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Building Cleaners

Building cleaners maintain cleanliness, order, and health standards in various facilities including offices, hotels, hospitals, and residential properties. These professionals perform tasks ranging from routine cleaning duties like mopping floors and emptying trash to specialized services such as pest control and deep cleaning of carpets and walls. They work in diverse environments and may focus on general janitorial services, housekeeping, or pest management depending on their specialization.

Median Annual Pay
$34,874
Range: $24,520 - $60,840
Training Time
Less than 6 months
AI Resilience
🟡AI-Augmented
Education
High school diploma or equivalent

🎬Career Video

🤖AI Resilience Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 3/6: low AI task exposure, limited human advantage means AI will assist but humans remain essential

🟡AI-Augmented

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Low+2

0% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Stable+1

+2% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Weak+0

EPOCH score: 11/25

Total Score3/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09

📋Key Responsibilities

  • Service, clean, or supply restrooms.
  • Gather and empty trash.
  • Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.
  • 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.
  • Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.
  • Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
  • Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.
  • Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.

💡Inside This Career

Building cleaners begin their days by assessing the spaces they'll maintain, whether that's a bustling office complex, a hotel filled with guests, or a healthcare facility requiring specialized sanitation protocols. They gather their equipment and supplies, checking inventory levels and ensuring they have the right tools for each task ahead. The morning might start with high-priority areas—restocking restrooms, emptying trash receptacles, or addressing any overnight maintenance requests. Each environment brings its own rhythm and requirements, from the quiet efficiency needed in patient care areas to the thorough turnover process required between hotel guests.

The core of their workday involves systematic cleaning routines tailored to their specialty. Some focus on comprehensive floor care, moving methodically through buildings with industrial equipment, while others concentrate on detailed room-by-room service, ensuring every surface meets cleanliness standards. Specialized workers might spend their time on unique tasks like window cleaning on high-rise buildings or addressing specific sanitation challenges. Throughout their shifts, they often coordinate with facility managers, maintenance staff, or security teams to work around schedules and access restrictions.

Building cleaners frequently adapt their approach based on seasonal demands, special events, or emergency situations. They might deep-clean carpets before a corporate gathering, sanitize areas following health protocols, or respond to spills and accidents that require immediate attention. Their work ensures that the spaces where people live, work, heal, and gather remain safe, comfortable, and welcoming—a responsibility that requires both physical stamina and attention to detail across diverse environments.

📈Career Progression

What does this mean?

This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.

1
Entry (10th %ile)
0-2 years experience
$24,520
$22,068 - $26,972
2
Early Career (25th %ile)
2-6 years experience
$28,662
$25,796 - $31,528
3
Mid-Career (Median)
5-15 years experience
$34,874
$31,387 - $38,361
4
Experienced (75th %ile)
10-20 years experience
$47,857
$43,071 - $52,643
5
Expert (90th %ile)
15-30 years experience
$60,840
$54,756 - $66,924

📚Education & Training

Requirements

  • Entry Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience: One to two years
  • On-the-job Training: One to two years
  • !License or certification required

Time & Cost

Education Duration
0-0 years (typically 0)
Estimated Education Cost
$0 - $0
Source: college board (2024)
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Find jobs and training programs for building cleaners- Median salary: $35K/year

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💻Technology Skills

Work order systemsTimekeeping softwareCommunication appsScheduling softwareTimekeeping appsService management softwareMicrosoft OfficeGPS/routingScheduling toolsDocumentation apps

Key Abilities

Trunk Strength
Near Vision
Oral Comprehension
Oral Expression
Problem Sensitivity
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Manual Dexterity
Static Strength
Extent Flexibility
Information Ordering

🏷️Also Known As

Building CleanersAirport AttendantAlley CleanerBlinds CleanerBlinds WasherBrass CleanerBrass PolisherBuilding AttendantBuilding CustodianBuilding Exterior Cleaner+20 more

📑Specializations

This career includes 4 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.

🔗Related Careers

Other careers in building-grounds

🔗Data Sources

Last updated: 2026-01-09

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