Building & Grounds Maintenance
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Also called: Building Custodian, Building Services Technician (Building Services Tech), Building Services Worker, Cleaner
US median pay
$36,840
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2.2%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
321,800
2,432,600 employed
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties.
- Dust furniture, walls, machines, or equipment.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Time Management2.8/5
- Coordination2.8/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.6/5
- Service Orientation2.5/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.4/5
- Operations Monitoring2.2/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.2/5
- Troubleshooting2.1/5
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security3.4/5
- Administration and Management3.1/5
- English Language2.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.7/5
- Transportation2.3/5
- Law and Government2.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma62%
- Bachelor's degree23%
- Less than high school14%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.