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Building Cleaner Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Building Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Building Engineer Location: Alexandria, Virginia Pay: $30-$35 Full-Time Position Summary The ... clean, efficient, and fully operational environment for students, staff, and visitors. The ideal ...

NEWMARK

Engineer, Building

Alexandria, VA · On-site

This involves normal lubrication, adjustment, cleaning, replacement of consumable parts (such as ... Also, conduct general building maintenance, as needed. * Be responsive to tenant requests in the ...

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All JobsBuilding Cleaner JobsBuilding Cleaner Jobs in Washington

Building Cleaner information

See Washington salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do building cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for building cleaner in Washington is $18.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are the Duties of a Building Cleaner?

The duties of a building cleaner, also known as a janitor or custodian, revolve around keeping an office space or other commercial building clean. Responsibilities often include sweeping, washing floors, and running a vacuum. They may also clean windows, polish furniture, and dust shelving. A building cleaner may work at night or on the weekend because it is easier to clean restrooms and mop floors. In a large building, they may oversee additional janitorial staff members.

How much should I charge to clean a building?

Building cleaners typically charge between $0.10 and $0.25 per square foot or $15 to $40 per hour, depending on the size of the building, the scope of work, and location. Rates may vary based on the complexity of cleaning tasks, required equipment, and whether the job is commercial or residential. Properly estimating time and materials helps determine a fair and competitive rate.

What are some common challenges Building Cleaners face, and how can they be managed effectively?

Building Cleaners often encounter challenges such as working around tight schedules, dealing with heavy foot traffic during cleaning hours, and handling various cleaning chemicals safely. To manage these issues effectively, cleaners typically follow detailed checklists, prioritize high-traffic areas during off-peak times, and adhere strictly to safety guidelines for handling equipment and chemicals. Communication with team members and building occupants also plays a key role in coordinating tasks and ensuring a clean, safe environment.

How much do building cleaning workers make?

Building cleaning workers typically earn an average hourly wage of around $12 to $15, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $31,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of the cleaning tasks performed.

What is the highest paid cleaning job?

The highest paid cleaning jobs are often supervisory or specialized roles such as cleaning managers, industrial cleaners, or those working in high-security or hazardous environments. These positions typically require additional skills, certifications, or experience and can offer higher wages compared to standard cleaning roles.

What are building cleaners?

Building cleaners are professionals responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of buildings, such as offices, schools, hospitals, and commercial spaces. Their duties typically include sweeping, mopping, vacuuming floors, cleaning restrooms, removing trash, and sometimes performing minor maintenance tasks. Building cleaners play a key role in creating a safe and pleasant environment for occupants and visitors. They may work during or outside of regular business hours, depending on the needs of the building.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Building Cleaner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Building Cleaner, you need knowledge of cleaning procedures, familiarity with sanitation standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with cleaning equipment like floor buffers, vacuum cleaners, and various cleaning agents is typical, and some roles may require safety or chemical handling certifications. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong time management are standout soft skills in this position. These abilities ensure a clean, safe, and pleasant environment for building occupants while maintaining health and safety standards.

What is the difference between Building Cleaner vs Janitor?

AspectBuilding CleanerJanitor
CertificationsNone typically required, but OSHA training may be preferredNone typically required
Work EnvironmentCommercial buildings, offices, retail spacesSchools, hospitals, public facilities
Job DutiesDeep cleaning, floor care, window washingGeneral cleaning, trash removal, maintenance tasks
Employer & Industry UsageCommercial cleaning companies, property managementPublic institutions, schools, healthcare facilities

Building Cleaners focus on detailed cleaning tasks and maintaining commercial spaces, often performing specialized cleaning. Janitors typically handle routine cleaning and basic maintenance in public and institutional settings. While both roles involve cleaning, Building Cleaners usually require more specialized skills and may work in more varied environments.

What are the duties of a building cleaner?

A building cleaner is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in commercial or residential buildings by sweeping, mopping, dusting, trash removal, and disinfecting surfaces. They often use cleaning tools and supplies, follow safety procedures, and may work during scheduled hours to ensure the environment is tidy and sanitary.
More about Building Cleaner jobs
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What cities in Washington are hiring for Building Cleaner jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Building Cleaner job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Building Cleaner jobs in WA? For Building Cleaner jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Building Cleaner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Building Cleaner job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,394 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Utility and VIP Cleaner - HARRY S. TRUMAN BUILDING with Security Clearance

Utility and VIP Cleaner - HARRY S. TRUMAN BUILDING with Security Clearance

The Tatitlek Corporation

Washington, DC

$17.75 - $21.50/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Overview Job specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. SUMMARY: Responsible for high-visibility and VIP-level cleaning services to maintain exceptional cleanliness and presentation standards. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Perform detailed cleaning in executive, VIP, and high-traffic areas.
* Maintain restrooms, lobbies, and specialty spaces to premium standards.
* Operate basic cleaning equipment (vacuums, carts, sweepers).
* Respond quickly to special requests and immediate cleaning needs.
* Other duties as assigned. EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND LICENSURE: * High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
* Prior experience preferred.
* Ability to lift, bend, walk, stand, and perform repetitive tasks.
* Attention to detail and ability to follow a cleaning schedule.
* Reliability and consistent attendance.
* Ability to retain or obtain a background/security clearance commensurate with the position.
* Ability to work independently while consistently adhering to all safety and security policies, procedures and regulatory requirements. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed indoors with some potential risks to safety and health hazards. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to lift/carry 50 pounds, push/pull 50 pounds, stand, sit, bend, kneel and walk for extended periods. Must be able to perform routine, repetitive tasks continuously. Must be able to work around food and cleaning products WORK AUTHORIZATION/SECURITY CLEARANCE: DoD Secret or higher security clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. U.S. Citizenship is required. ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS: As a condition of employment, must pass a pre-employment drug screening, as well as have acceptable reference and background check results. As an equal opportunity employer, The Tatitlek Corporation recognizes that our strength lies in our people. Discrimination and all unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment. We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination everywhere we do business.

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