Highest-Paying Janitor Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. Utilizing a blend of public government data and insights from numerous job postings, the Zippia data team has formulated average salary estimates for janitor roles across the United States. This analysis highlights the highest-paying janitor positions based on their average annual salaries.
Here’s a summary of our findings for the highest-paying janitor roles:
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The highest-paid janitor role is Sanitizer, with an average salary of $35,199 and an hourly rate of $16.92.
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The second highest-paying position is the Environmental Services Aide, earning an average salary of $34,509.
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The average salary for janitors overall is $27,954 per year, translating to an hourly pay of $13.44.
Table of Contents: Background | Salary Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Selecting a career path can be challenging. While salary should not be your sole consideration, it plays a crucial role in your decision-making process. If you are considering a career as a janitor, understanding the highest-paying roles can help you navigate your career trajectory effectively.
Here are the top salaries for various janitor roles:
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Sanitizer
Average Salary: $35,199
Sanitizers are responsible for cleaning, disassembling, and reassembling processing equipment. They follow established specifications to ensure the equipment is operational for production. Their duties include preparing and managing the sanitation equipment and chemicals and maintaining comprehensive databases for raw materials and product testing results.
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Environmental Services Aide
Average Salary: $34,509
Environmental Services Aides support community sustainability initiatives and assist citizens with their needs. Typically employed in healthcare settings, they maintain cleanliness and order, monitor inventories, inspect tools, and adhere to safety protocols. Strong communication and organizational skills are vital in this role.
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Custodian/Substitute Custodian
Average Salary: $30,974
Custodians are tasked with maintaining cleanliness in specific areas, preparing equipment for use, conducting maintenance checks, and performing basic repairs. Their responsibilities also include cleaning floors, windows, and monitoring supply inventories.
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Custodian
Average Salary: $30,176
Custodians, or janitors, ensure that facilities are clean, orderly, and safe. They perform various cleaning tasks, maintain supplies, and may handle minor maintenance or repairs while managing chemical solutions for cleaning.
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Housekeeping Aide
Average Salary: $29,968
Housekeeping Aides maintain cleanliness in various settings, including hospitals and hotels. Their tasks involve cleaning restrooms, kitchens, and public areas, as well as ensuring that supplies are stocked in office pantries.
Below is a comprehensive table outlining the average salaries for various janitor roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Janitors
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanitizer | |
| 2 | Environmental Services Aide | |
| 3 | Custodian/Substitute Custodian | |
| 4 | Custodian | |
| 5 | Housekeeping Aide | |
| 6 | Porter | |
| 7 | Floor Technician | |
| 8 | Housekeeper | |
| 9 | Rooming House Keeper | |
| 10 | Day Porter | |
| 11 | Service Cleaner | |
| 12 | Custodian Worker | |
| 13 | Cleaning Crew Member | |
| 14 | Cleaner | |
| 15 | Office Cleaner | |
| 16 | Professional Cleaner | |
| 17 | General Cleaner | |
| 18 | Cleaning And Maintenance Worker | |
| 19 | Housekeeping Cleaner | |
| 20 | Janitorial Maintenance Worker |
Methodology
The Zippia team utilizes publicly available information from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to generate salary estimates.
Additionally, our data science team analyzes job postings and company-published resources to obtain current salary information for janitors.
Once the data is collected, a weighted average is calculated for each job title. For more detailed insights into our salary estimates, please refer to our detailed methodology.
FAQs about Highest-Paying Janitor Jobs
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What is the highest-paid janitor job?
The highest-paid janitor job is a sanitizer. Sanitizers earn an average salary of $35,199, which translates to $16.92 per hour.
Sanitizers are responsible for cleaning and maintaining processing equipment, following strict guidelines to ensure operational efficiency. Their role includes managing sanitation equipment and chemicals and maintaining databases for testing results.
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What is a good salary for a janitor?
A good salary for a janitor is $27,954 or more. This average salary indicates that those earning at least this amount are above the average pay scale.
However, salaries can vary by location, so it’s advisable to research local averages based on your experience level. For entry-level janitors, the average starting salary is approximately $21,921.
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Do janitor jobs pay well?
No, janitor jobs generally do not pay well. While some positions offer better compensation, the average janitor salary of $27,954 is significantly lower than the average national salary of about $44,225.
Nevertheless, many janitors have the potential to earn higher salaries, with the top 10% making around $36,142 annually. Salaries can vary widely based on experience, industry, and geographic location.
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Where do janitors get paid the most?
Janitors earn the most in Maine. In Maine, the average annual salary for janitors is $30,706, with an hourly wage of $14.76.
The states with the next highest janitor salaries include Vermont, New Hampshire, and Ohio, with average salaries of $32,505, $30,993, and $26,856, respectively.
The cities with the highest janitor salaries are:
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Lexington, MA – $34,897
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Seattle, WA – $34,110
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New York, NY – $32,887
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
