Janitors
Description OES Code: 670050
Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as operating motor-driven cleaning equipment, mopping floors, 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 additions, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $6.65
25th Percentile $7.19
50th Percentile $8.68
75th Percentile $12.11

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage minimum
25th Percentile $6.73
50th Percentile $8.64
75th Percentile $12.29

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Part-time work is common. Janitors and Cleaners just starting out in this job or moving from another area may have to begin by working only one or two days per week.

Benefits may include paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, medical and dental insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 195,700
Projected Employment 2008 227,900
Percent Change 1998-2008 16.5%
Separations 1998-2008 46,000

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 2,850
Projected Employment 2006 3,300
Percent Change 1999-2006 15.8%
Separations 1999-2006 470

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Janitorial work is often done at night when the building is closed. The employee must be able to work alone. The work may be hard. The employee may be exposed to irritating cleaning detergents. The work is usually done inside buildings which are heated and well-lit. Sometimes they may work outdoors sweeping walkways and mowing lawns. Duties like dusting or sweeping require a lot of bending, stooping, and stretching

Advancement
Experienced Janitors and Cleaners may promote to maintenance supervisor, and, if they save enough money, may eventually own and run their own janitorial service.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Janitors and Cleaners may find work directly through employers, union hiring halls, private employment agencies, and the California Employment Development Department.

Newspaper ads are also a good source of job leads. In the classified ads, Janitor jobs may be listed under various titles such as Cleaner, Porter, Custodian and, even, Laborer or General Helper.

For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Janitors and Cleaners may take classes at job training centers, community colleges, or adult schools. However, many are trained on the job by the employer or by a coworker.

Skills & Other Requirements
Janitors and Cleaners must have the strength to do hard work, be able to work alone and to read and follow directions

For janitorial route work, a driver's license and a car may be needed. Most Janitors and Cleaners learn on the job. They are given harder work with more experience. They learn to operate and keep up machines used on the job such as wet and dry vacuums, buffers, and polishers. Janitors and Cleaners must know how to use chemical cleaners and power equipment to keep from harming or damaging floors and fixtures.

References
California Occupational Guide: #88

Related Occupations: Private Household Workers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)