Custodian (schools & public buildings)

Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk.

O*NET definition of Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (SOC 37-2011) · Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (SOC 37-2011) naming each level as required to be hired, 17 respondents, O*NET survey August 2023. Each employer sets its own minimum.

Janitors and building cleaners typically do not need formal education to enter the occupation. However, some employers may require or prefer that workers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Most janitors and building cleaners learn on the job.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Janitors and Building Cleaners”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

State government pay plans

Official pay ranges for the job classes that match Custodian (schools & public buildings) in 37 state civil-service plans. They cover state employees only, not cities, counties or school districts.

Lowest class minimum to highest class maximum. Hourly rates are converted at 2,080 hours a year, and other rates at the plan's pay periods; the plans publish the exact rates. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).

Sources: 37 official state pay plans, linked in each row.

1. Service, clean, or supply restrooms.4.2
2. Gather and empty trash.4.2
3. Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.4.2
4. Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.4.2
5. Monitor building security and safety by performing tasks such as locking doors after operating hours or checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created.4.2
6. Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.4.2
7. Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.4.0
8. Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.3.8
9. Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties.3.7
10. Dust furniture, walls, machines, or equipment.3.7

The 10 most important of 12 core tasks for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2023.

13,321 school districts in the registry. Regular public school districts in the NCES Common Core of Data (charter-only districts are not included). The 10 largest by teachers (fte):

Full lists by state: