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Building Cleaner Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Interstate Building MTC, Inc.

Cleaner

Hanover, MD · On-site

$17/hr

This rapidly growing company seeks enthusiastic and reliable cleaners to work in one of our client's sites. The ideal candidate must be self-motivated, able to work independently, yet also be a team ...

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WAYNE-WAY ENTERPRISE

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Building Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Building Engineer Location: Alexandria, Virginia Employment Type: Full-Time Industry: Facilities ... Ensure proper use and storage of cleaning supplies, tools, and equipment. Exterior & Grounds ...

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WAYNE-WAY ENTERPRISE

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Building Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Building Engineer Location: Alexandria, Virginia Employment Type: Full-Time Industry: Facilities ... Ensure proper use and storage of cleaning supplies, tools, and equipment. Exterior & Grounds ...

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Howard University

Building Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

The Building Manager ensures the smooth operation of teaching, research and office space, and acts ... Report maintenance or cleaning needs to the department staff. * Assist the department with ...

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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 Jul 16, 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.

How to become a construction cleaner?

To become a construction cleaner, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in cleaning or construction sites. Training on safety procedures and the use of cleaning tools is often provided on the job, and physical stamina is important for this role.

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 do building cleaners make?

Building cleaners typically earn an average hourly wage ranging from $10 to $15, with annual salaries between $20,000 and $30,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Many cleaning jobs require basic skills and may offer part-time or full-time schedules.

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.

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 experience, certifications, or technical skills and can offer higher salaries 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 is a building cleaner?

A building cleaner is a professional responsible for cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of commercial or residential buildings. Their tasks include sweeping, mopping, dusting, and sanitizing surfaces, often using cleaning tools and supplies. The role may require physical stamina and attention to detail, and some positions may need safety training or certifications.
More about Building Cleaner jobs
What are popular job titles related to Building Cleaner jobs in Washington? For Building Cleaner jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Building Cleaner jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Building Cleaner jobs in Washington are:
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,394 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Building Service Worker (Shift 2, 2:30p - 11:00p), 8hrs/12mos, Springbrook HS, Ad Closes 7/20/26

Building Service Worker (Shift 2, 2:30p - 11:00p), 8hrs/12mos, Springbrook HS, Ad Closes 7/20/26

Montgomery County Public Schools

Rockville, MD

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

New

Job description

Summary Description:
Under general supervision, performs building cleaning, facilities and grounds maintenance work in schools and administrative buildings. This is the entry and general worker level in the building service staff positions. Employees receive on the job training in the application of simple manual skill and use of cleaning and grounds tools and equipment, and supplies to clean interior of buildings and maintain grounds. Nature of work is repetitive and requires sustained physical effort and involves some heavy work in moving or lifting furniture and equipment with some exposure to accident and injury hazards and disagreeable elements. Employees in these classes are considered emergency personnel and are required to report to buildings during inclement weather.Physical Demands:Sufficient physical strength and freedom from disabling defects to permit the lifting and moving of heavy objects (minimum 50 lbs.) and to perform manual labor.Special Requirements:Employees in this classification are considered emergency personnel and are required to report to buildings during inclement weather. May be required to report to other locations to assist staff in emergency situations. Frequent overtime or night work may be required. Employees must provide a current working telephone number to their supervisor, and update the telephone number on file, as necessary with their supervisor. Employees are provided uniforms and must wear proper attire.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Some knowledge of the methods, materials and practices of building and grounds work. Ability to learn how to properly operate and maintain custodial and grounds care equipment; Ability to learn the proper use of approved cleaning supplies and chemicals. Ability to monitors building spaces and grounds to ensure a safe and secure environment. Must possesses a basic knowledge of emergency facility response procedures. Ability to comprehend and follow instructions. Ability to communicate with customers. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
Education Training Experience:
Completion of the ninth grade required. High School or GED diploma preferred. Experience in general cleaning of buildings and grounds. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.Certificate License:None

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