How much does a Janitor make?

The average salary for a Janitor is $40,229 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 11189 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Janitor employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Janitor in United States is $50,064 per year.

The lowest salary for a Janitor in United States is $32,444 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Janitor or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Janitor.

Janitor roles provide stable income, routine and high job security without high barriers to entry. While pay is modest, it rises with seniority. In some cases, janitors are also awarded valuable non-monetary benefits, such as free college tuition for themselves and their dependents. Most janitors work full time, but opportunities also exist for part-time work. Janitors who work nighttime shifts and holidays are typically paid more than janitors who work standard hours.

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Anonymous ratings on Glassdoor show that around 65% of janitors are content with their jobs. Your experience, education level, and an average $2,454.27 of additional pay may affect how satisfied you'll be in the position.

On the lower end, janitors make about $26,747.74 per year. Factors such as the number of years of janitorial experience they have and any advanced education typically bring their salary to the high side of the spectrum at $60,838.22. When bonuses and other additional income are included, janitors earn an average of $40,229.18 after about mastering on-the-job skills and building experience.

Interested in maximizing your earnings as a janitor? You may be able to increase your salary by obtaining certifications that verify your sanitation knowledge and skill set. For example, the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA) offers numerous certification programs, including Bloodborne Pathogen Certification for janitors who are regularly exposed to blood and a Medical Cleaning Certification for custodians who primarily work in health care facilities. Additionally, the IJCSA's Biohazard Cleaning Certification includes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response certification. You can reach out to your nearest OSHA location to learn about other janitorial training programs.

Whether you're just beginning your search for janitor jobs or you've already been working as a janitor for a while, it's important to know how you can negotiate a higher salary. For new positions, try countering the employer's offer by reiterating your experience, telling them you can work independently, and informing them about your willingness to work their difficult-to-schedule shifts. These tactics can also work when asking for a raise. Additionally, bring up how meticulous you are when cleaning. You can stress your attention to detail and even showcase your breadth of custodial knowledge by differentiating between the benefits and drawbacks of various mopping techniques.