Janitor Salary in the USA

If you are looking for a Janitor Salary in the USA, this job can provide a steady way to earn money without needing a college degree. A janitor, also called a building cleaner or custodian in many workplaces, helps keep offices, schools, hospitals, stores, apartments, factories and other buildings clean, safe and in good condition. The average janitor salary depends on location, experience, work schedule, type of building and employer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, janitors and building cleaners had a median pay of about $17.71 per hour or $36,840 per year in May 2025. Some workers earn less when starting, while experienced workers, government employees, hospital cleaners and workers in higher-paying locations can earn more.

Janitor Salary in the USA

A janitor salary in the USA is usually paid by the hour, especially for entry-level and part-time jobs. Full-time janitors can also receive an annual salary when they work for schools, hospitals, government buildings, large companies or facility management companies. The actual pay can be different from one job to another because janitors do not all perform exactly the same work. Some mainly clean floors, bathrooms and common areas, while others also handle trash, basic maintenance, equipment cleaning and building support work.

The BLS reports a national median hourly wage of $17.71 for janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners, in May 2025. The same data shows that the lowest 10 percent earned less than $13.77 per hour, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $24.17 per hour. This gives a useful idea of the normal pay range, but local wages can be higher or lower depending on the state and city.

Janitors may work in office buildings, schools, hospitals, hotels, shopping centers, factories, government facilities and apartment buildings. Many jobs are available during evening or night hours because buildings are easier to clean when fewer people are present. Weekend and holiday work can also be part of the job, especially in hospitals and facilities that operate all day.

Janitor Salary by State

Janitor pay changes a lot across the United States. Cost of living, local demand, minimum wage laws, employer type and the size of the city can all affect what a janitor gets paid. The table below gives current salary estimates by state and District of Columbia for people searching for janitor jobs and janitor salary information. These figures are salary estimates and can change with job market conditions; they should not be treated as the official BLS wage for every state.

These current salary estimates show why location matters when searching for janitor jobs. For example, the listed estimates are higher in Washington, the District of Columbia, New York and Massachusetts than in several Southern states. But salary alone does not tell the complete story because living costs and working hours can also be very different from one location to another.

How Much Does a Janitor Make Per Hour?

How much a janitor makes per hour depends on experience, employer and location. The national BLS median for janitors and building cleaners was $17.71 per hour in May 2025. New workers can start below this amount, while experienced workers or people working in government, healthcare or other better-paying workplaces may receive higher hourly pay.

For someone working 40 hours every week, an hourly rate of $17.71 is roughly equal to $36,840 per year before taxes when working year-round. This is why many people searching for a janitor salary per year also look at the hourly pay first. Overtime, shift differentials and extra hours can increase actual yearly earnings.

How Much Does a Janitor Make a Year?

A full-time janitor can make around the mid-$30,000 range per year based on the national median wage, but yearly income is not same for every worker. Some janitors work part time, so their yearly income can be much lower. A full-time employee working nights, overtime or in a higher paying workplace can make more than the basic annual amount.

The BLS reports that about 2.43 million people were employed in the janitors and cleaners occupation in 2025, and employment is projected to grow about 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. BLS also projects around 321,800 openings per year on average, mostly because workers leave the occupation or move into other jobs.

What Does a Janitor Do?

A janitor is responsible for keeping a building clean, sanitary and usable. The work can look simple from outside, but there are many small tasks during a normal shift. A janitor may spend several hours standing, walking, lifting supplies and cleaning different areas of a building.

• Cleaning floors, hallways and common areas
• Mopping, sweeping and vacuuming floors
• Cleaning bathrooms and restrooms
• Removing trash and recycling
• Cleaning windows, doors and other surfaces
• Restocking restroom and cleaning supplies
• Using cleaning chemicals and equipment safely
• Reporting building problems to supervisors
• Cleaning offices, classrooms, hospitals or commercial spaces
• Doing some basic building support and maintenance tasks

Janitor Starting Salary

Janitor starting salary is usually lower than the pay of an experienced worker. The good part of this occupation is that formal education is generally not required. BLS says janitors and building cleaners typically do not need a formal educational credential and most workers learn the job through short-term on-the-job training. Some employers may still prefer a high school diploma or equivalent.

For an entry-level janitor, the first job may involve basic cleaning duties and close supervision. As the worker learns equipment, cleaning procedures, safety rules and building operations, there can be opportunities for better pay or moving into lead cleaner, maintenance or facilities positions.

Janitor Salary by Experience

Experience can make a difference in janitor pay, but this is not a job where a college degree is normally needed. A person can start with little or no previous experience and learn most of the daily work on the job. After working for some years, a janitor may become faster, take care of larger buildings, handle more cleaning equipment or get extra responsibilities. These things can help a worker move toward better paying positions.

• Entry-level janitor: New workers usually start with basic cleaning duties and may earn close to the lower end of local wage ranges.
• Experienced janitor: Workers with several years of experience may receive higher hourly pay and may work with less supervision.
• Senior janitor: Experienced workers can sometimes handle large facilities, special cleaning work or difficult shifts.
• Lead janitor: A lead worker may help organize cleaning work and supervise other cleaners.
• Janitorial supervisor: Supervisory positions can involve scheduling workers, checking cleaning quality and ordering supplies.

School Janitor Salary

School janitors, also called school custodians in many districts, clean classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, gyms and other school areas. They may also move furniture, remove trash, prepare rooms for events and report maintenance problems. School janitor pay depends heavily on the school district, state, experience and whether the position is full-time or part-time.

School jobs can also have a different work schedule from commercial cleaning jobs. Some school custodians work after students leave, while others work during the day. Large school districts may have additional benefits for full-time employees, although benefits are different from one employer to another.

Hospital Janitor Salary

Hospital janitors and environmental service workers have cleaning responsibilities in medical facilities. Their work can include cleaning patient rooms, hallways, waiting areas, bathrooms and other areas while following strict sanitation and safety procedures. Some hospitals use the job title environmental services worker or EVS technician instead of janitor.

Hospital cleaning can require more training than ordinary office cleaning because workers may need to follow infection-control procedures and handle cleaning chemicals correctly. Hospitals also operate around the clock, so evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts can be available.

Commercial Janitor Salary

Commercial janitors work in places such as office buildings, shopping centers, warehouses, restaurants, stores and other business properties. Some are directly employed by the building owner or company, while many work for janitorial or facility management companies.

Commercial cleaning jobs can be full-time or part-time. A worker cleaning several buildings may have different duties every day. Pay can also depend on whether the worker is responsible only for cleaning or also performs basic maintenance and building support work.

Night Janitor Salary

Night janitor jobs are common because many offices, schools and commercial buildings are cleaned after normal business hours. The base pay may be similar to daytime janitor work, but some employers offer a shift differential or additional pay for certain evening or overnight schedules.

Night work can involve cleaning mostly empty buildings, which can make some tasks easier, but the schedule can also be less convenient. Anyone comparing a night janitor salary should check the complete job offer instead of looking only at the hourly wage.

Janitor Salary Without a Degree

One reason people search for janitor salary without a degree is that this occupation normally does not require college education. The BLS states that janitors and building cleaners typically do not need a formal educational credential, and workers usually learn their duties through short-term on-the-job training. ([bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/janitors-and-building-cleaners.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

This makes janitorial work one possible entry point for people who want to start earning without spending several years in college. Physical ability, reliability, attention to detail and the ability to follow safety instructions can be more important for the daily work than a college degree.

Janitor Jobs and Overtime Pay

Some janitors have opportunities to work additional hours, especially when a building needs extra cleaning, an employee is absent or a special event requires additional work. Whether overtime is available depends on the employer and the worker's employment status.

Overtime can increase yearly income, but it should not be included in a basic salary comparison unless the job regularly provides those extra hours. A person comparing two janitor jobs should look at the normal hourly rate, expected weekly hours, overtime rules and benefits separately.

Janitor Benefits and Other Pay

Salary is only one part of total compensation. Full-time janitors may receive benefits depending on their employer. Large companies, hospitals, schools and government employers may have different benefit packages than small cleaning businesses.

• Health insurance
• Dental and vision coverage
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Sick leave
• Retirement plans
• Overtime pay when applicable
• Night or shift differential at some workplaces
• Uniforms or work clothing at some employers
• Paid training in certain jobs

Highest Paying Janitor Jobs

Not every janitor position pays the same. Jobs connected with large facilities, hospitals, government buildings, universities and specialized cleaning can have different pay levels than basic entry-level cleaning jobs. Experience and additional responsibilities can also change the earning level.

A janitor who wants to increase income may eventually move into lead cleaner, maintenance worker, facilities technician or supervisor roles. These jobs can require additional skills, training or experience, so the next position should be checked separately instead of assuming every experienced janitor receives a higher wage automatically.

Janitor vs Custodian Salary

The words janitor and custodian are often used for very similar jobs. Both can involve cleaning, trash removal, restroom maintenance, floor care and keeping a building in usable condition. The actual duties depend on the employer.

Some employers use “custodian” for workers who maintain schools or public buildings, while another company may use “janitor” for almost the same work. Because of this, people searching for jobs should search both terms. Looking only for “janitor jobs” can leave out jobs advertised as custodian, building cleaner or environmental services worker.

Janitor Salary Related Search Terms

People searching for janitor pay often use different words even when they are looking for almost the same information. These related searches can include hourly income, annual salary, entry-level pay, location-based pay and specific workplace salaries.

• Average janitor salary
• Janitor salary per hour
• Janitor salary per year
• How much does a janitor make
• How much does a janitor make an hour
• How much does a janitor make a year
• Entry level janitor salary
• Janitor salary without experience
• Janitor salary without a degree
• School janitor salary
• Hospital janitor salary
• Commercial janitor salary
• Night janitor salary
• Custodian salary
• Building cleaner salary

Janitor Job Outlook in the USA

Janitorial work continues to be needed because buildings need regular cleaning regardless of the economy. Offices, schools, hospitals, stores, factories and other facilities all need people to keep their spaces clean and sanitary. According to the BLS, employment for janitors and building cleaners is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. The BLS also projects about 321,800 openings each year on average over that period, mainly because of workers leaving the occupation or moving to other occupations. ([bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/janitors-and-building-cleaners.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

This means job openings can remain available even when total employment does not grow very quickly. Cleaning is also difficult to fully automate because many buildings have different layouts, surfaces and sanitation needs that still require workers to physically perform the work.

Factors That Affect Janitor Salary

Janitor salary is not fixed for every worker. Two people doing similar cleaning work can have different pay because of their location, employer, experience and work schedule. Understanding these factors can help when comparing janitor jobs in the USA.

• Location: Janitor pay can be different from state to state and city to city.
• Experience: Workers with more experience may qualify for better positions and higher pay.
• Employer: Schools, hospitals, government agencies, large companies and private cleaning companies can have different wage structures.
• Work schedule: Night, weekend and holiday shifts may sometimes include additional pay.
• Building size: Large commercial or industrial buildings can require more responsibilities.
• Specialized cleaning: Some jobs require additional cleaning procedures, equipment or safety training.
• Full-time or part-time status: Working fewer hours will naturally reduce annual income even when the hourly rate is similar.
• Supervisory duties: Lead janitors and supervisors can have additional responsibilities and different pay.

Entry Level Janitor Salary

An entry level janitor salary can be a practical starting point for someone who does not have a college degree or previous professional experience. New workers normally learn cleaning procedures, equipment use and workplace safety after joining the employer. The starting wage depends on the local labor market and the company.

People applying for their first janitor job should not only look at the advertised hourly wage. The number of guaranteed hours, overtime availability, health benefits, paid time off and schedule can make a meaningful difference to total compensation.

How to Increase Your Janitor Salary

A janitor does not necessarily have to stay at the same entry-level pay throughout their career. Learning additional skills can open opportunities for different jobs within building services and facility operations.

• Learn safe use of commercial cleaning machines.
• Build experience with floor stripping, waxing and polishing.
• Learn workplace safety and chemical handling procedures.
• Gain experience in hospitals or other specialized facilities.
• Learn basic maintenance and repair skills.
• Apply for lead janitor or lead custodian positions.
• Consider facilities maintenance jobs after gaining experience.
• Look at government, school and large institutional employers.
• Be willing to work different shifts when the pay difference makes sense.

Janitor Salary in California

California has a large number of commercial buildings, schools, hospitals and other facilities that require cleaning workers. The current salary estimate used in the state table is around $32,623 per year, or about $15.68 per hour. Actual wages can be different depending on the city, employer and type of janitorial job.

Because living costs can also be high in many parts of California, a salary comparison should include local expenses rather than looking at the wage alone.

Janitor Salary in Texas

Texas has a large and diverse job market, including offices, warehouses, hospitals, schools, stores and industrial facilities. The current estimate in the state table is about $30,796 per year, or approximately $14.81 per hour.

Janitor jobs in large metropolitan areas can have different wages from jobs in smaller communities. Workers should also check whether the position is full-time, part-time or contract based.

Janitor Salary in New York

New York is one of the states where janitor salary estimates are relatively higher in the current state data. The estimate used above is around $36,164 per year, or about $17.39 per hour.

There can be a large difference between wages in different parts of New York. A job in New York City may have different pay and expenses than a similar position in another part of the state.

Janitor Salary in Washington

Washington has a current estimated janitor salary of around $37,439 per year, or about $18.00 per hour, in the salary estimates used for this article. The actual job offer can be higher or lower depending on experience, employer and location.

Workers should compare the offered wage with the required working hours and local living costs before deciding whether a particular janitor job is suitable.

Is Being a Janitor a Good Job?

Janitorial work can provide an accessible way to enter the workforce because a college degree is normally not required. The work is needed in many different types of buildings, and there are both full-time and part-time opportunities. However, the job can be physically demanding and may involve standing, walking, bending, lifting supplies and working with cleaning chemicals.

For someone who prefers practical work instead of sitting at a desk, janitorial work can be one career option. The right job depends on the worker's preferred schedule, physical requirements, expected income, benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Janitor Salary Per Hour vs Per Year

When comparing janitor salary per hour with janitor salary per year, both numbers are useful. Hourly pay shows what a worker earns for each hour worked, while annual pay gives an idea of total income over a full working year. A worker making the same hourly wage can have a very different annual income if one person works full-time and another works part-time.

The national BLS median of $17.71 per hour is approximately $36,840 per year when converted to a full-time 40-hour workweek for 52 weeks. Actual yearly earnings can change because of unpaid time off, overtime, part-time schedules and changes in working hours. ([bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/janitors-and-building-cleaners.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Janitor Salary Summary

Janitor salary in the USA is generally an hourly-paid occupation where income depends on location, experience, employer and work schedule. The BLS reported a median wage of $17.71 per hour, or $36,840 per year, for janitors and building cleaners in May 2025. Workers at the lower end of the occupation earned less than $13.77 per hour, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $24.17 per hour. ([bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/janitors-and-building-cleaners.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Janitor jobs can be found in schools, hospitals, offices, factories, stores, government buildings, apartment properties and many other workplaces. Since a formal college education is normally not required, the occupation can be an entry point for people looking for work without a degree. With experience and additional skills, some workers can move into lead janitor, custodial supervisor, maintenance or facilities-related positions.

When searching for a janitor job, it is useful to compare the hourly wage, annual income, guaranteed hours, overtime, benefits, schedule and location together. The highest advertised salary is not always the same as the best overall compensation for an individual worker, because working hours and living costs can be very different between locations.