Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

SOC code 37-2011 · O*NET-SOC 37-2011.00 · Medium preparation needed

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects numerous job openings for this occupation

Janitors and cleaners keep offices, schools, hospitals and public buildings running. The work is steady, exists everywhere and requires no formal education, though floor-care and equipment skills raise pay. Supervisor and facilities roles are the usual progression.

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$36,840

a year

Hourly

$17.71

per hour

10th$28,640Median$36,84090th$50,270

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$38,760

$18.64 per hour

Middle 50%

$32,240 – $44,060

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$28,640 – $50,270

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

2,209,760

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $28,640; $13.77/hr
25th percentile: $32,240; $15.50/hr
Median percentile: $36,840; $17.71/hr
75th percentile: $44,060; $21.18/hr
90th percentile: $50,270; $24.17/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+2%

Growing about as fast as average

2,447,700

jobs in 2024

2,495,500

projected for 2034

About 47,800 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do janitors and cleaners, 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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 qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 62% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: 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.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)62%
Bachelor's Degree23%
Less than a High School Diploma14%
Post-Doctoral Training1%

Common questions

How much does a janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners earn?

The national median is $36,840 a year. The full range runs from $28,640 at the 10th percentile to $50,270 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.0/5
Speaking3.0/5
Critical Thinking2.8/5
Monitoring2.8/5
Active Learning2.6/5
Reading Comprehension2.5/5

Knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security3.4/5
Administration and Management3.1/5
English Language2.9/5
Customer and Personal Service2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Time Management, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation.