Employers
More than 2.4 million janitors and cleaners are employed in the United States. Janitors and cleaners work as regular staff employees in office buildings, apartments, hotels, hospitals, and factories. About 17 percent of janitors are employed by elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools. Independent cleaning contractors offer many janitorial, cleaning, and supervisory positions. Those with experience, contacts, references, and an interest in entrepreneurship could start their own cleaning businesses.
Starting Out
Entry into janitorial or custodial jobs may be obtained by filing applications with state employment offices or private companies. Positions are also often advertised in newspaper or online want ads. Applications to building management firms, building service contract firms, or building owners are possibilities for those who desire jobs in apartment or office buildings. Hotels and motels typically have a personnel office that does the hiring, so job seekers should check with them for openings and applications. Obtaining certification may lead to higher paying jobs.
- Air Quality Engineers
- Airport Service Workers
- Building Automation Systems Engineers
- Building Automation Systems Technicians
- Building Performance Diagnosticians
- Business Managers
- Chimney Sweeps
- Engineers
- General Maintenance Mechanics
- Grounds Managers
- Heating and Cooling Technicians
- Indoor Environmental Health Specialists
- Landscapers
- National Park Service Employees
- Parking Attendants
- Plumbers and Pipefitters
- Property and Real Estate Managers
- Real Estate Developers
- Resort Workers
- Restaurant and Food Service Managers
- Security Consultants
- Security Guards
- Sports Facility Managers
- Stationary Engineers