Janitors

Career summary

Janitors may also be called custodians.

#match with 3155

Janitors clean and maintain buildings using a variety of power and hand tools. They may vacuum carpets and sweep, wash, and wax floors. They also dust and polish furniture, clean bathrooms, and empty wastebaskets. Some janitors specialize in one kind of work, such as window cleaning. Janitors mow lawns, rake leaves, and remove snow and ice.

Janitors may do routine maintenance and basic repairs. They paint windows, fix leaky faucets, and adjust heating and cooling systems. They notify building managers when major repairs are needed. Janitors may keep track of and order cleaning supplies.

Depending on their employer, janitors may drive vehicles. Some janitors clean a single building. Others travel to, and work at, several buildings each day. They are also called building custodians.

Related careers

This career is part of the Hospitality and Tourism cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Building Maintenance Workers
• Buspersons
• Construction Helpers
• Janitor and Housekeeper Supervisors
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers
• Maids and Housekeepers
• Mechanic and Repairer Helpers
• Stock Clerks

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to janitors.

• Use a variety of power and hand cleaning equipment.
• Vacuum carpets or sweep, mop, and wax floors.
• Wash windows.
• Clean bathrooms.
• Mix water and detergents to create cleaning solutions.
• Empty trash.
• Mow lawns and trim shrubbery.
• Remove snow and ice.
• Perform basic maintenance and repairs to building systems.
• Spray insecticides and set traps for pests.
• Keep track of supplies and order more when needed.
• Notify management of major repairs that are needed.
• May drive vehicles to visit work sites.
• Monitor building safety and security by keeping doors locked and checking for hazards.

Common work activities

Janitors perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Handle and move objects
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, janitors:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction. Janitors talk to supervisors, but spend much of their time alone.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of those who live and work in the spaces they clean.
• May work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other janitors.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors. May occasionally work outdoors.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants, such as cleaning solutions.
• May be exposed to diseases and infections.
• Sometimes wear protective clothing, such as gloves.
• May work close to others, such as when a client is home or in the office during cleaning times.

Work performance

• Must accurately complete all details of a job.
• Usually make decisions and set tasks and goals under the guidance of a supervisor.
• Repeat the same physical tasks.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Schedules are usually regular.
• May work weekends and evenings.

Physical demands

Janitors frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for janitors to be able to:

• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for janitors to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Move arms and legs quickly.

Skills and abilities

Janitors need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Building Maintenance
• Custodial Services

Training

To work as a janitor, you typically need to:

• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent. In some cities, unions or government agencies offer training programs. In these programs you learn how to select and use cleaning products. You also learn to operate machines such as buffers, polishers, and vacuums. In addition, you study safety and health regulations and learn how to work without supervision.

On-the-job training

Most janitors learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. During training, you start with routine cleaning jobs. As you gain experience, you work on more difficult cleaning tasks. This type of training usually lasts one month.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Building Maintenance
• Home Maintenance
• Institutional Maintenance
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire janitors who are able to follow instructions and do simple math. Many janitors work alone so they must be able to complete tasks on their own. Math skills are helpful when measuring and mixing cleaning solutions. Employers also look for people who are hard workers and in good health. Employers who hire janitors who interact with customers require good communication skills.

Most employers do not require any formal education or training. Some may require high school graduation. Knowledge of building materials and cleaning compounds is often required. Some employers prefer applicants with up to two years of vocational training. A stable work history and the ability to take directions are important to employers. Some employers, especially those in the public sector, may require physical examinations, including alcohol and drug screening.

Tips

High school shop courses are helpful for those who will be doing minor plumbing and carpentry tasks. Workers who want to advance need to acquire training in new cleaning technology. Use of non-toxic or "green" cleaning products is becoming more common so knowledge of these products is helpful. Certification as a maintenance employee, which is offered by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute listed in the Other Resources section of this description, may be beneficial also.

#Added comments on green cleaning per PSBJ Aug 24-30, 2007 article on concierge business in Seattle that also offers house cleaning svcs and has found 60-70% of clients want green cleaning svcs. Seems to make sense that knowledge of this approach would be helpful for janitors and housekeepers. 3/13/08, cj. Cmt on certification added 4/16/18 cj.

Costs to workers

Some workers may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and regular dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Pay varies by employer and area of the country. The janitor's level of responsibility and experience also affect wages.

Janitors who work full time may receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Janitorial services companies
• Schools
• Religious organizations

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be strong. Many new jobs are expected in the health care industry. Job prospects are best for those with experience.

This is a very large occupation with a high rate of turnover. Many jobs will open to replace workers who retire or leave the occupation.

Other resources

Service Employees International Union 
1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
800.424.8592

References

Career cluster

• Hospitality and Tourism

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Change-house Attendant (358.687-010) 
• Chimney Sweep (891.687-010) 
• Cleaner, Commercial or Institutional (381.687-014) 
• Cleaner, Home Restoration Service (389.664-010) 
• Cleaner, Industrial (381.687-018) 
• Cleaner, Laboratory Equipment (381.687-022) 
• Cleaner, Wall (381.687-026) 
• Cleaner, Window (389.687-014) 
• Janitor (382.664-010) 
• Patch Worker (381.687-030) 
• Project-crew Worker (891.687-018) 
• Sexton (389.667-010) 
• Sweeper-cleaner, Industrial (389.683-010) 
• Swimming-pool Servicer (891.684-018) 
• Waxer, Floor (381.687-034) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Service Skilled