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Cleaner vs general cleaner

The differences between cleaners and general cleaners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cleaner has an average salary of $28,075, which is higher than the $27,205 average annual salary of a general cleaner.

The top three skills for a cleaner include commercial cleaning, building floors and ventilation. The most important skills for a general cleaner are cleanliness, break rooms, and light fixtures.

Cleaner vs general cleaner overview

CleanerGeneral Cleaner
Yearly salary$28,075$27,205
Hourly rate$13.50$13.08
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs74,35596,320
Job satisfaction43
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 54%
Average age4949
Years of experience--

What does a cleaner do?

Cleaners ensure that a room, building, or other area is spotless. They clean by mopping floors, dusting cabinets, wiping surfaces, among others. They are in charge of ensuring that all areas are sanitized and always ready for use. They manage the sanitation of the washrooms. They also manage cleaning supplies and update the inventory when needed. They create requests for needed purchases of cleaning materials. They also keep a record of areas with routine cleaning needs to ensure that they will not be missed.

What does a general cleaner do?

General cleaners are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of all the facilities of the company premises. A general cleaner also monitors the adequacy of cleaning materials in the storage area. They also respond to the visitors' inquiries and concerns, directing them to the appropriate personnel and department for their business needs. A general cleaner must be highly-organized, ensuring the safety of the establishment by following strict sanitary standards and cleaning procedures. They report defective items, inspect office equipment, and request additional supplies.

Cleaner vs general cleaner salary

Cleaners and general cleaners have different pay scales, as shown below.

CleanerGeneral Cleaner
Average salary$28,075$27,205
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $36,000Between $21,000 And $34,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAPortland, OR
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyColumbia University in the City of New YorkBoston Medical Center
Best paying industryEducationConstruction

Differences between cleaner and general cleaner education

There are a few differences between a cleaner and a general cleaner in terms of educational background:

CleanerGeneral Cleaner
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 54%
Most common majorBusinessGeneral Studies
Most common college--

Cleaner vs general cleaner demographics

Here are the differences between cleaners' and general cleaners' demographics:

CleanerGeneral Cleaner
Average age4949
Gender ratioMale, 49.7% Female, 50.3%Male, 51.0% Female, 49.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 5.0% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 4.0% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between cleaner and general cleaner duties and responsibilities

Cleaner example responsibilities.

  • Operate a forklift for logistic, to manage and relocate BMW's fixture material.
  • Remove snow from sidewalks, using snow blowers, and/or snow shovels, and spread snow melting chemicals.
  • Use of various equipment used for methods of cleaning areas in the school such sweepers and snow blowers.
  • Maintain church building and grounds by handling general maintenance including electrical and plumbing and providing custodial services
  • Complete weekly order for PPE.
  • Clean Toyota after trucks build.
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General cleaner example responsibilities.

  • Operate a forklift for logistic, to manage and relocate BMW's fixture material.
  • Service, supply and clean restrooms including all fixtures; toilets, urinals, partitions, walls, vents and mirrors.
  • Disinfect equipment and supplies, using germicides, orStream operate sterilizers.
  • Utilize a variety floor care tools including vacuums, steamers, buffers etc.
  • Used hand and power tools such as floor polishers, ladders, vacuum cleaners and mops.
  • Assign to the Honda plant, cleaning body repair booths, paint booths, sludge pits and paint ovens.
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Cleaner vs general cleaner skills

Common cleaner skills
  • Commercial Cleaning, 8%
  • Building Floors, 8%
  • Ventilation, 8%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Work Ethic, 6%
Common general cleaner skills
  • Cleanliness, 14%
  • Break Rooms, 8%
  • Light Fixtures, 6%
  • Safety Regulations, 5%
  • Mop Floors, 5%
  • Trash Removal, 5%

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