Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance
Floors, rugs, walls, and glass get the heavy treatment: sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, vacuuming, or shampooing, plus gathering and emptying trash. Restrooms are cleaned and supplied; windows and glass partitions are washed with soapy water, sponges, or squeegees. Chemical cleaners and power equipment have to be used by the book so floors and fixtures are not damaged, which includes mixing detergents or acids to specification. After hours the work can include locking doors, checking appliances for hazards, clearing snow or debris from sidewalks, and telling managers when a furnace, boiler, or other system needs repair. The fit is for people who like physical, methodical work and following a set procedure.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$36'840
Median Wage Market Position
$36'840
What you might do
- Sweep, mop, or vacuum building floors
- Empty trash bins and haul rubbish out
- Service restrooms and restock supplies
- Wash windows, glass partitions, and mirrors
- Mix detergents to the specified strength
- Lock up after hours and report repairs
Skills that matter
- Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors
- Mixing cleaning solutions as directed
- Listening for cleaning and repair requests
- Telling managers about needed repairs
- Locking doors after closing hours
- Learning new cleaners and equipment rules
AI & the future of this role
Heavy cleaning across varied buildings needs physical presence, odd-hour access, and noticing what needs repair. Robots may handle some floors or trash routes, but irregular spaces and quick fixes still favor resilient demand for people.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details