Building service worker vs custodian worker

The differences between building service workers and custodian workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a custodian worker has an average salary of $28,309, which is higher than the $27,257 average annual salary of a building service worker.

The top three skills for a building service worker include wax floors, snow blowers and scrubbers. The most important skills for a custodian worker are wax floors, cleanliness, and scrubbers.

Building service worker vs custodian worker overview

	Building Service Worker	Custodian Worker
Yearly salary	$27,257	$28,309
Hourly rate	$13.10	$13.61
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	65,535	102,181
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 54%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	-	-

Building service worker vs custodian worker salary

Building service workers and custodian workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Building Service Worker	Custodian Worker
Average salary	$27,257	$28,309
Salary range	Between $22,000 And $33,000	Between $22,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	Saint Paul, MN	Schenectady, NY
Highest paying state	Alaska	New York
Best paying company	University of St. Thomas	Idyllwild Arts
Best paying industry	Non Profits	Hospitality

Differences between building service worker and custodian worker education

There are a few differences between a building service worker and a custodian worker in terms of educational background:

	Building Service Worker	Custodian Worker
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 54%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Building service worker vs custodian worker demographics

Here are the differences between building service workers' and custodian workers' demographics:

	Building Service Worker	Custodian Worker
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 64.4% Female, 35.6%	Male, 57.4% Female, 42.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 5.4% White, 55.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%	Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.7% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between building service worker and custodian worker duties and responsibilities

Building service worker example responsibilities.

Operate and provide maintenance for automatic scrubbers, power sweepers, vacuums and buffers used in connection with building cleaning.
Perform emergencies work requests, schedule and unschedule maintenance program, emergencies and coordinate special projects as directed.
Clean and disinfect lavatory areas including sinks, urinals and toilets using appropriate cleaning solutions.

Custodian worker example responsibilities.

Operate auto scrubbers, vacuums, and wet/dry extractors to mop, strip, wax, and buff floors.
Inspect assigned work locations to ensure cleanliness and organization.
Perform mechanical repairs and services to plumbing, electrical, mechanical systems and large rotating equipment including refrigeration systems.
Clean and disinfect lavatory areas including sinks, urinals and toilets using appropriate cleaning solutions.
Operate buffers and burnishers to strip, wax and buff floors and corridors in various facilities.

Building service worker vs custodian worker skills

Common building service worker skills

WAX Floors, 14%
Snow Blowers, 11%
Scrubbers, 10%
Blowers, 8%
Building Services, 6%
Burnishers, 6%

Common custodian worker skills

WAX Floors, 15%
Cleanliness, 11%
Scrubbers, 8%
Window Sills, 6%
Class Rooms, 6%
Taking Care, 5%

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Building and Grounds Maintenance Industry
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Building Service Worker vs Custodian Worker

Updated January 8, 2025

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