How much does a janitor make?
a year · about $18 an hour
A typical janitor in the United States makes $36,840 a year, about $18 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They sweep, mop, or vacuum floors, empty trash, clean and restock restrooms, and wipe windows or frequently touched surfaces. In empty offices, many work evenings and lock the doors when the shift ends.
Did you know? Some U.S. janitors do more than clean: they may fix small electrical or plumbing problems, such as a leaky faucet.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $28,640 and $50,270How do you become one?
Most U.S. janitors need no formal school credential or related experience, though some employers prefer a high-school diploma; BLS names no usual starting age. Beginners learn on the job beside experienced workers, and certification is optional.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience, useful skills or optional certificates, and more complex duties can affect a janitor’s pay. Pay also differs by employer type, such as schools, government, or cleaning companies, and by location. Hours worked affect total earnings, and schedules may include nights or weekends.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Massachusetts ($45,580), lowest in Mississippi ($28,380).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a building cleaner averages $19,827. Janitor salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $28,640 | $36,840 | $50,270 | about 2.2 million |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $45,580 | about 55,000 |
| Washington | $45,520 | about 47,000 |
| New York | $41,640 | about 195,000 |
| California | $41,090 | about 234,000 |
| Vermont | $40,910 | about 5,000 |
Official definition: Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/janitors-and-building-cleaners.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/37-2011.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY