A building cleaning worker in this category might start by inspecting air purification systems for filter replacement and cleaning intake vents. They could transition to exterior pressure washing of building facades, removing accumulated grime and environmental deposits. Afternoon tasks might involve chimney inspection and cleaning, requiring specialized brushes and safety equipment for debris removal. The day could conclude with duct cleaning in commercial buildings, using industrial vacuum systems to remove accumulated dust and contaminants from HVAC systems.
Individuals who excel in this role demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with specialized cleaning equipment and systems. They possess problem-solving skills to diagnose cleaning challenges across diverse building environments and adapt their approach accordingly. Physical stamina and coordination are essential for working in varied spaces including confined areas, heights, and outdoor conditions. Detail-oriented professionals who take pride in restoring building systems to optimal cleanliness and functionality find satisfaction in this work.
The specialized and varied nature of these cleaning tasks provides moderate protection from automation, as work often requires human judgment for problem assessment and equipment adaptation. However, some routine aspects like filter replacement and basic inspection tasks may become semi-automated as building systems become more sophisticated.
Postings appear within hours of going live on the source ATS. No aggregator lag. Direct from source.
| TERM | COUNT | FREQ | BAR | SOURCE ATTRIBUTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cleaning | 29 | 0.0686 | inference 66% wikipedia 34% | |
| building | 11 | 0.0260 | inference 91% wikipedia 9% | |
| specialized | 11 | 0.0260 | inference 100% | |
| environmental | 7 | 0.0165 | wikipedia 71% inference 29% | |
| maintenance | 6 | 0.0142 | inference 83% wikipedia 17% | |
| inspection | 5 | 0.0118 | inference 100% | |
| equipment | 5 | 0.0118 | inference 100% | |
| commercial | 4 | 0.0095 | wikipedia 50% inference 50% | |
| many | 4 | 0.0095 | wikipedia 100% | |
| duties | 3 | 0.0071 | wikipedia 100% | |
| industrial | 3 | 0.0071 | inference 67% wikipedia 33% | |
| united | 3 | 0.0071 | wikipedia 100% | |
| green | 3 | 0.0071 | wikipedia 100% | |
| professionals | 3 | 0.0071 | inference 67% wikipedia 33% | |
| category | 3 | 0.0071 | inference 100% | |
| provides | 3 | 0.0071 | inference 100% | |
| services | 3 | 0.0071 | inference 100% | |
| wage | 3 | 0.0071 | inference 100% | |
| carry | 2 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 100% | |
| buildings | 2 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 50% inference 50% | |
| schools | 2 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 100% | |
| states | 2 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 100% | |
| removing | 2 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 50% inference 50% | |
| dust | 2 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 50% inference 50% | |
| safety | 2 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 50% inference 50% | |
| protection | 2 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 50% inference 50% | |
| advance | 2 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 50% inference 50% | |
| food | 2 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 50% inference 50% | |
| collar | 2 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 100% | |
| demand | 2 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 50% inference 50% |
Provenance Window — Full Source Record · 37-2019.00 · Building Cleaning Workers, All Other 7 source blocks · click to expand
--- NATIONAL WAGES --- total_employment : 17,210 annual_median : $44,040 annual_pct10 : $32,370 annual_pct25 : $37,440 annual_pct75 : $50,410 annual_pct90 : $64,030 annual_mean : $46,420 hourly_median : $21.17 --- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION --- highest_state : New Jersey ($65,150) lowest_state : Puerto Rico ($22,140) dispersion_ratio : 2.943x --- TOP STATES BY WAGE (30 total) --- Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp: 12,690 median: $ 44,260 Accommodation and Food Services emp: 1,540 median: $ 43,190 Construction emp: 840 median: $ 47,770 Health Care and Social Assistance emp: 380 median: $ 38,600 Other Services (except Public Administration) emp: 370 median: $ 45,570 Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp: 300 median: $ 43,330 Retail Trade emp: 200 median: $ 41,800 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation emp: 150 median: $ 39,260 Real Estate and Rental and Leasing emp: 120 median: $ 41,600 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp: 100 median: $ 46,740 --- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (12 total) --- Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp: 12,690 median: $ 44,260 Accommodation and Food Services emp: 1,540 median: $ 43,190 Construction emp: 840 median: $ 47,770 Health Care and Social Assistance emp: 380 median: $ 38,600 Other Services (except Public Administration) emp: 370 median: $ 45,570 Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp: 300 median: $ 43,330 Retail Trade emp: 200 median: $ 41,800 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation emp: 150 median: $ 39,260 Real Estate and Rental and Leasing emp: 120 median: $ 41,600 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp: 100 median: $ 46,740
exact_match_status : no_exact_match matched_title : N/A match_score : 0.0000 wikidata_qid : N/A word_count : 0 wikipedia_url : N/A license : CC BY-SA 4.0 fetched_at : 2026-06-02T22:07:10.535169Z --- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) --- Title: Commercial cleaning (similarity: 0.4000) URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commercial_cleaning QID: Q2590801 Extract: Commercial cleaning companies are contracted to carry out cleaning jobs in a variety of premises. Commercial cleaners, often referred to as custodians or janitors, work in many different types of buildings such as schools, banks, and offices. The main job duties include picking up trash, cleaning, a Title: Cleaner (similarity: 0.3256) URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleaner QID: Q1760141 Extract: A cleaner, cleanser or cleaning operative is a type of industrial or domestic worker who is tasked with cleaning a space. A janitor, also known as a custodian, Facility Operator, porter or caretaker, is a person who cleans and might also carry out maintenance and security duties. A similar position, Title: Cleaning (similarity: 0.3636) URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleaning QID: Q12773274 Extract: Cleaning is the process of removing unwanted substances, such as dirt, dust, and other impurities, from an object or environment. Cleaning is often performed for aesthetic, hygienic, functional, safety, or environmental protection purposes. Cleaning occurs in many different contexts, and uses many d Title: Mexia Supermarket (similarity: 0.2642) URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexia_Supermarket QID: Q124669148 Extract: Mexia Supermarket was a Mexican grocery store in Fort Worth, Texas, United States, that was active during the late 1990s. The shop was abandoned between July and August 1999, and the owners, Advance Investment Corp., declared bankruptcy on September 28 or 29, 1999. The electricity was cut some time Title: Green-collar worker (similarity: 0.3636) URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green-collar_worker QID: Q3522263 Extract: A green-collar worker is a worker who is employed in an environmental sector of the economy. Environmental green-collar workers satisfy the demand for green development. Generally, they implement environmentally conscious design, policy, and technology to improve conservation and sustainability. For
model_pass1 : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2 : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : medium
confidence_notes : Limited detailed occupational data available due to the catch-all nature of this SOC category, but wage and industry data provide solid foundation for market intelligence.
inferred_at : 2026-06-03T21:09:25.592476+00:00
tokens_input : 2,252
tokens_output : 3,249
cost_usd : $0.034098
wikipedia_used : False
wikipedia_title : None
wikipedia_note : No exact Wikipedia match exists for this catch-all occupation category. Commercial cleaning provides the closest conceptual framework for understanding these specialized building cleaning roles.
--- PROSE FIELDS ---
ROLE SUMMARY:
Building Cleaning Workers, All Other encompasses specialized cleaning professionals who perform tasks not covered by standard custodial or housekeeping roles. These workers handle unique cleaning challenges such as air purification systems, pressure washing building exteriors, chimney maintenance, and pest control inspection. The role serves as a catch-all category for the diverse array of specialized building maintenance cleaning functions that require specific technical knowledge or equipment.
DAY IN THE LIFE:
A building cleaning worker in this category might start by inspecting air purification systems for filter replacement and cleaning intake vents. They could transition to exterior pressure washing of building facades, removing accumulated grime and environmental deposits. Afternoon tasks might involve chimney inspection and cleaning, requiring specialized brushes and safety equipment for debris removal. The day could conclude with duct cleaning in commercial buildings, using industrial vacuum systems to remove accumulated dust and contaminants from HVAC systems.
WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel in this role demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with specialized cleaning equipment and systems. They possess problem-solving skills to diagnose cleaning challenges across diverse building environments and adapt their approach accordingly. Physical stamina and coordination are essential for working in varied spaces including confined areas, heights, and outdoor conditions. Detail-oriented professionals who take pride in restoring building systems to optimal cleanliness and functionality find satisfaction in this work.
CAREER ENTRY:
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, with specialized training provided on the job for specific equipment and cleaning techniques. Previous experience in general cleaning, maintenance, or construction trades provides valuable foundation knowledge. Some specialized areas like pest control inspection may require certification or licensing depending on state regulations.
CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Workers often advance to supervisory roles overseeing specialized cleaning teams or start their own specialized cleaning service businesses. Career progression may lead to facilities maintenance management positions or specialization in high-demand areas like industrial cleaning or environmental remediation. Some transition to related fields such as HVAC maintenance or building inspection services.
MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, the occupation employs 17,210 workers with a median annual wage of $44,040, ranging from $32,370 to $64,030 across the 10th to 90th percentiles. Geographic wage variation is significant, with New Jersey offering the highest median wage at $65,150 compared to Puerto Rico's $22,140, representing a 2.94x ratio. The largest employment concentration is in Administrative and Support Services with 12,690 workers, followed by Accommodation and Food Services with 1,540 positions. The specialized nature of these roles often commands premium wages compared to general cleaning positions.
AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
The specialized and varied nature of these cleaning tasks provides moderate protection from automation, as work often requires human judgment for problem assessment and equipment adaptation. However, some routine aspects like filter replacement and basic inspection tasks may become semi-automated as building systems become more sophisticated.
--- REASONED EDGES ---
[career_pathway] Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011.00) — confidence:high
reasoning: Workers often transition from general janitorial roles to specialized building cleaning functions requiring technical expertise.
data: Both in SOC major group 37-20
data: Similar building maintenance context
data: Progressive specialization pathway
[task_similarity] Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers (37-3011.00) — confidence:medium
reasoning: Tree trimmer helper and weed control inspector roles overlap with groundskeeping responsibilities.
data: Tree Trimmer Helper job title
data: Weed Control Inspector job title
data: Outdoor building maintenance overlap
[skill_overlap] Maintenance and Repair Workers, General (49-9071.00) — confidence:medium
reasoning: Both roles require mechanical aptitude and building systems knowledge for maintenance tasks.
data: Air purifier servicer requires mechanical knowledge
data: Light fixture servicer overlaps with electrical maintenance
data: Building systems understanding
[wage_band] Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2012.00) — confidence:medium
reasoning: Similar wage ranges and employment in accommodation and food services industry.
data: Both employed in Accommodation and Food Services
data: Similar entry-level requirements
data: Comparable wage structures
[transferable_skill] Tree Trimmers and Pruners (37-3013.00) — confidence:high
reasoning: Tree Trimmer Helper position directly relates to tree maintenance and pruning activities.
data: Tree Trimmer Helper job title
data: Similar safety requirements
data: Outdoor building maintenance
--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
match_keywords : ['building cleaning', 'specialized cleaning', 'air purifier', 'pressure washing', 'chimney sweep', 'duct cleaner', 'pest control inspector', 'building maintenance']
exclude_keywords : ['general custodian', 'housekeeping', 'office cleaning', 'retail cleaning', 'basic janitorial']
title_patterns : ['*cleaning worker*', '*servicer', '*cleaner', '*inspector', '*attendant']
common_variations: ['specialized building cleaner', 'technical cleaning worker', 'building systems cleaner', 'commercial cleaning specialist', 'facility cleaning technician', 'industrial cleaning worker', 'environmental cleaning specialist', 'building maintenance cleaner']
total_terms : 40 top_words : ['cleaning', 'building', 'specialized', 'environmental', 'maintenance', 'inspection', 'equipment', 'commercial', 'many', 'duties', 'industrial', 'united', 'green', 'professionals', 'category', 'provides', 'services', 'wage', 'carry', 'buildings'] source_layers : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference TERM COUNT FREQ DOMINANT SOURCE SOURCE BREAKDOWN ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── cleaning 29 0.06856 inference inference:66% wikipedia:34% building 11 0.02601 inference inference:91% wikipedia:9% specialized 11 0.02601 inference inference:100% environmental 7 0.01655 wikipedia wikipedia:71% inference:29% maintenance 6 0.01418 inference inference:83% wikipedia:17% inspection 5 0.01182 inference inference:100% equipment 5 0.01182 inference inference:100% commercial 4 0.00946 wikipedia wikipedia:50% inference:50% many 4 0.00946 wikipedia wikipedia:100% duties 3 0.00709 wikipedia wikipedia:100% industrial 3 0.00709 inference inference:67% wikipedia:33% united 3 0.00709 wikipedia wikipedia:100% green 3 0.00709 wikipedia wikipedia:100% professionals 3 0.00709 inference inference:67% wikipedia:33% category 3 0.00709 inference inference:100% provides 3 0.00709 inference inference:100% services 3 0.00709 inference inference:100% wage 3 0.00709 inference inference:100% carry 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:100% buildings 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:50% inference:50% schools 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:100% states 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:100% removing 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:50% inference:50% dust 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:50% inference:50% safety 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:50% inference:50% protection 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:50% inference:50% advance 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:50% inference:50% food 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:50% inference:50% collar 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:100% demand 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:50% inference:50% regulations 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:50% inference:50% seek 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:100% energy 2 0.00473 wikipedia wikipedia:100% challenges 2 0.00473 inference inference:100% air 2 0.00473 inference inference:100% purification 2 0.00473 inference inference:100% pressure 2 0.00473 inference inference:100% washing 2 0.00473 inference inference:100% chimney 2 0.00473 inference inference:100% pest 2 0.00473 inference inference:100%