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Transit Cleaner Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

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Knowledge of NYC transit system * Professional-level English communication Company Description Zen Home Cleaning is New York City's premier eco-luxury cleaning service, trusted by discerning clients ...

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Knowledge of NYC transit system * Professional-level English communication Company Description Zen Home Cleaning is New York City's premier eco-luxury cleaning service, trusted by discerning clients ...

Welder Metal Fabricator

Plainview, NY · On-site

$20.25 - $26/hr

Clean Driver license. Good compensation and benefits for qualified Send resume Our company is the leading manufacturing of Para-transit vehicles in New York Metro area with over 30 years of ...

MTA Quality Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

... projects (NYC Transit, Metro North Railroad, and AMTRAK projects) This position offers a ... A valid, clean driver's license and personal vehicle to travel to job sites is preferred.

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Welder Metal Fabricator

Plainview, NY · On-site

$34K - $57K/yr

Clean Driver license. Good compensation and benefits for qualified Send resume Our company is the leading manufacturing of Para-transit vehicles in New York Metro area with over 30 years of ...

Showing results 41-60

Transit Cleaner information

See New York salary details

$10

$16

$20

How much do transit cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for transit cleaner in New York is $16.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a transit cleaner?

Transit cleaners are professionals responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of public transportation vehicles, such as buses, trains, and subways. Their duties include sweeping, mopping, sanitizing surfaces, emptying trash, and sometimes performing minor maintenance tasks. By ensuring vehicles are clean and presentable, transit cleaners help provide a safe and comfortable environment for passengers and staff. This role is essential in promoting public health and maintaining a positive image of transit services.

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

To thrive as a Transit Cleaner, you need attention to detail, physical stamina, and a basic understanding of cleaning protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial cleaning equipment, cleaning chemicals, and safety procedures is typically required. Reliability, time management, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are important soft skills. These skills ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for passengers and help maintain the operational efficiency of transit systems.

What are some common challenges faced by transit cleaners, and how are they typically addressed?

Transit cleaners often face challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, dealing with high passenger traffic, and addressing unexpected spills or messes. To manage these, teams are usually well-coordinated, with clear protocols for rapid response and prioritizing tasks. Cleaners may work early mornings, late nights, or weekends to ensure vehicles and stations are ready for service. Regular training and the use of safety equipment help maintain efficiency and safety while handling cleaning chemicals and equipment.

What is the difference between Transit Cleaner vs Bus Cleaner?

AspectTransit CleanerBus Cleaner
CertificationsNone typically requiredNone typically required
Work EnvironmentSubways, trains, transit stationsPublic buses, shuttle buses
Industry UsagePublic transportation agencies, transit authoritiesTransit companies, private bus services
Job DutiesCleaning train cars, stations, platformsCleaning bus interiors, exteriors, and driver areas

Both Transit Cleaners and Bus Cleaners focus on cleaning public transportation vehicles and facilities. While their work environments differ—Transit Cleaners often work in train stations and subway cars, whereas Bus Cleaners focus on buses—their roles are similar in maintaining cleanliness and safety standards. The choice between the roles depends on the specific transit mode and employer focus.

What are popular job titles related to Transit Cleaner jobs in New York?

For Transit Cleaner jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Transit Cleaner jobs in New York look for?

The top searched job categories for Transit Cleaner jobs in New York are:

What cities in New York are hiring for Transit Cleaner jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Transit Cleaner job openings:

Infographic showing various Transit Cleaner job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, and 70% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,680 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Structure Maintainer E (Plumber) (Provisional)*

New York City Transit

Brooklyn, NY

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform plumbing work in subway, surface, and elevated structures, including installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing fixtures and systems.

  • Keep records of work performed and perform incidental structural work such as painting when necessary.

  • Respond to signals on the tracks, serve as a flagger, and operate vans and trucks as part of related work activities.


New York City Transit Authority rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

518th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Title: Structure Maintainer – Group E (Plumber)

Location: Various

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Information:
Last Date of Filing:  Until Filled
Authority: TA
Department: Subway            
Division/Unit:  Maintenance of Way/Infrastructure        
Reports to: Supervision
Work Location: Various           
Hours of Work: Various

*If you are hired into this position, you must pass the next Civil Service Exam and be hired from the resulting list for this title to obtain permanent civil service status

Compensation:

Salary Range: The current minimum salary for Structure Maintainer - Group E is $37.16 per hour for a 40-hour week increasing to $43.72 per hour in the sixth year of service. These rates are subject to change. The benefits of this position include, but are not limited to, night and weekend salary differentials, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, a comprehensive medical plan and a pension plan.

Responsibilities:

Structure Maintainers – Group E, under general supervision, perform plumbing work in MTA New York City Transit’s subway, surface and elevated structures, including stations, enclosures, tunnel and related buildings. They install, maintain and repair plumbing fixtures in toilets, sink rooms and heating systems; clean, test, dismantle, install and repair pipes, fixtures, vents and hot water heaters; keep records, perform other structural work when necessary, including incidental painting; may serve as a flagger and respond appropriately to signals on the tracks; load, unload and drive vans and trucks; and perform related work.

Some of the physical activities performed by Structure Maintainers – Group E and environmental conditions experienced are: crouching while working in confined spaces; climbing and descending ladders and stairs; distinguishing colors of lights; making visual and tactile inspections; using hand tools; responding to sounds and warning bells; lifting and carrying heavy tools and equipment; wearing a respirator; and working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Special Working Conditions: Structure Maintainers – Group E may be required to work various shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Education and Experience Requirements: You must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Graduation from a four-year full-time apprenticeship program in the plumbing trade recognized by the N.Y. State Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Labor, or any state apprenticeship council which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor; or

2. Four years of full-time journey-level experience (i.e. fully-trained, knowledgeable, proficient and                     competent) as a plumber in the plumbing trade; or

3. Two years of full-time journey-level experience (i.e. fully-trained, knowledgeable, proficient and                     competent) as a plumber in the plumbing trade, plus completion of one of the following listed below before obtaining your journey-level experience:

a. Two years of full-time experience as a helper, apprentice or trainee performing or assisting in the plumbing trade; or

b. Graduation from


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