Janitor: what the job is, what it pays, and how to get hired.

Median pay

$36,840

BLS May 2025

Employed in the U.S.

2,209,760

BLS May 2025

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

medium preparation

Data Government data groups this job as Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (O*NET-SOC 37-2011.00). Figures on this page are for that occupation.

1. Service, clean, or supply restrooms.
2. Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.
3. 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.
4. Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.
5. Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
6. Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.
7. Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.
8. Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties.

Telework available

less than 0.5%

of workers had the ability to telework

Workday sitting

2.3%

mean share of the day required to sit

Most common strength level

Light

50.8% of workers

Can pause work

63.1%

of workers could take short, unscheduled breaks

Self-paced workload

0.9%

of workers set their own workload

Employer-changed schedules

45.8%

of workers had schedules changed by the employer week to week

On TryHired lists: Jobs that don't require experience.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey. Estimates are preliminary; ranges are shown as published.

1. Administrative and support services38.7% of all jobs in this occupation · +1.2% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $36,420
2. Educational services; state, local, and private17.5% of all jobs in this occupation · +0.3% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $41,660
3. Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals5.0% of all jobs in this occupation · +2.3% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $44,320
4. Hospitals; state, local, and private4.1% of all jobs in this occupation · +3.9% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $41,330
5. Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations3.9% of all jobs in this occupation · +2.0% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $37,750
6. Food services and drinking places2.8% of all jobs in this occupation · +6.3% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $37,640

Sources: BLS 2025–35 National Employment Matrix (share of the occupation's jobs, projected change) and BLS OEWS May 2025 industry estimates (mean wage). Different industry estimates are not a pay forecast for any person.

Knowledge areas: Public Safety and Security, Administration and Management.

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Also called: Building Custodian, Building Services Technician (Building Services Tech), Building Services Worker, Cleaner, Custodial Worker, Custodian.