Vehicle Cleaner

Your Fit

Income

$35K

Preparation

Some

Growth

3.7%

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

What is a Vehicle Cleaner?

A Vehicle Cleaner specializes in cleaning vehicles, both inside and out, ensuring they are presentable and hygienic. This role involves various cleaning tasks such as washing, waxing, and vacuuming different types of vehicles.

Sample job titles:

Automotive Detailer (Auto Detailer), Car Washer, Detailer, Reconditioner

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Vehicle Cleaner.

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 Vehicle Cleaner 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%
$27K per year	$30K per year	$35K per year	$40K per year	$47K per year

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

See income by country/state/province

What does a Vehicle Cleaner do?

Work environment

Vehicle Cleaners typically work in car washes, auto detailing shops, or for car dealerships. The work is mostly physical and often outdoors, involving the use of various cleaning tools and substances. Shifts can vary, including weekends, depending on the employer's business hours.

Quick task list

Washes, waxes, and polishes vehicle exteriors.
Vacuums and cleans vehicle interiors, including upholstery, carpets, and other surfaces.
Uses cleaning solutions and equipment efficiently and safely.
Inspects vehicles for cleanliness and quality.
Maintains an inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Auto Detailing: Providing thorough cleaning and finishing services for higher-end vehicles.
Commercial Vehicle Cleaning: Specializing in larger vehicles like buses, trucks, or vans.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning: Using environmentally sustainable methods and products.
Restorative Auto Cleaning: Focusing on restoring the appearance of older or classic cars.
Mobile Vehicle Cleaning: Offering on-site cleaning services at customers' locations.

Description

Vehicle Cleaners play an essential role in the automotive industry by ensuring that vehicles are not only clean but also maintained in a way that preserves their appearance and value. They must be knowledgeable about different cleaning techniques and products, as well as the types of materials used in vehicle interiors. Attention to detail is critical, as is the ability to work efficiently to handle multiple vehicles in a day.

Physical fitness is important in this role, as it involves bending, stretching, and lifting. Being comfortable working with water and cleaning chemicals is also necessary. Customer service skills are a plus, especially for those in direct contact with clients.

The work can be repetitive but offers the satisfaction of seeing immediate results. For those passionate about cars and vehicle maintenance, this job provides an opportunity to work closely with various types of vehicles.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Seeing the direct results of your work in the form of clean and shiny vehicles.
The opportunity to work with and learn about different types of vehicles.
Physical activity and the chance to work in a hands-on environment.

You might make a good Vehicle Cleaner if you are...

Detail-oriented and take pride in making things look their best.
Physically active and enjoy hands-on work.
Interested in cars and their upkeep.
Comfortable working with a variety of tools and cleaning products.
Good at time management and able to work efficiently.

Pros:

Job satisfaction from immediate, visible results.
Opportunities to work on a variety of vehicles.
Physical activity as part of the daily routine.

Cons:

The work can be physically demanding and sometimes monotonous.
Exposure to chemicals and working in various weather conditions.
Often requires working on weekends or irregular hours.

How to become a Vehicle Cleaner

Typical education

There are no specific educational requirements; most skills are learned on the job. A high school diploma or equivalent may be beneficial for advancement to supervisory roles.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical education to build stamina and strength.
Chemistry for understanding cleaning products and their safe use.
Business classes for those interested in running their own vehicle cleaning service.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining automotive clubs or groups.
Volunteering or part-time jobs in local car washes or detailing shops.
Engaging in sports or activities that promote physical fitness.

Preparation after high school

Vocational training in auto detailing.
Certifications in the use of specific cleaning products or equipment.
On-the-job training in various cleaning techniques and customer service skills.

More resources

International Detailing Association (IDA) - Provides education and certification for auto detailing professionals.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Offers guidelines on safe handling of cleaning chemicals.
Autogeek - Offers resources and forums for auto detailing enthusiasts and professionals.
Eco Touch - Provides information on eco-friendly car cleaning products and practices.

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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.