How to become a Janitor, Cleaner, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner
Official title: Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Also called: Building Custodian, Building Services Technician (Building Services Tech), Building Services Worker, Cleaner, Custodial Worker, Custodian, Facilities Worker, Heavy Duty Custodian, Janitor, School Custodian
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.
Main 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.
How to become one
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.
Typical education to start: No formal educational credential
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Chimney Sweep.
- Apprenticeship: Multi-Story Window/Build.
- Apprenticeship: Swimming-Pool Servicer.
- Licence: A licence is required in 8 states.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $36,840 a year The middle half earn $32,240 to $44,060.
- About 2,432,600 people work in this job now, and about 2,486,200 are projected by 2035. (+2.2%)
- People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Janitor, Cleaner, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner?
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.
How much does a Janitor, Cleaner, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $36,840 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $32,240 to $44,060.
Is a Janitor, Cleaner, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 2% by 2035, from about 2,432,600 to about 2,486,200 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Janitor, Cleaner, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner?
Usually not. Only 8% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Chimney Sweep.
Will AI change the work of a Janitor, Cleaner, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner?
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.