Research Summary. Utilizing a blend of public government data and insights from thousands of current job postings, the Zippia data team has generated average salary estimates for various cleaning roles across the United States. This dataset has enabled the identification of the highest-paid cleaner positions based on their average annual salaries.
Here’s a summary of our findings regarding the highest-paying types of cleaners as of 2026:
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The Custodian/Substitute Custodian remains the highest-paid cleaner, with an average salary of $31,500 and an average hourly rate of $15.50.
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The second highest-paying position is cabin cleaner, earning an average salary of $31,400.
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The current average salary for cleaners is $29,200 annually, translating to an average hourly wage of $14.00.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Selecting a career path can be challenging, and while salary should not be the sole factor, it significantly influences your decision-making process. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a cleaner, understanding the highest-paying roles can help in planning your career trajectory.
Below are the top salaries for various cleaning positions:
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Custodian/Substitute Custodian
Average Salary: $31,500
A custodian is responsible for maintaining cleanliness in designated areas, preparing and setting up equipment for use. Responsibilities may vary by assignment and industry, but typically include conducting maintenance checks, performing minor repairs, cleaning floors, windows, and fixtures, managing supply inventories, and ordering supplies as needed.
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Cabin Cleaner
Average Salary: $31,400
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Custodian
Average Salary: $30,800
A custodian, also known as a janitor, is tasked with maintaining cleanliness and safety across facilities. Their duties include sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, collecting trash, and ensuring that the environment is orderly and sanitary. They may also perform minor maintenance tasks and are sometimes exposed to hazardous materials.
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Porter
Average Salary: $30,000
A porter helps manage facility cleanliness along with the cleaning team. Their responsibilities include ensuring safety, operating cleaning equipment, addressing minor machine issues, assisting visitors, and following safety protocols. Strong time-management and multitasking skills are essential for this role.
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Floor Technician
Average Salary: $29,900
A floor technician maintains cleanliness and sanitation across different areas. Their tasks include operating cleaning equipment, conducting repairs, managing inventory, organizing supplies, and ensuring floors are clear of obstructions. They may also be responsible for replenishing supplies and disposing of hazardous waste as necessary.
Below is a comprehensive table of the highest-paying cleaner positions, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Cleaners
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Custodian/Substitute Custodian | |
| 2 | Cabin Cleaner | |
| 3 | Custodian | |
| 4 | Porter | |
| 5 | Floor Technician | |
| 6 | Housekeeper | |
| 7 | Day Porter | |
| 8 | Service Cleaner | |
| 9 | Custodian Worker | |
| 10 | Maid Housekeeper | |
| 11 | Cleaning Crew Member | |
| 12 | House Cleaner | |
| 13 | Janitor | |
| 14 | Office Cleaner | |
| 15 | Professional Cleaner | |
| 16 | General Cleaner | |
| 17 | Cleaning And Maintenance Worker | |
| 18 | Maid | |
| 19 | Housekeeping Cleaner | |
| 20 | Janitorial Maintenance Worker |
Methodology
Zippia compiles publicly available information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to formulate its salary estimates.
The data science team also reviews job postings and company resources to gather updated salary information for cleaning roles.
After collecting the data, a weighted average is calculated for each job title to determine the estimated salary. For further insights into our salary estimation process, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Cleaner Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid cleaner job?
The highest-paid cleaner job is a custodian/substitute custodian. Custodians/Substitute Custodians earn an average salary of $31,500, which equates to $15.50 hourly.
A custodian is primarily responsible for maintaining cleanliness in a designated area, preparing and setting up equipment for public or private use. Their duties often include conducting maintenance checks on facilities, performing basic repairs, cleaning floors and windows, replacing fixtures, monitoring supply inventories, and ordering new supplies as necessary.
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What is a good salary for a cleaner?
A good salary for a cleaner is $29,200 or more. The current average cleaner salary is $29,200, so those earning at least this amount are making above-average paychecks.
However, keep in mind that salaries can vary significantly by location, as employers adjust their pay scales based on local cost of living. Research what the average salary is in your area for individuals with your expertise and experience level to gain a clearer understanding of your compensation.
For those starting their careers in cleaning, the average entry-level salary is about $22,500, so it’s important not to base salary expectations solely on the average, which includes all experience levels.
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Do cleaner jobs pay well?
No, cleaner jobs generally do not pay exceptionally well. While some cleaning positions offer better compensation than others, the average cleaner salary of $29,200 is considerably lower than the average national salary, which is around $46,000 per year.
Nonetheless, many cleaning roles offer potential for higher earnings, with the top 10% of cleaners making an average of $37,000 annually.
Cleaner salaries fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location, so it’s vital to consider these factors when searching for cleaning jobs. Conduct research on prevailing rates for cleaners in your area based on your expertise and negotiate your salary accordingly.
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Where do cleaners get paid the most?
Cleaners earn the highest salaries in Alaska. In Alaska, cleaners make an average annual salary of $35,000 and an average hourly wage of $16.83.
Following Alaska, the states with the highest-paying cleaning jobs are Washington, Maine, and Vermont, with average annual salaries of $36,000, $32,500, and $34,000, respectively.
The cities offering the best salaries for cleaners include:
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Seattle, WA – $38,000
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Richmond, CA – $36,000
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Boston, MA – $35,000
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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.
