General cleaner vs custodian worker

The differences between general cleaners 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 $27,205 average annual salary of a general cleaner.

The top three skills for a general cleaner include cleanliness, break rooms and light fixtures. The most important skills for a custodian worker are wax floors, cleanliness, and scrubbers.

General cleaner vs custodian worker overview

	General Cleaner	Custodian Worker
Yearly salary	$27,205	$28,309
Hourly rate	$13.08	$13.61
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	96,320	102,181
Job satisfaction	3	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 54%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	-	-

General cleaner vs custodian worker salary

General cleaners and custodian workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	General Cleaner	Custodian Worker
Average salary	$27,205	$28,309
Salary range	Between $21,000 And $34,000	Between $22,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	Portland, OR	Schenectady, NY
Highest paying state	Washington	New York
Best paying company	Boston Medical Center	Idyllwild Arts
Best paying industry	Construction	Hospitality

Differences between general cleaner and custodian worker education

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

	General Cleaner	Custodian Worker
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 54%
Most common major	General Studies	Business
Most common college	-	-

General cleaner vs custodian worker demographics

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

	General Cleaner	Custodian Worker
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 51.0% Female, 49.0%	Male, 57.4% Female, 42.6%
Race ratio	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%	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 general cleaner and custodian worker duties and responsibilities

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.

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.

General cleaner vs custodian worker skills

Common general cleaner skills

Cleanliness, 14%
Break Rooms, 8%
Light Fixtures, 6%
Safety Regulations, 5%
Mop Floors, 5%
Trash Removal, 5%

Common custodian worker skills

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

General Cleaner vs. similar jobs

General Cleaner related careers

General Cleaner related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Building and Grounds Maintenance Industry
General Cleaner
General Cleaner vs Custodian Worker

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse building and grounds maintenance jobs