National
| Median wages (2008) |
$10.31 hourly, $21,450 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
2,387,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Faster than average (14% to 20%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
802,000 additional employees |
37-2011.00 - Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk.
Sample of reported job titles:
Custodian, Janitor, Cleaner, Custodial Worker, Building Custodian, Heavy Duty Custodian, Environmental Specialist, Operational Service Worker (OSW), Floor Tech (Floor Technician), Plant Custodian
Tasks
- Monitor building security and safety by performing such tasks as locking doors after operating hours and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created.
- Service, clean, and supply restrooms.
- Gather and empty trash.
- Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming them.
- Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment, in order to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
- Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.
- Strip, seal, finish, and polish floors.
- Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.
- Requisition supplies and equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties.
- Clean windows, glass partitions, and mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, and squeegees.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Adjustable wrenches — Adjustable hand wrenches |
| Dollies — Equipment dollies |
| Floor polishers — Floor buffers; Floor waxers |
| Hammers — Claw hammers |
| Ladders — Extension ladders; Step ladders |
| Snow blowers |
| Vacuum cleaners — Industrial vacuums; Ride-on industrial vacuum cleaners |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
