Janitor Career Guide

What is a janitor?

A janitor is someone who keeps places like schools, offices, and hospitals clean and running smoothly. They make sure everything is hygienic and safe for everyone there. Janitors do a lot, from cleaning to small repairs, and even though we don’t always notice, their work is super important for making places comfortable and efficient.

Duties and responsibilities

Janitors have a bunch of jobs to do. Their main job is to keep buildings clean—this means they sweep, mop, vacuum, and dust different areas. They also take care of trash and recycling bins. Besides cleaning, janitors fix things like leaky faucets or broken chairs and might even do some painting. They check the building to make sure there’s nothing wrong or unsafe, and sometimes, they look after outside areas too, like sidewalks or parking lots.

Work environment

Janitors can work in all sorts of places, from big buildings like schools and hospitals to smaller spots like stores or restaurants. They often work by themselves, but in bigger places, they might be part of a team. The job is pretty active—janitors are always moving around, lifting stuff, and sometimes, they use cleaning chemicals that require wearing protective gear. They also might need to work outside sometimes.

Typical work hours

Janitors usually work full-time, but you can find part-time jobs too. They often work early in the morning, late at night, or even overnight since cleaning is usually done when no one else is around. Their schedules can vary—a school janitor might work during school hours, while those in offices or malls might work evenings or weekends to avoid busy times.

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How to become a janitor

Becoming a janitor doesn’t require lots of formal education, but there are a few steps you can take to get into this job:

Step 1: Finish high school

First up, you’ll need to finish high school or get a GED. This helps you learn basic skills like reading and writing that you’ll need on the job.

Step 2: Learn handy skills

Next, it’s good to know some handy skills like simple repairs, the right way to clean, and basic safety rules. You might already know some of these from helping around the house or from other jobs you’ve had.

Step 3: Receive training

When you start a janitor job, you’ll usually be trained at work. You’ll learn all about your specific cleaning duties, how to use different cleaning equipment safely, and the details about the place you’re cleaning.

Step 4: Get certified (maybe)

Sometimes, you might need a special certificate or license, especially if you need to use big machines like a floor buffer. This isn’t always necessary, but some jobs might ask for it. Certificates can also help you show that you’re serious about your job.

Step 5: Apply for jobs

Once you’ve got your skills and training, start applying for jobs. Look for job openings online or check with local businesses and schools. Make sure your resume talks about your cleaning skills and any experience you have.

Step 6: Ace the interview

Finally, if you get called for an interview, be ready to talk about why you’re right for the job. You might meet with them in person or talk on the phone. Show them you’re hardworking and ready to learn.

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How much do janitors make?

Janitor salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. Notably, special skills in cleaning and maintenance, as well as the prestige of the place of work, can significantly affect their compensation.

Highest paying industries

• Natural Gas Distribution: $43,820
• Electric Power Generation: $42,150
• Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools: $36,120
• Other Residential Care Facilities: $35,810
• Scientific Research and Development Services: $35,400

Browse janitor salary data by market

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Types of janitors

Janitors can specialize in different settings, each with its unique duties and environments. Here’s a quick look at some common types:

Commercial janitor

These janitors take care of places like office buildings, malls, and movie theaters. They do a lot of cleaning, like vacuuming and making sure bathrooms are spotless. It’s important for them to know how to safely use cleaning chemicals.

School janitor

School janitors help make schools a nice place for students to learn. They do all the usual cleaning and also fix things around the school, like broken benches or swings. They need to be good at talking to students and teachers because they interact with them a lot.

Industrial janitor

Industrial janitors work in big places like factories and warehouses. They keep these spaces clean and safe, removing things like production waste and cleaning big machines. They need to understand how industrial equipment works and follow safety rules carefully.

Residential janitor

These janitors work in apartment buildings and condos. Their job is to keep shared spaces like hallways and lounges clean and tidy. They also do some outdoor work and need to be friendly when dealing with residents.

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Top skills for janitors

Being a great janitor isn’t just about cleaning. Here are some key skills that really help:

Attention to detail

Janitors need to be good at noticing little things. Whether it’s a small stain on the carpet or a loose tile that might trip someone, seeing these details helps keep places looking good and safe for everyone.

Physical stamina and strength

This job can be pretty active. They often need to lift heavy stuff, stand for a long time, or move around a lot during their shift. Being in good physical shape makes these tasks easier.

General repair skills

Janitors do more than just clean; sometimes they fix things too, like a leaky tap or a flickering light bulb. Knowing a bit about how to make these repairs is a big plus.

Problem-solving skills

Sometimes things go wrong, like running out of cleaning supplies or dealing with a spill. They need to think quickly and figure out the best way to fix these problems.

Communication skills

Even though janitors might work by themselves a lot, they still need to talk clearly with their team or bosses about what they’ve done, what they need, or any problems they’ve found.

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Janitor career path options

Starting as a janitor means you’re on the ground floor, literally. You begin with basic cleaning and fixing stuff, but there’s a lot of room to grow from there:

Step up to supervisor

After you’ve got some experience, you might become a supervisor. That means you’re the boss of the cleaning crew. You’ll make sure everyone’s doing their job right and keeping the building looking sharp.

Become a facility manager

If you keep climbing the ladder, you could end up as a facility manager. This is a big deal because you’re in charge of everything in the building, not just cleaning. You’ll manage things like security and making sure the building is in good shape. You might need some extra school or training for this.

Specialize in something cool

Maybe you find out you’re really interested in something specific, like fixing air conditioners (HVAC), plumbing, or electrical stuff. You can get special training and become an expert in that area, which can lead to even cooler jobs.

Start your own business

If you’re really ambitious, you could start your own cleaning business after you’ve learned the ropes. This means you could be running your own show, hiring your own team, and managing your own clients.

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Similar job titles

• Director of Housekeeping
• Maintenance Technician
• Facilities Manager
• Maintenance Technician
• Health and Safety Inspector
• Home Inspector

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Position trends and outlook for janitors

• Going green: A big change in the janitor world is the move toward being more eco-friendly. As people care more about the environment, companies want cleaning that’s safe and sustainable.
• Tech in cleaning: Technology is also changing how cleaning is done; some big buildings use robots and other cool gadgets to help clean. Even though this sounds like it could replace jobs, it actually creates new ones because someone needs to manage and fix these machines.

Employment projections

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for janitors is expected to grow by 4% through 2031, which is pretty standard. The most jobs will be in places like hospitals and clinics because these areas are expanding quickly. So, if you’re thinking about a job that keeps you moving and can make a difference in keeping places clean and safe, being a janitor is a solid choice.

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Janitor career tips

Know your job inside out

It’s important to really understand all the tasks you need to do as a janitor. This includes keeping both inside and outside areas clean, getting rid of waste properly, and making sure everything is safe and works well. Always try to keep learning about your duties to do your job even better.

Keep up with cleaning tech

Cleaning methods and tools are always getting better. Try to stay on top of the latest cleaners, gadgets, and ways to clean. This will make your job easier and you’ll do a better job.

Never stop learning

Learning new things is a must in any job, including as a janitor. You can improve your skills by:

• Going to training sessions for custodians
• Joining workshops on how to handle chemicals safely
• Taking courses to learn about eco-friendly cleaning
• Attending vocational school programs focused on maintenance and cleaning

Manage your time well

Being good at managing your time helps a lot. Knowing how to handle many tasks, figure out which are most important, and plan your schedule can make your workday smoother and less stressful.

Follow health and safety rules

Sticking to health and safety rules is super important. This keeps you and everyone in the building safe. Make sure you know these rules well and keep up with any new changes.

Network with others

Meeting people who do the same kind of work can help you in your career. Networking can lead to new opportunities and helpful advice. Consider joining groups like:

• International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA)
• Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
• ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association
• American Maintenance & Cleaning Services

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FAQs