A janitor keeps buildings clean, safe, and well-maintained. You'll handle everything from floors and restrooms to equipment and supplies. It's hands-on work that doesn't require a four-year degree, and you can start with a high school diploma.
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Janitors and cleaners maintain the appearance and safety of buildings and grounds. You'll sweep, mop, and vacuum floors, clean restrooms and common areas, and empty trash. The work involves inspecting facilities for damage or maintenance needs, organizing supplies and equipment, and communicating with supervisors about priorities. You'll make decisions about cleaning methods and schedules, handle special projects like stripping and waxing floors, and sometimes operate cleaning equipment. Safety and attention to detail matter in this role.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners earn a median of $36,840 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 351,300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most janitors start with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers provide on-the-job training to teach you their specific procedures, equipment, and safety standards. You'll learn cleaning techniques, how to use various tools and chemicals safely, and how to manage your time across different areas. The preparation level is medium, meaning you'll develop skills through hands-on experience and instruction rather than formal certification. Starting as a janitor and moving into supervisory or specialized cleaning roles is a common path.
Most janitors enter the field through direct hire or entry-level positions at facilities. If you're deciding between different employers or want to map out growth opportunities in facility maintenance, Pathly can map the janitor and cleaner, except maid and housekeeping cleaner path that fits you to explore your options with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a janitor and cleaner, except maid and housekeeping cleaner, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're a good fit if you're practical and detail-oriented, prefer hands-on work, and take pride in keeping spaces functional and clean. You work well independently and communicate clearly with your team.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).