Janitor
Janitors, also known as custodians, play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of various buildings, including schools, offices, hospitals, and hotels. Their primary responsibilities include routine cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, and sanitizing restrooms, as well as responding to incidental cleaning needs due to increased foot traffic or emergencies. With a median yearly salary of approximately $35,020, janitorial work does not typically require formal educational credentials, making it accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds. On-the-job training is standard, and many janitors work part-time or as a secondary income source while pursuing education or other careers. The work environment can be varied, often requiring janitors to operate autonomously during off-hours or as part of a team during busy periods. Employment opportunities in this field are projected to grow, reflecting the ongoing need for cleanliness in heavily trafficked public and private spaces. Overall, janitorial work is essential to the hospitality and tourism sectors, contributing significantly to overall public health and comfort.
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Subject Terms
Janitor
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Hospitality & Tourism
Interests: Maintenance, working with your hands
Earnings (Yearly Median): $35,020 per year, $16.84 per hour (2023)
Employment & Outlook: 1 percent (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education No formal educational credential
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Short-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Janitors, also called custodians, clean buildings to maintain proper function and cleanliness. Janitors work in almost every building, from schools and offices to large residential buildings, hotels, hospitals, and shopping malls. They are responsible for daily cleaning tasks that may take place in bathrooms, elevators, lobbies, and other areas throughout a building. Janitors work in concert with and sometimes under the supervision of building maintenance workers and building managers, who are responsible for a building’s overall cleanliness and functionality.
Work Environment. Janitors traditionally work in buildings that many people use. The more traffic a particular building or structure receives daily, the greater the need for constant upkeep. Janitorial staff employed by schools, museums, or office buildings tend to perform cleaning and maintenance after regular business hours when most people have vacated the building. Janitors employed by institutions such as these must be comfortable working by themselves and be self-motivated. Other custodians work varying shifts and may be on call to provide cleaning on a rotating basis or when situations require.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), almost 2.4 million people were employed as janitors or building cleaners in 2022. That figure is projected to rise by 29,900 from 2022 to 2032. About 35 percent of janitors provided services to private and public buildings or dwellings. Another 13 percent worked in elementary and secondary schools, 7 percent worked for healthcare facilities, 5 percent were self-employed, and 5 percent worked for the local, state, or federal government.
Occupation Interest. Janitorial work attracts individuals from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds. Some janitors work part-time to supplement an ongoing educational path or for additional income. Others are attracted to the position due to its minimal experience requirements and training, which occurs on the job.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of janitors can be broken down into two areas: routine cleaning and responding to incidents in which cleaning is required. The routine tasks of janitors include cleaning entryways, vacuuming carpets, emptying trash receptacles, dusting decorations, and tending to plant life that resides in the public spaces of buildings. Janitors also sweep and clean elevators, vacuum hallways, and clean and restock bathrooms. Depending on the size of the building and the type of organization it houses, routine janitorial tasks may also include performing light landscaping, removing snow, and deicing pathways that lead to entrances and exits.
Incidental cleaning is another responsibility of janitorial staff. Such tasks include extra cleaning due to increased foot traffic, inclement weather events, accidents, and emergencies. On-call janitorial staff are traditionally employed in hotels, hospitals, colleges, and universities.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Janitorial workers are employed in office buildings, schools, museums, hotels, stadiums, libraries, theme parks, and numerous other places. They may be required to work in specialized physical environments, such as laboratories, depending on the functions of the company or institution by which they are employed.
Human Environment. Janitorial work requires responding to instructions and working in a team environment to accomplish various tasks. Many janitorial staff work in concert to complete large projects faster.
Technological Environment. Strong technical aptitude is helpful but not necessary. Among the technologies janitors use are floor cleaners, vacuums, and various hand tools. Some cleaning materials and substances janitors use require safety equipment such as gloves or protective goggles.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A high school diploma or equivalent certification is traditionally preferred but optional for those seeking janitorial employment. Candidates with previous professional cleaning experience are often given preference.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary education is optional for employment in janitorial work. However, individuals seeking to operate private cleaning companies will benefit from associate- or certificate-level coursework in small business management and accounting.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
"Janitors and Building Cleaners." US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/janitors-and-building-cleaners.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners." O*NET OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/37-2011.00. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.