Janitor Career Guide,
Salary, Licence & Jobs 2026

Janitors have their own BLS occupation, Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (SOC 37-2011), with a May 2025 OEWS median of $36,840 a year, or $17.71 an hour. Pay runs from $28,640 at the 10th percentile to $50,270 at the 90th, and janitors in unionized, government or hospital settings and those in lead and supervisor roles reach the upper part of that range.

No degree is required. Employers look for reliability, physical ability and often a background check, then provide short-term on-the-job training in cleaning methods, equipment and chemical safety. Building specialized skills like floor care and disinfection, pursuing optional ISSA certificates, and taking on crew coordination lead to lead custodian and supervisor roles.

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A janitor keeps buildings clean and orderly. They clean floors, restrooms and common areas, empty trash and recycling, restock supplies, handle spills, and perform minor maintenance and safety tasks. Work follows a cleaning schedule and chemical-safety procedures, keeping offices, schools, hospitals and public buildings presentable and sanitary.

No occupational license or degree is required to work as a janitor. Training is short-term and provided on the job, including chemical safety and hazard communication. Optional certifications such as ISSA's Cleaning Management Institute credentials or green-cleaning programs can demonstrate professional competency and support advancement, but they are not required to be hired.

BLS separates the two occupations. Janitors and building cleaners (SOC 37-2011) clean and maintain commercial and public buildings such as offices, schools and hospitals. Maids and housekeeping cleaners (SOC 37-2012) clean private homes, hotels and lodging. The settings and the exact BLS occupation differ, though the cleaning work overlaps.

It is steady, accessible work requiring no degree or tuition, with immediate entry and on-the-job training, a $36,840 median, and a clear path to lead and supervisor roles near $50,270. Openings are plentiful — about 351,300 a year — and unionized, government and healthcare settings offer above-average pay and benefits for reliable workers.