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School Cleaning Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Facility Cleaning Specialist Immediate Start: There's no need to wait! We are looking for committed ... High School Diploma/GED: A foundational educational background to support your success. * Reliable ...

Facility Cleaning Specialist Immediate Start: There's no need to wait! We are looking for committed ... High School Diploma/GED: A foundational educational background to support your success. * Reliable ...

Cleaner

Penfield, NY · On-site

$13.25 - $15.75/hr

Posting: September 3, 2026 Cleaner / Floater 2nd Shift (3:00pm to 11:30pm) 1 Vacancy Cleaner ... September 17, 2026 Penfield Central School District is in compliance with the United States Civil ...

Clean Room Specialist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Perform cleaning of optical components using approved solvents, ultrasonic cleaners, DI water ... High school diploma or GED required. * Previous experience in a clean room, medical device ...

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School Cleaning information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$16

$24

How much do school cleaning jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for school cleaning in Rochester, NY is $16.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is school cleaning?

School cleaning refers to the regular and thorough cleaning of school facilities, including classrooms, hallways, restrooms, cafeterias, and other common areas. The goal is to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for students, teachers, and staff. School cleaners are responsible for tasks such as sweeping, mopping, disinfecting surfaces, taking out trash, and sometimes minor maintenance. Their work helps prevent the spread of illness and contributes to a positive learning atmosphere.

What is a school cleaning job?

School cleaning jobs focus on taking care of one or more buildings for a school district, regardless of whether or not students are currently present. As a school cleaner, you may vacuum rugs in classrooms, ensure each hallway is polished and free of obstructions, collect and dispose of trash, use special techniques to clean rooms like science labs, and respond to spills and emergencies. Many school cleaning jobs emphasize cleaning cafeterias and restrooms daily, with other cleaning services provided as needed. This job is advertised under a variety of titles, including school janitor and school custodian, so you may need to search for several terms to find all openings in your area.

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

To thrive as a School Cleaner, you need attention to detail, knowledge of cleaning protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cleaning equipment, chemical safety data sheets, and sometimes certification in safe chemical handling is typically required. Reliability, time management, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are important soft skills. These abilities ensure a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment for students and staff, directly impacting health and overall school operations.

What are some common challenges faced by school cleaning staff, and how can they be managed effectively?

School cleaning staff often encounter challenges such as maintaining high cleanliness standards during busy school hours, addressing unexpected messes promptly, and working around students and staff without disrupting educational activities. Effective communication with school administrators and teachers helps prioritize urgent cleaning needs and schedule tasks during less busy times. Additionally, following a structured cleaning checklist and using proper equipment ensures that sanitation requirements are consistently met throughout the facility.

What is the difference between School Cleaning vs Janitorial Cleaning?

AspectSchool CleaningJanitorial Cleaning
CredentialsNone required, but training may be providedNone required, but training may be provided
Work EnvironmentSchools, classrooms, hallways, cafeteriasVarious facilities including offices, commercial buildings, schools
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutionsCommercial, industrial, educational facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for cleaning roles in schoolsBroader term for cleaning in various settings

School Cleaning specifically refers to cleaning tasks within educational environments like classrooms and hallways, often with specialized schedules to minimize disruption. Janitorial Cleaning is a broader term covering cleaning services across various facilities, including schools, offices, and commercial spaces. While both roles require similar skills and may involve basic training, School Cleaning focuses on maintaining a safe and hygienic learning environment, whereas Janitorial Cleaning encompasses a wider range of cleaning duties in different settings.

How to become a school cleaning staff member?

To become a school cleaning staff member, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to pass a background check. Relevant skills include attention to detail, physical stamina, and familiarity with cleaning tools and chemicals; some positions may also require training or certification in safety procedures. Employment often involves working during school hours or after hours, depending on the school's schedule.

What are the most commonly searched types of School Cleaning jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of School Cleaning jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to School Cleaning jobs in Rochester, NY?

For School Cleaning jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching School Cleaning jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for School Cleaning jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for School Cleaning jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most School Cleaning job openings:

Infographic showing various School Cleaning job openings in Rochester, NY as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,089 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

$16.79/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

  
 


The Gates Chili Central School District is dedicated to fostering curiosity, growth, and diversity within our school community. The District celebrates and embraces differences and strives to dismantle exclusion, bias, racism, and prejudice of all forms.
Cleaner: B Shift during the school year/days during breaks & summer
Position Function:
This is a labor position involving performance of cleaning duties in the upkeep of building interiors, furniture, and fixtures for a department, agency, hospital or school. The work involves following simple routines and procedures in accomplishing tasks. This position is distinguished from entry level custodial positions by absence of plumbing and carpentry. Work is performed under direct supervision of a Custodian, Assistant Custodian or Custodial Assistant Foreman who assigns cleaning tasks and inspects completed work. Does related work as required.
Compensation/Pay Range: $16.79/hr. Additional $0.75 shift differential for employees working B and C shifts.
Benefits:
Qualifies for District contribution to Health/Vision and/or Dental Insurance
                                    Yes     No
Qualifies for Paid Personal Time
                                    Yes     No
Qualifies for Paid Sick Time
                                    Yes     No
Qualifies for Paid Vacation Time
                                    Yes      No
Schedule:       Full-time       Part-time
                                     10-month (works student calendar)
                                     12-month
Paid hours/day: 8
Essential Functions:


























  • Sweeps, dust mops and may polish floors, hallways, stairwells, and entranceways.
  • Dusts, polishes, and cleans office and school furniture, electrical fixtures, woodwork, stair railings, radiators, and venetian blinds.
  • Washes marks, stains, and fingerprints from walls, tables, chairs, desks, cupboards, counters and glass.
  • Cleans lavatory facilities including fixtures, toilets, and floors.
  • Vacuums carpets and upholstered furniture and removes minor stains.
  • Empties ashtrays, wastebaskets, and pencil sharpeners into large trash containers.
  • Fills dispensers with disposable paper products.
  • Secures and locks windows and office classroom doors.
  • Turns off lights and unplugs small electrical appliances.
  • Straightens and arranges office, classroom and cafeteria furniture.
  • Washes chalkboards and chalktrays.
  • Washes windows and mirrors.


Additional Duties:               

  • Assists parents and other visitors to school buildings with special events and programs.
  • Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor.

      Note:  The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment
Uses cleaning equipment including brooms, mops, floor cleaning and waxing machines, vacuum cleaners, snow blowers, shovels, and hand tools.
Safety Requirements
Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper use of tools and power equipment used in the performance of duties.
Wears appropriate safety gear, including masks. Must comply with school district's chemical hygiene program and follow MSDS sheets.
Travel Requirements
Occasional travel between schools, or between schools and central office, may be required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Working knowledge of building cleaning procedures, materials, and equipment; working knowledge of cleaning agents and proper applications; ability to follow oral and written instructions, especially as printed on cleaning agents; ability to operate a vacuum cleaner; willingness to perform repetitive cleaning tasks; ability to use cleaning agents and electrical equipment safely; dependability; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards














  • Works in standard office and school building environments.
  • Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions.
  • Exposure to cleaning chemicals, solvents and contaminated trash, grasses, pollens, etc.

See the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position.
Qualifications Profile:
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.
Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:



  • There are no education or experience qualifications.
  • Previous experience in building and cleaning maintenance desirable.
  • NYS Motor Vehicle Operator's license or ability to provide own transportation.