Tank Cleaner
Baton Rouge, LA · On-site
... grease, sludge through tank openings. 2. Scrapes and scrubs walls using appropriate solvents or ... Mustpass our in-house Tank Cleaner Assessment Test * 1-2 yrs. Industrialexperience, 6 mos. As a ...
Tank Cleaner
Baton Rouge, LA · On-site
... grease, sludge through tank openings. 2. Scrapes and scrubs walls using appropriate solvents or ... Mustpass our in-house Tank Cleaner Assessment Test * 1-2 yrs. Industrialexperience, 6 mos. As a ...
Tank Cleaner
Baton Rouge, LA · On-site
... grease, sludge through tank openings. 2. Scrapes and scrubs walls using appropriate solvents or ... Mustpass our in-house Tank Cleaner Assessment Test * 1-2 yrs. Industrialexperience, 6 mos. As a ...
Tank Cleaner
Baton Rouge, LA · On-site
... grease, sludge through tank openings. 2. Scrapes and scrubs walls using appropriate solvents or ... Mustpass our in-house Tank Cleaner Assessment Test * 1-2 yrs. Industrialexperience, 6 mos. As a ...
Environmental Tank Cleaner
Tukwila, WA · On-site
Provide routine cleaning of tanks which may include, but not be limited to pumping and manual removal of tank bottom sludge/waste * Mobilize and demobilize equipment * Operate equipment according to ...
Environmental Tank Cleaner
Tukwila, WA · On-site
Provide routine cleaning of tanks which may include, but not be limited to pumping and manual removal of tank bottom sludge/waste * Mobilize and demobilize equipment * Operate equipment according to ...
Environmental Tank Cleaner
Tukwila, WA · On-site
Provide routine cleaning of tanks which may include, but not be limited to pumping and manual removal of tank bottom sludge/waste * Mobilize and demobilize equipment * Operate equipment according to ...
Environmental Tank Cleaner
Tukwila, WA · On-site
Provide routine cleaning of tanks which may include, but not be limited to pumping and manual removal of tank bottom sludge/waste * Mobilize and demobilize equipment * Operate equipment according to ...
Tank Cleaner
Norfolk, VA · On-site
Remove sludge, residue, scale, and hazardous waste materials. * Operate pumps, pressure washers, vacuum trucks, ventilation systems, and other cleaning equipment. * Follow confined space entry ...
Quick apply
Tank Cleaner
Norfolk, VA · On-site
Remove sludge, residue, scale, and hazardous waste materials. * Operate pumps, pressure washers, vacuum trucks, ventilation systems, and other cleaning equipment. * Follow confined space entry ...
Marine Tank Cleaner
Charleston, SC · On-site
$26/hr
Perform thorough pressure washing of tanks interiors, including removal of residue, sludge, and ... Must have clean background for government work * Ability to Travel out of state (Optional with Paid ...
Quick apply
Marine Tank Cleaner
Charleston, SC · On-site
$26/hr
Perform thorough pressure washing of tanks interiors, including removal of residue, sludge, and ... Must have clean background for government work * Ability to Travel out of state (Optional with Paid ...
Shipboard Tank cleaner
Portsmouth, VA · On-site
$26/hr
Perform thorough pressure washing of tanks interiors, including removal of residue, sludge, and ... Must have clean background for government work * Ability to Travel out of state (Optional with Paid ...
Quick apply
Shipboard Tank cleaner
Portsmouth, VA · On-site
$26/hr
Perform thorough pressure washing of tanks interiors, including removal of residue, sludge, and ... Must have clean background for government work * Ability to Travel out of state (Optional with Paid ...
Marine Tank Cleaner
Charleston, SC · On-site
$26/hr
Perform thorough pressure washing of tanks interiors, including removal of residue, sludge, and ... Must have clean background for government work * Ability to Travel out of state (Optional with Paid ...
Quick apply
Marine Tank Cleaner
Charleston, SC · On-site
$26/hr
Perform thorough pressure washing of tanks interiors, including removal of residue, sludge, and ... Must have clean background for government work * Ability to Travel out of state (Optional with Paid ...
Shipboard Tank cleaner
Portsmouth, VA · On-site
$26/hr
Perform thorough pressure washing of tanks interiors, including removal of residue, sludge, and ... Must have clean background for government work * Ability to Travel out of state (Optional with Paid ...
Quick apply
Shipboard Tank cleaner
Portsmouth, VA · On-site
$26/hr
Perform thorough pressure washing of tanks interiors, including removal of residue, sludge, and ... Must have clean background for government work * Ability to Travel out of state (Optional with Paid ...
Barge Cleaner
Granite City, IL · On-site
$20/hr
Removing debris, sludge, and waste materials, using a bobcat, brooms, and shovels, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. * Utilizing appropriate cleaning agents and equipment to ...
Barge Cleaner
Granite City, IL · On-site
$20/hr
Removing debris, sludge, and waste materials, using a bobcat, brooms, and shovels, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. * Utilizing appropriate cleaning agents and equipment to ...
Barge Cleaner
Granite City, IL · On-site
$20/hr
Removing debris, sludge, and waste materials, using a bobcat, brooms, and shovels, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. * Utilizing appropriate cleaning agents and equipment to ...
Barge Cleaner
Granite City, IL · On-site
$20/hr
Removing debris, sludge, and waste materials, using a bobcat, brooms, and shovels, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. * Utilizing appropriate cleaning agents and equipment to ...
Environmental Tank Cleaner
Tukwila, WA · On-site
Provide routine cleaning of tanks which may include, but not be limited to pumping and manual removal of tank bottom sludge/waste * Mobilize and demobilize equipment * Operate equipment according to ...
Environmental Tank Cleaner
Tukwila, WA · On-site
Provide routine cleaning of tanks which may include, but not be limited to pumping and manual removal of tank bottom sludge/waste * Mobilize and demobilize equipment * Operate equipment according to ...
Perform thorough pressure washing of tanks interiors, including removal of residue, sludge, and ... Must have clean background for government work * Ability to Travel out of state (Optional with Paid ...
Perform thorough pressure washing of tanks interiors, including removal of residue, sludge, and ... Must have clean background for government work * Ability to Travel out of state (Optional with Paid ...
Marine Tank Cleaner
Amelia, LA · On-site
Clean, wash, degas, and prepare marine tanks, barges, vessels, and related equipment. * Operate ... Remove sludge, residue, chemicals, and waste materials from tanks in accordance with company and ...
Marine Tank Cleaner
Amelia, LA · On-site
Clean, wash, degas, and prepare marine tanks, barges, vessels, and related equipment. * Operate ... Remove sludge, residue, chemicals, and waste materials from tanks in accordance with company and ...
Clean, wash, degas, and prepare marine tanks, barges, vessels, and related equipment. * Operate ... Remove sludge, residue, chemicals, and waste materials from tanks in accordance with company and ...
Quick apply
Clean, wash, degas, and prepare marine tanks, barges, vessels, and related equipment. * Operate ... Remove sludge, residue, chemicals, and waste materials from tanks in accordance with company and ...
Tank Cleaner TC
National City, CA · On-site
$18 - $22.75/hr
... sludge.Operate and regulate company-assigned air monitoring equipment, properlyDetect and report tank-related safety hazards to immediate higher authorityImplement and follow the company's safety ...
Quick apply
Tank Cleaner TC
National City, CA · On-site
$18 - $22.75/hr
... sludge.Operate and regulate company-assigned air monitoring equipment, properlyDetect and report tank-related safety hazards to immediate higher authorityImplement and follow the company's safety ...
Tank Cleaner TC
National City, CA · On-site
$18 - $22.75/hr
Drain oil tankers and flush out chemical residues, oil remnants, and sludge. * Operate and regulate ... Wide experience in cleaning and upkeep of oil, water, and fuel storage tanks * Immense knowledge of ...
Tank Cleaner TC
National City, CA · On-site
$18 - $22.75/hr
Drain oil tankers and flush out chemical residues, oil remnants, and sludge. * Operate and regulate ... Wide experience in cleaning and upkeep of oil, water, and fuel storage tanks * Immense knowledge of ...
Tank Cleaner TC
National City, CA · On-site
Tank Cleaner TC Until Filled (PST) Tank Cleaning National City, CA, USA 18.00-22.75 per hour salary ... Drain oil tankers and flush out chemical residues, oil remnants, and sludge. * Operate and regulate ...
Tank Cleaner TC
National City, CA · On-site
Tank Cleaner TC Until Filled (PST) Tank Cleaning National City, CA, USA 18.00-22.75 per hour salary ... Drain oil tankers and flush out chemical residues, oil remnants, and sludge. * Operate and regulate ...
Tank Cleaner
Jacksonville, FL · On-site
Performs the cleaning, gas-freeing, and preparation of cargo tanks, ballast tanks, holds, and ... Remove residual cargo, sludge, sediment, scale, and debris using hand tools, scrapers, shovels ...
Quick apply
Tank Cleaner
Jacksonville, FL · On-site
Performs the cleaning, gas-freeing, and preparation of cargo tanks, ballast tanks, holds, and ... Remove residual cargo, sludge, sediment, scale, and debris using hand tools, scrapers, shovels ...
Tank Cleaner
Jacksonville, FL · On-site
Performs the cleaning, gas-freeing, and preparation of cargo tanks, ballast tanks, holds, and ... Remove residual cargo, sludge, sediment, scale, and debris using hand tools, scrapers, shovels ...
Quick apply
Tank Cleaner
Jacksonville, FL · On-site
Performs the cleaning, gas-freeing, and preparation of cargo tanks, ballast tanks, holds, and ... Remove residual cargo, sludge, sediment, scale, and debris using hand tools, scrapers, shovels ...
Sludge Cleaner information
See salary details
$9.86 - $10.77
4% of jobs
$10.77 - $11.69
4% of jobs
$11.69 - $12.61
4% of jobs
$12.61 - $13.53
7% of jobs
$13.91 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.53 - $14.44
13% of jobs
The median wage is $15.23 / hr.
$14.44 - $15.36
21% of jobs
$15.36 - $16.28
13% of jobs
$17.03 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.28 - $17.20
11% of jobs
$17.20 - $18.12
9% of jobs
$18.12 - $19.03
7% of jobs
$19.03 - $19.95
6% of jobs
$9
$15
$19
How much do sludge cleaner jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for sludge cleaner in the United States is $15.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a sludge cleaner?
Sludge cleaners are professionals responsible for removing and managing sludge, which is a semi-solid byproduct that accumulates in wastewater treatment plants, industrial sites, and other facilities. They use specialized equipment to safely extract, transport, and dispose of sludge, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Their work helps prevent pollution, supports plant operations, and contributes to community health and safety.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sludge cleaner, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Sludge Cleaner, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical skills, and an understanding of safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial cleaning equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and sometimes confined space certification are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient cleaning of hazardous waste environments, protecting both workers and the environment.
What are some common challenges faced by sludge cleaners, and how can they be managed on the job?
Sludge Cleaners often work in environments that can be physically demanding and sometimes hazardous, due to exposure to chemicals or confined spaces. Common challenges include managing safety risks, dealing with unpleasant odors, and handling heavy equipment. To overcome these, companies typically provide thorough training on safety protocols, supply personal protective equipment (PPE), and encourage teamwork to ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently. Staying vigilant about following safety guidelines and communicating effectively with team members can help Sludge Cleaners manage these challenges successfully.
What are popular job titles related to Sludge Cleaner jobs?
For Sludge Cleaner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Tank Cleaner
Baton Rouge, LA • On-site
Pala Group LLC
Full-time
Re-posted yesterday
Job description
Application Instructions
The data you enter in the online application, including the contents of all attachments, is subject to verification. It is your responsibility to ensure that all the information provided in the application is accurate.
Position Description
PALA Interstate, LLC Summary
Cleans interiors of boilers, storage tanks, industrial processing tanks and kilns to remove emulsion and incrustation.
Essential Functions
1. Drains tank, connects hose to water or steam lines and sprays walls, roof and bottom of tank to flush residue such as oil, acid, grease, sludge through tank openings.
2. Scrapes and scrubs walls using appropriate solvents or detergents and appropriate tools to remove incrustation, scale or deposits of coke or catalyst.
3. Sweeps up debris and shovels sludge into buckets, wheelbarrows or down chutes.
4. Removes chemical residues and other liquids from tank bottoms with appropriate equipment.
5. Uses portable air drying equipment to dry tanks.
6. Tests gas content of tanks with appropriate equipment.
7. Adds specified chemicals to industrial tanks to maintain and replenish tank processing solutions.
8. Utilizes knowledge of safety precautions when working with solvents and detergents.
9. Selects appropriate tools/equipment needed for job, as well as particular solvents or detergents needed.
10. Reviews MSDS sheets. Follows oral instructions or directions from supervisor with regard to work to be done.
Position Requirements
Preferred Education and Experience
Equal Opportunity Employer
PALA Group, Inc. and its Subsidiaries provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The data you enter in the online application, including the contents of all attachments, is subject to verification. It is your responsibility to ensure that all the information provided in the application is accurate.
Position Description
PALA Interstate, LLC Summary
Cleans interiors of boilers, storage tanks, industrial processing tanks and kilns to remove emulsion and incrustation.
Essential Functions
1. Drains tank, connects hose to water or steam lines and sprays walls, roof and bottom of tank to flush residue such as oil, acid, grease, sludge through tank openings.
2. Scrapes and scrubs walls using appropriate solvents or detergents and appropriate tools to remove incrustation, scale or deposits of coke or catalyst.
3. Sweeps up debris and shovels sludge into buckets, wheelbarrows or down chutes.
4. Removes chemical residues and other liquids from tank bottoms with appropriate equipment.
5. Uses portable air drying equipment to dry tanks.
6. Tests gas content of tanks with appropriate equipment.
7. Adds specified chemicals to industrial tanks to maintain and replenish tank processing solutions.
8. Utilizes knowledge of safety precautions when working with solvents and detergents.
9. Selects appropriate tools/equipment needed for job, as well as particular solvents or detergents needed.
10. Reviews MSDS sheets. Follows oral instructions or directions from supervisor with regard to work to be done.
Position Requirements
Preferred Education and Experience
- High School or GED preferred but not required.
- Trade School program preferred but not required.
- Mustpass our in-house Tank Cleaner Assessment Test
- 1-2 yrs. Industrialexperience, 6 mos. As a tank cleaner.
Equal Opportunity Employer
PALA Group, Inc. and its Subsidiaries provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.