Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners fall under the Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance category in the U.S. occupational classification. Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners earn a median salary of $35,930 per year, ranking in the top 94% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +2.0% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners earn?

The median annual wage for janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners is $35,930. That puts janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners at #762 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners is +2.0%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 2.4M positions in 2024 to 2.5M in 2034, a net change of 48K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.
2. 2.Service, clean, or supply restrooms.
3. 3.Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.
4. 4.Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
5. 5.Gather and empty trash.
6. 6.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.
7. 7.Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.
8. 8.Dust furniture, walls, machines, or equipment.

Top skills for janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaner?

Many janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
  $56,170 median
• Tree Trimmers and Pruners
  $50,430 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers
  $47,520 median
• Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
  $45,200 median
• Pest Control Workers
  $44,730 median
• Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other
  $43,410 median

Common questions parents ask about janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners