Work Environment
Janitors and building cleaners held about 2.2 million jobs in 2020. The largest employers of janitors and building cleaners were as follows:
- Services to buildings and dwellings - 37%
- Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private - 13%
- Healthcare and social assistance - 7%
- Government - 5%
- Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations - 5%
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.
Job Outlook
Employment of janitors and building cleaners is projected to grow 6 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 314,900 openings for janitors and building cleaners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many 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.
Employment
These workers are essential to the upkeep of building interiors. Their services will be needed to meet the continued demand for clean and healthy spaces.
Earnings
The median hourly wage for janitors and building cleaners was $14.31 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.74, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $22.26.
In May 2021, the median hourly wages for janitors and building cleaners in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Government - $17.92
- Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private - $14.78
- Healthcare and social assistance - $14.41
- Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations - $14.38
- Services to buildings and dwellings - $13.98
Most janitors and building cleaners work full time, although 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.
