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Industrial cleaner vs general cleaner

The differences between industrial cleaners and general cleaners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an industrial cleaner has an average salary of $28,367, which is higher than the $27,205 average annual salary of a general cleaner.

The top three skills for an industrial cleaner include industrial cleaning, building floors and safety procedures. The most important skills for a general cleaner are cleanliness, break rooms, and light fixtures.

Industrial cleaner vs general cleaner overview

Industrial CleanerGeneral Cleaner
Yearly salary$28,367$27,205
Hourly rate$13.64$13.08
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs79,37496,320
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 54%
Average age4949
Years of experience--

What does an industrial cleaner do?

Although often seen as insignificant and overlooked, cleaners are a major part of any industry. An industrial cleaner generally ensures that a work environment is conducive for the staff working in the building. They typically clean bathrooms, floors, tiles, carpets, desks, and other specific areas using various cleaning equipment, such as mops and vacuum cleaners. They are also tasked with the prompt removal and disposal of wastebaskets. Cleaning tasks might have to be repeated several times during the day, depending on organizational instructions.

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.

Industrial cleaner vs general cleaner salary

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

Industrial CleanerGeneral Cleaner
Average salary$28,367$27,205
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $36,000Between $21,000 And $34,000
Highest paying CityMinneapolis, MNPortland, OR
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyStar TribuneBoston Medical Center
Best paying industryEnergyConstruction

Differences between industrial cleaner and general cleaner education

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

Industrial CleanerGeneral Cleaner
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 54%
Most common majorBusinessGeneral Studies
Most common college--

Industrial cleaner vs general cleaner demographics

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

Industrial CleanerGeneral Cleaner
Average age4949
Gender ratioMale, 62.8% Female, 37.2%Male, 51.0% Female, 49.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 4.8% White, 62.8% 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 industrial cleaner and general cleaner duties and responsibilities

Industrial cleaner example responsibilities.

  • Operate a forklift for logistic, to manage and relocate BMW's fixture material.
  • Train new hires, operate various floor scrubbers.
  • Execute commercial building following safety awareness to maintain cleanliness and neatness of working area and premises.
  • Disinfect equipment and supplies, using germicides or steam-operate sterilizers.

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.
  • Show more

Industrial cleaner vs general cleaner skills

Common industrial cleaner skills
  • Industrial Cleaning, 31%
  • Building Floors, 11%
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Scrubbers, 5%
  • Steel Toe Boots, 5%
  • PPE, 4%
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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