Highest-Paying Cleaner Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of cleaners that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of cleaners:

• Custodian/Substitute Custodian is the highest-paid type of cleaner with an average salary of $30,974 and an average hourly rate of $14.89.

• The second highest-paying type of cleaner is cabin cleaner, with an average salary of $30,874.

• The average cleaner salary is $28,075 per year, and the average hourly pay is $13.50.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a cleaner, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of cleaners are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of cleaners:

1. Custodian/Substitute Custodian

   Average Salary: $30,974

   A custodian is primarily responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of a particular area, including preparing and setting-up equipment for public or private use. Although their duties depend on their area of assignment or industry of employment, those duties often include conducting routine maintenance checks on facilities, performing basic repairs, cleaning floors and windows, replacing fixtures, monitoring supply inventories, and ordering new supplies as necessary.

2. Cabin Cleaner

   Average Salary: $30,874

3. Custodian

   Average Salary: $30,176

   A custodian, also referred to as janitor, is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and helping protect all facilities. Custodians make sure everything is clean, neat, in order, and free from clutter and safe. They perform routine maintenance tasks and heavy cleaning duties. They do everyday things to sweep floors, mop, scrub, vacuum, collect and empty trash, dust furniture, walls, and equipment. They mix solutions and chemicals in containers based on proportions for disinfecting windows, mirrors, and other partitions requiring cleaning. Some also do minor building maintenance and light repairs, while others are exposed to biohazardous materials.

4. Porter

   Average Salary: $29,861

   A porter is responsible for managing the building’s cleanliness and orderliness, together with the cleaning maintenance team. Duties of a porter include ensuring the premises’ safety, operating cleaning tools and equipment, and performing basic troubleshooting for defective machines. Other tasks include assisting visitors with their inquiries, leading clients to the appropriate departments, adhering to the highest safety standards and procedures, and answering maintenance calls. A porter must have excellent time-management and multi-tasking skills to ensure daily smooth operations.

5. Floor Technician

   Average Salary: $29,785

   A floor technician’s role is to maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of various areas within an establishment. Their responsibilities include operating cleaning equipment, conducting minimal repairs and inventory checks, arranging furniture and fixtures, organizing supplies, and keeping floors free from obstructions. There are also instances where they must replenish soap or tissue dispensers, use strong chemicals, and even dispose of hazardous waste. Furthermore, a floor technician follows directives from managers or supervisors, reporting to them should there be any issues.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various cleaner that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Cleaners

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published 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 create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for cleaners.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Cleaner Jobs FAQs

1. 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 $30,974, which is $ 14.89 hourly.

   A custodian is primarily responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of a particular area, including preparing and setting-up equipment for public or private use. Although their duties depend on their area of assignment or industry of employment, those duties often include conducting routine maintenance checks on facilities, performing basic repairs, cleaning floors and windows, replacing fixtures, monitoring supply inventories, and ordering new supplies as necessary.

2. What is a good salary for a cleaner?

   A good salary for a cleaner is $28,075 or more. The average cleaner salary is $28,075, so those making at least $28,075 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average cleaner salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a cleaner, the average entry level salary is $22,017, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $28,075 average, as this includes all cleaners of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Cleaner jobs pay well?

   No, cleaner jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some cleaner jobs pay better than others, but the average cleaner salary of $28,075 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many cleaner jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of cleaners earning $36,299 a year on average.

   Cleaners’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a cleaner. Do your research on the going rate for a cleaner in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do cleaners get paid the most?

   Cleaners get paid the most in Alaska. In Alaska, cleaners earn an average annual salary of $34,344 and an average hourly wage of $16.51.

   Following AK, the states with the highest-paid cleaners are Washington, Maine, and Vermont, with average annual salaries of $37,175, $31,568, and $33,321 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid cleaner salaries are:

   1. Seattle, WA – $37,435

   2. Richmond, CA – $35,737

   3. Boston, MA – $34,175

Author

Chris Kolmar

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.