Janitors and Building Cleaners

Janitors and building cleaners keep many types of buildings clean, sanitary, orderly, and in good condition.

Duties

Janitors and building cleaners typically do the following:

• Gather and empty trash
• Sweep, mop, or vacuum building floors
• Clean restrooms and stock them with supplies
• Clean spills and other hazards with appropriate equipment
• Wash windows, walls, and glass
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently
• Order cleaning supplies
• Make minor building repairs
• Notify managers when a building needs major repairs
• Lock doors to secure buildings

Janitors and building cleaners keep office buildings, schools, hospitals, and other places clean, sanitary, and in good condition. Some clean only, while others have a wide range of duties.

In addition to keeping the inside of buildings clean and orderly, some janitors and building cleaners work outdoors. They may do tasks such as mowing lawns, sweeping walkways, and removing snow. Some also monitor the building’s heating and cooling system, ensuring that it functions properly.

Janitors and building cleaners use many tools and types of equipment. Simple cleaning tools may include brooms, mops, and rakes. Other tools include sprayers, floor buffers, and snowblowers.

Some janitors are responsible for repairing minor electrical or plumbing problems, such as leaky faucets.

The following are examples of types of janitors and building cleaners:

Building superintendents are responsible for maintaining residential buildings, such as apartments and condominiums. Although their duties are like those of other janitors, some building superintendents also help collect rent and show vacancies to potential tenants.

Custodians are janitors or cleaning workers who typically maintain institutional facilities, such as schools and hospitals.

For data on workers who maintain private homes or businesses, such as hotels, see maids and housekeeping cleaners.

Janitors and building cleaners held about 2.4 million jobs in 2024. The largest employers of janitors and building cleaners were as follows:

Janitors and building cleaners usually work indoors, but they may work outdoors on tasks such as sweeping walkways, mowing lawns, and shoveling snow. They spend most of the day walking, standing, or bending while cleaning. They often move or lift heavy supplies and equipment. As a result, the work may be strenuous on the back, arms, and legs. Some tasks, such as cleaning restrooms and trash areas, are dirty or unpleasant.

Injuries and Illnesses

Janitors and building cleaners sometimes get injured on the job. For example, they may suffer sprains or strains from heavy lifting or pain and soreness from repetitive motion. Workers may receive safety and ergonomics training to help minimize these risks.

Work Schedules

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.

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.

The median hourly wage for janitors and building cleaners was $17.27 in May 2024.

Employment of janitors and building cleaners is projected to show little or no change from 2024 to 2034.

Despite limited employment growth, about 351,300 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.