Janitors and Cleaners Salary 2025: Median $36,840, Job Outlook & How to Start
The median annual salary for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners is $36,840, according to the latest BLS data. That works out to roughly $18 an hour. The typical range runs from $28,640 at the 10th percentile to $50,270 at the 90th. With over 2.2 million people employed in this role, it's one of the largest occupations in the U.S.
How much Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners earn
The mean hourly wage is $18.64, and the mean annual wage is $38,760. That's slightly above the median because higher earners pull the average up.
Most workers earn between $13.77 and $24.17 per hour. Pay varies by industry, experience, and location. Those in building and grounds cleaning services tend to earn at the lower end, while janitors in government or schools often earn more.
Pay by state
The highest-paying state for janitors and cleaners is Massachusetts, with a mean annual wage of $45,580. Washington comes in second at $45,520, followed by New York ($41,640), California ($41,090), and Vermont ($40,910).
At the other end, Mississippi pays the least at $28,380, with Louisiana at $28,930 and Arkansas at $29,750. The gap between top and bottom states is roughly $17,000 per year.
How to become Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner
This occupation has no formal education requirement. Most workers learn on the job, and a high school diploma or equivalent is common but not mandatory.
Here's how to get started:
- No experience needed for entry-level positions. Employers often provide short-term training.
- Certifications like the Certified Custodial Technician (CCT) from ISSA can improve your resume, but they are not required.
- On-the-job training covers cleaning procedures, safety protocols, and equipment use.
- Advancement opportunities include lead janitor, supervisor, or facilities manager roles, often with higher pay.
Job outlook
Employment for Janitors and Cleaners is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 351,300 job openings each year, mostly due to workers leaving the occupation or retiring.
Steady demand comes from schools, hospitals, offices, and commercial buildings that need ongoing cleaning. Automation and robots are starting to handle some basic tasks, but human cleaners are still needed for detailed work.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Janitor or Cleaner (except maids) do?
They clean and maintain buildings like offices, schools, hospitals, and factories. Tasks include sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, emptying trash, cleaning restrooms, and sometimes minor maintenance.
Do you need a degree to become a janitor?
No. Most jobs require no formal education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is usually provided on the job.
Is the job of a janitor dangerous?
It can be. Risks include slips on wet floors, exposure to cleaning chemicals, and repetitive strain. Employers are required to provide safety training and equipment.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners data.