Janitor

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners, is $19.00 as of May 2026. The annual median wage is $39,500 for full-time workers. The lowest 10 percent earn $14.00 per hour, while the top 10 percent earn $26.50 per hour.

As per the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act is $7.25 per hour as of January 1, 2026. Cleaning staff classified as non-exempt receive overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. State minimum wages are higher in 30 states, such as $17.00 per hour in California.

As per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, foreign workers need an H-2B nonimmigrant visa for temporary cleaning staff roles in non-agricultural settings like hotels or stadiums. The fiscal year 2026 H-2B cap totals 66,000 visas, split into 44,000 for new entrants and 22,000 for returning workers from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. Employers must obtain DOL temporary labor certification before filing Form I-129.

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, no formal education is required for janitors and cleaning staff jobs. About 40 percent of workers have a high school diploma or equivalent, and prior experience is typically not needed. Employers provide on-the-job training lasting up to 1 month.