Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Guiding people or projects, setting direction, taking responsibility, and helping others succeed.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Janitors and building cleaners typically do not need formal education to enter the occupation. However, some employers may require or prefer that workers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Most janitors and building cleaners learn on the job. PayThe median hourly wage for janitors and building cleaners was $17.71 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of janitors and building cleaners is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 321,800 openings for janitors and building cleaners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for janitors and building cleaners. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of janitors and building cleaners with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about janitors and building cleaners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median hourly wage for janitors and building cleaners was $17.71 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of janitors and building cleaners is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 321,800 openings for janitors and building cleaners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for janitors and building cleaners. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of janitors and building cleaners with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about janitors and building cleaners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of janitors and building cleaners is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 321,800 openings for janitors and building cleaners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for janitors and building cleaners. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of janitors and building cleaners with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about janitors and building cleaners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Janitors and building cleaners keep many types of buildings clean, sanitary, orderly, and in good condition.
Work Environment
Janitors and building cleaners usually work indoors, but they may also work outdoors on tasks such as sweeping walkways or removing snow. Most janitors and building cleaners work full time, although part-time work is common. Work schedules may vary to include evenings, nights, or weekends.
How to Become a Janitor or Building Cleaner
Janitors and building cleaners typically do not need formal education to enter the occupation. However, some employers may require or prefer that workers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Most janitors and building cleaners learn on the job.
Pay
The median hourly wage for janitors and building cleaners was $17.71 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of janitors and building cleaners is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 321,800 openings for janitors and building cleaners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for janitors and building cleaners.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of janitors and building cleaners with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about janitors and building cleaners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Janitors and building cleaners usually work indoors, but they may also work outdoors on tasks such as sweeping walkways or removing snow. Most janitors and building cleaners work full time, although part-time work is common. Work schedules may vary to include evenings, nights, or weekends.
How to Become a Janitor or Building Cleaner
Janitors and building cleaners typically do not need formal education to enter the occupation. However, some employers may require or prefer that workers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Most janitors and building cleaners learn on the job.
Pay
The median hourly wage for janitors and building cleaners was $17.71 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of janitors and building cleaners is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 321,800 openings for janitors and building cleaners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for janitors and building cleaners.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of janitors and building cleaners with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about janitors and building cleaners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for janitors and building cleaners.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of janitors and building cleaners with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about janitors and building cleaners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about janitors and building cleaners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Training Options
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Explore pathway →Hear From ED
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.