What Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners this way: "Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Service, clean, or supply restrooms"; "Gather and empty trash"; "Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming"; "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".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 2,432,600 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 2,486,200 in 2035, an increase of 53,600 jobs (+2.2%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 321,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 13.2% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $36,840, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners earn the most
Across the 38 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $29,931 in Mississippi to $45,580 in New Hampshire, a gap of $15,650 (1.52 times). 17 of those 38 states average above the BLS national median of $36,840 and 21 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 240,760, which is 8.6% of the 2,787,310 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 238,480.
Highest-paying states
New Hampshire ($45,580), Massachusetts ($44,307) and Washington ($43,967) lead the ranking, while Mississippi ($29,931) and Arkansas ($30,648) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners: pay against the cost of living
We compare 75 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $11,734. The weakest market is Santa Clara County, CA, where the basics cost $6,336 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 65 of the 75 markets and falls short in 10. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 40.1% and 94.1% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Frequently asked questions about Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
How much do Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $36,840. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $29,931 to $45,580.
Which state pays Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners the most?
New Hampshire, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $45,580. Massachusetts is next at $44,307.
Is Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 2.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 321,800 openings a year.
What education do Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $11,734 on a median wage of $37,840.