women
- 36.2%All workers 47.1% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Median age
- 46.7All workers 42.1 · BLS CPS, 2025
- Aged 55+
- 32.8%All workers 23.2% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Employed (CPS)
- 2,341,000Janitors and building cleaners · BLS CPS, 2025
| Group | Share of janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners | All employed people |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 36.2% | 47.1% |
| White | 74.6% | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 18.0% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 2.9% | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 35.6% | 20.0% |
| Aged 55 and over | 32.8% | 23.2% |
| Aged 16 to 24 | 11.9% | 12.2% |
Current Population Survey annual averages, 2025 (BLS tables 11 and 11b). Race groups can overlap with Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, so they do not sum to 100%. CPS reports this occupation only within the wider Census group “Janitors and building cleaners”, so these figures are for that group.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Janitor and Cleaner, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 1 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic6.7
- Conventional4.6
- Social2.1
- Enterprising1.7
- Investigative1.1
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Janitor and Cleaner, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
O*NET related occupations
- Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance
- Transportation and Material Moving
Cleaner of Vehicles and Equipment
$35,830median a year
Most earn $27K to $48K
+3.9%No formal credential - Production
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$49,880median a year
Most earn $37K to $73K
+7.8%High school - Food Preparation and Serving Related
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More building and grounds cleaning and maintenance careers
Median annual pay, with janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners highlighted
- First-Line Supervisor of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$58,430
- Sports Turf Manager$58,430
- Tree Trimmer and Pruner$50,960
- Consulting Arborist$50,960
- Utility Line Clearance Arborist$50,960
- First-Line Supervisor of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$49,100
- Pest Control Worker$45,250
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Worker$39,150
- Janitor and Cleaner, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$36,840
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisor of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers | $58,430 |
| Sports Turf Manager | $58,430 |
| Tree Trimmer and Pruner | $50,960 |
| Consulting Arborist | $50,960 |
| Utility Line Clearance Arborist | $50,960 |
| First-Line Supervisor of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers | $49,100 |
| Pest Control Worker | $45,250 |
| Landscaping and Groundskeeping Worker | $39,150 |
| Janitor and Cleaner, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $36,840 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Janitor and Cleaner, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners appears on
Questions
Janitor and Cleaner, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners: frequently asked questions
How much do janitors and cleaners make?
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners earn a median of $36,840 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 28% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $17.71/hr. The middle half earn between $32,240 and $44,060. The top 10% earn $50,270 or more.
How much do janitors and cleaners make an hour?
The median hourly wage for janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners is $17.71 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). On a full-year basis the $36,840 annual median works out to about $3,070 a month before tax.
What is the starting salary for a janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners?
BLS does not publish a starting salary. The nearest measure is the low end of the pay range: the lowest-paid 10% of janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners earn less than $28,640 a year and the bottom quarter less than $32,240 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New workers often start near that end, but where a particular job starts depends on the employer, the state and the credentials you bring, so read these as the bottom of the range rather than a guaranteed entry wage.
Which states pay janitors and cleaners the most?
The highest state medians for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners are Massachusetts ($45,580), Washington ($45,520), New York ($41,640) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What kind of janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners earns the most?
BLS does not split janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners' pay by specialty or employer, but its range shows how far the top end runs: the highest-paid 10% earn more than $50,270, against a median of $36,840 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Location moves pay the most in the published data: the best-paying states are Massachusetts ($45,580), Washington ($45,520), New York ($41,640). BLS also counts a specialty career inside this occupation (high-rise window cleaner), which shares its federal pay figures.
Do you need a degree to become a janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners?
No. BLS lists no formal educational credential as the typical entry requirement for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as medium preparation. BLS also lists short-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 62.4% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
How long does it take to become a janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners?
BLS does not publish a fixed length; it depends on the route. What it does publish: the typical way in for janitors and cleaners is no formal educational credential. Once hired, BLS lists short-term on-the-job training as typical. O*NET classes the work as needing medium preparation.
Is janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 2.2% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 321,800 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners do?
Janitors and building cleaners keep many types of buildings clean, sanitary, orderly, and in good condition. A core O*NET task: notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems. Employers most often ask for Electronic mail software, Office suite software, Spreadsheet software.
Do janitors and cleaners work 40 hours a week?
A 40-hour week is the most common pattern, though not a majority. In O*NET's survey of people in the job, 28% of janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners usually work more than 40 hours a week, 40% work exactly 40 and 33% work fewer. 87% say their schedule is regular and 12% irregular. Source: O*NET 31.0 Database, Work Context.
What personality type suits a janitor and cleaner, except maids and housekeeping cleaners?
O*NET scores Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.
What percentage of janitors and cleaners are women?
Women make up 36.2% of janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners, against 47.1% of all employed people: more men than in the workforce as a whole. 32.8% are 55 or older (23.2% across all jobs), so a larger-than-usual share of the workforce reaches retirement age over the next decade. Those exits are counted in the BLS openings figure. The median worker is 46.7 years old (all workers: 42.1). Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2025 annual averages, for the Census group "Janitors and building cleaners".