How to become a specialized cleaner

Official title: Specialized cleaners

Also called: Bus cleaner, Rug cleaner, Tank cleaner, Glass cleaner, Steam cleaner, Boiler cleaner, Carpet cleaner, Window cleaner, Chimney cleaner, Furnace cleaner, Vehicle cleaner, Air duct cleaner

Specialized cleaners clean and refurbish building exteriors, carpets, chimneys, industrial equipment, ventilation systems, windows and other surfaces, using specialized equipment and techniques. They are employed by specialized cleaning service companies or they may be self-employed.

Main tasks

• Carpet and upholstery cleaners
• Operate cleaning machines to clean carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture on customers' premises or in carpet and upholstery cleaning establishments
• Chimney cleaners and sandblasters
• Clean soot and creosote from chimneys and fireplaces using hand tools and industrial vacuum cleaners
• Clean building exteriors, tanks, and industrial equipment using sandblasting, pressurized steam or hydroblasting equipment
• Furnace and ventilation system cleaners
• Clean ducts, vents and filters of furnaces in residences and commercial buildings using hand tools and industrial vacuum cleaners
• Vehicle cleaners

How to become one

There are no specific education requirements for occupations in this unit group. On-the-job training is usually provided. Previous experience in a related position may be required for some occupations in this unit group.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Pay · Outlook

• Median pay: $37,499 a year The middle half earn $33,150 to $44,850.
• About 41,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 45,900 are projected by 2033. (+9.5%)
• Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Related jobs

• Light duty cleaners
• Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners

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Questions people ask

How do I become a specialized cleaner?

There are no specific education requirements for occupations in this unit group. On-the-job training is usually provided. Previous experience in a related position may be required for some occupations in this unit group.

How much does a specialized cleaner earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $37,499 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $33,150 to $44,850.

Is a specialized cleaner a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2033, from about 41,900 to about 45,900 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become a specialized cleaner?

Usually not. Only 5% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Sources

• Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03