General cleaner vs janitorial maintenance worker

The differences between general cleaners and janitorial maintenance workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a general cleaner has an average salary of $27,205, which is higher than the $24,698 average annual salary of a janitorial maintenance worker.

The top three skills for a general cleaner include cleanliness, break rooms and light fixtures. The most important skills for a janitorial maintenance worker are cleanliness, HVAC, and light fixtures.

General cleaner vs janitorial maintenance worker overview

	General Cleaner	Janitorial Maintenance Worker
Yearly salary	$27,205	$24,698
Hourly rate	$13.08	$11.87
Growth rate	4%	14%
Number of jobs	96,320	103,876
Job satisfaction	3	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 55%
Average age	49	47
Years of experience	-	4

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.

What does a janitorial maintenance worker do?

A janitorial maintenance worker is one of the busiest employees in a company. They are responsible for inspecting all the office's rooms and equipment daily. They do the workplace's maintenance, including completing necessary repairs and replacing supplies. They mop the floor, wipe windows and blinds, and disinfect dirty areas. They also ensure that all employees go in and out of the office in a clean and orderly manner.

General cleaner vs janitorial maintenance worker salary

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

	General Cleaner	Janitorial Maintenance Worker
Average salary	$27,205	$24,698
Salary range	Between $21,000 And $34,000	Between $19,000 And $31,000
Highest paying City	Portland, OR	Bellevue, WA
Highest paying state	Washington	Maine
Best paying company	Boston Medical Center	Brunswick
Best paying industry	Construction	Retail

Differences between general cleaner and janitorial maintenance worker education

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

	General Cleaner	Janitorial Maintenance Worker
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 55%
Most common major	General Studies	Business
Most common college	-	-

General cleaner vs janitorial maintenance worker demographics

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

	General Cleaner	Janitorial Maintenance Worker
Average age	49	47
Gender ratio	Male, 51.0% Female, 49.0%	Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8%
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, 11.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 2.6% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%
LGBT Percentage	5%	6%

Differences between general cleaner and janitorial maintenance 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.

Janitorial maintenance worker example responsibilities.

Assist with light building repairs, maintain building cleanliness, strip and wax floors, order and manage supplies.
Perform minor maintenance including plumbing and electrical.
Climb ladders and lift heavy loads during set-up for events.
power wash parking lot, clean fryers, clean bathrooms.
Perform various landscaping duties such as mowing grass and pruning trees.
Sanitize the available facilities at the restroom; basins, urinals, and toilets.

General cleaner vs janitorial maintenance worker skills

Common general cleaner skills

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

Common janitorial maintenance worker skills

Cleanliness, 26%
HVAC, 21%
Light Fixtures, 16%
OSHA, 4%
Plumbing, 4%
Building Floors, 3%

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General Cleaner vs Janitorial Maintenance Worker

Updated January 8, 2025

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