Janitor

Your Fit

Income

$36K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

1.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Janitor?

A Janitor, also known as a Custodian or Cleaner, is responsible for maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and order in buildings and facilities. They ensure that public and private spaces are clean, safe, and well-maintained.

Sample job titles:

Cleaner, Custodial Worker, Custodian, Janitor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Janitor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Janitor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$28K per year	$31K per year	$36K per year	$42K per year	$49K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $14K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Janitor do?

Work environment

Janitors typically work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, office buildings, and residential complexes. Their work involves indoor and outdoor activities, and they may be required to handle cleaning chemicals and operate machinery.

Quick task list

Cleans floors, windows, and surfaces.
Empties trash bins and manages waste.
Maintains restroom hygiene.
Performs minor repairs and maintenance.
Stocks cleaning supplies.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Industrial Janitorial Services: Specializing in maintaining industrial facilities like factories, focusing on safety and industrial waste management.
Healthcare Facility Sanitation: Concentrating on hospitals and healthcare settings, adhering to strict sanitation and hygiene standards.
School Janitorial Services: Working in educational institutions, focusing on creating a safe and clean learning environment.
Green Cleaning: Using environmentally friendly cleaning methods and products.
Facility Maintenance and Repair: Incorporating basic repair and maintenance tasks alongside traditional janitorial duties.

Description

Janitorial work is essential in maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of various facilities. Janitors play a crucial role in ensuring that environments are not only clean but also safe and comfortable for occupants. This occupation involves a variety of tasks, including routine cleaning and emergency maintenance.

Attention to detail is important, as janitors are responsible for noticing and addressing small issues before they escalate. The role often requires physical stamina, as it involves standing, lifting, and bending for extended periods. Janitors must also be knowledgeable about the safe use of cleaning chemicals and the operation of machinery like floor buffers and vacuum cleaners.

Janitors are the unsung heroes of facility management, often working outside of regular business hours to minimize disruption. In addition to cleaning, they may handle security measures like locking doors and reporting suspicious activities. Their work is integral to creating a pleasant environment for everyone who uses the facility.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a vital role in maintaining health and safety standards.
The physical nature of the job, providing active and varied work.
The autonomy in managing daily tasks and schedules.

You might make a good Janitor if you are...

Physically fit and able to handle repetitive tasks.
Detail-oriented, ensuring every area is clean and well-maintained.
Able to work independently and manage your time effectively.
Comfortable with using various cleaning tools and equipment.
Adaptable to varying work environments and schedules.

Pros:

Job stability and demand in various sectors.
Independence in daily work routines.
Opportunities for part-time and flexible schedules.

Cons:

Physically demanding and sometimes repetitive work.
Exposure to cleaning chemicals and potential hazards.
Often requires working outside of regular business hours.

How to become a Janitor

Typical education

Most janitorial positions do not require formal education beyond a high school diploma or GED. On-the-job training is commonly provided.

High school preparation

Courses:

Basic Science for understanding the safe use of chemicals.
Physical Education to build stamina and physical fitness.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in team sports to develop teamwork skills.
Volunteering for community clean-up programs to gain experience.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing a short-term training program in custodial services can be beneficial.
Gaining experience through part-time or summer janitorial jobs.
Learning basic repair and maintenance skills through workshops or community courses.

More resources

Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) - Offers education and networking for building service professionals.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Provides guidelines and training for workplace safety, crucial for janitors.
International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA) - Offers certifications and training resources for janitorial professionals.
National Service Alliance (NSA) - Provides resources and support for those in the cleaning and maintenance industry.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.