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Lead custodian vs janitorial supervisor

The differences between lead custodians and janitorial supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a lead custodian and a janitorial supervisor. Additionally, a janitorial supervisor has an average salary of $33,133, which is higher than the $32,122 average annual salary of a lead custodian.

The top three skills for a lead custodian include cleanliness, floor care and safety procedures. The most important skills for a janitorial supervisor are minor maintenance, cleanliness, and safety procedures.

Lead custodian vs janitorial supervisor overview

Lead CustodianJanitorial Supervisor
Yearly salary$32,122$33,133
Hourly rate$15.44$15.93
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs10,0755,804
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4949
Years of experience22

What does a lead custodian do?

A Lead Custodian supervises the custodian division to maintain cleanliness in the office, building, and property at a given time, typically in the morning and evening. They are the ones in charge of performing minor maintenance, furniture, and other office equipment. They also ensure that all assigned tasks to members are completed within the scheduled time and conducts an inventory of all the equipment and supplies. Also, they keep the security surveillance to protect the employees and staff.

What does a janitorial supervisor do?

A janitorial supervisor acts as an overseer to the janitorial staff. Their job is to monitor and assist day-to-day work, schedule shifts, and work hours with other crew members. They may also make a weekly report, conduct evaluations, and review performance records. They sometimes give recommendations to human resources for promotions and dismissals. As a supervisor, they must have leadership skills and know how to communicate well with staff.

Lead custodian vs janitorial supervisor salary

Lead custodians and janitorial supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lead CustodianJanitorial Supervisor
Average salary$32,122$33,133
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $44,000Between $25,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CitySan Jose, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateVermontVermont
Best paying companyCity of Roanoke, Virginia - GovernmentNorthwest Center
Best paying industryEducationFinance

Differences between lead custodian and janitorial supervisor education

There are a few differences between a lead custodian and a janitorial supervisor in terms of educational background:

Lead CustodianJanitorial Supervisor
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Lead custodian vs janitorial supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between lead custodians' and janitorial supervisors' demographics:

Lead CustodianJanitorial Supervisor
Average age4949
Gender ratioMale, 68.0% Female, 32.0%Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 21.4% Asian, 3.2% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 3.3% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between lead custodian and janitorial supervisor duties and responsibilities

Lead custodian example responsibilities.

  • Operate equipment including carpet extractors, floor scrubbers, slow/high speeds for stripping/refinishing floors, furniture moving equipment and snow blowers.
  • Operate power tools, buffers, scrubbers, extractors, vacuums, brooms, mops, to ensure daily cleaning.
  • Perform repairs, including painting, basic carpentry, and wall repair, minor plumbing and electrical.
  • Execute minor repairs including furniture assembly, changing ballasts, plumbing, locks, windows, ceiling tiles.
  • Operate power equipment, scrubber, stripper, carpet extractors, pressure washer, and hand power tools.
  • Work and train under license / union electricians, learned and field used NEC codes and OSHA safety regulations.
  • Show more

Janitorial supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Clean windows, mirrors, using cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.
  • Maintain HVAC equipment in optimum condition.
  • Clean spills and other hazards using sponges and squeezes.
  • Operate trane summit and backtalk computer software for school HVAC system.
  • Wash walls and equipment; used ladders when require in work assignments.
  • Use large and small scrubbers and help in all areas of the facility.
  • Show more

Lead custodian vs janitorial supervisor skills

Common lead custodian skills
  • Cleanliness, 11%
  • Floor Care, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 7%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Minor Maintenance, 5%
  • Building Maintenance, 3%
Common janitorial supervisor skills
  • Minor Maintenance, 10%
  • Cleanliness, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 7%
  • Commercial Cleaning, 6%
  • Work Ethic, 6%
  • Plumbing, 6%

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