Highest-Paying Janitor 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 janitors that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

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

• Sanitizer is the highest-paid type of janitor with an average salary of $35,199 and an average hourly rate of $16.92.

• The second highest-paying type of janitor is environmental services aide, with an average salary of $34,509.

• The average janitor salary is $27,954 per year, and the average hourly pay is $13.44.

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 janitor, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of janitors are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of janitors:

1. Sanitizer

   Average Salary: $35,199

   It is the job of a sanitizer to clean, disassemble, and reassemble processing equipment. Sanitizers clean based on the established specifications and guidelines and make certain that the equipment is operational in the production. They prepare and manage the equipment and chemicals used for sanitation. Their job entails the creation and maintenance of extensive databases to determine raw materials, release finish product testing, and in-process testing results.

2. Environmental Services Aide

   Average Salary: $34,509

   An environmental services aide is responsible for supporting the community programs and efforts for nature sustainability and assisting the citizens with their needs and concerns. Environmental services aides are also usually employed in health care centers to help patients and maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the facilities. They monitor inventories, inspect tools and equipment, and adhere to safety standards and procedures. An environmental services aide must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in coordinating with other community organizations to provide quality services for the people.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Housekeeping Aide

   Average Salary: $29,968

   The primary job of a housekeeping aide is to maintain the cleanliness of an assigned area, including hospital rooms, hotel rooms, and corridors. This role will require you to perform various housekeeping chores as requested by the housekeeping manager, such as cleaning the restrooms and kitchens. You will be responsible for keeping the office pantries tidy and ensuring the availability of supplies for beverages such as chocolate and coffee at all times. Other duties include cleaning floors, clearing away garbage, and attending to the needs of guests.

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

Highest-Paying Types Of Janitors

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 janitors.

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 Janitor Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid janitor job?

   The highest-paid janitor job is a sanitizer. Sanitizers earn an average salary of $35,199, which is $ 16.92 hourly.

   It is the job of a sanitizer to clean, disassemble, and reassemble processing equipment. Sanitizers clean based on the established specifications and guidelines and make certain that the equipment is operational in the production. They prepare and manage the equipment and chemicals used for sanitation. Their job entails the creation and maintenance of extensive databases to determine raw materials, release finish product testing, and in-process testing results.

2. What is a good salary for a janitor?

   A good salary for a janitor is $27,954 or more. The average janitor salary is $27,954, so those making at least $27,954 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average janitor 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 janitor, the average entry level salary is $21,921, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $27,954 average, as this includes all janitors of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Janitor jobs pay well?

   No, janitor jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some janitor jobs pay better than others, but the average janitor salary of $27,954 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many janitor jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of janitors earning $36,142 a year on average.

   Janitors’ 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 janitor. Do your research on the going rate for a janitor in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do janitors get paid the most?

   Janitors get paid the most in Maine. In Maine, janitors earn an average annual salary of $30,706 and an average hourly wage of $14.76.

   Following ME, the states with the highest-paid janitors are Vermont, New Hampshire, and Ohio, with average annual salaries of $32,505, $30,993, and $26,856 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid janitor salaries are:

   1. Lexington, MA – $34,897

   2. Seattle, WA – $34,110

   3. New York, NY – $32,887

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.