In the often-overlooked world of janitorial services, how much janitors get paid holds more significance than meets the eye. Beyond simple curiosity, understanding janitorial compensation becomes an important consideration for businesses, influencing the quality of service, employee satisfaction, and the overall success of your chosen cleaning service. Let’s uncover the importance behind those paychecks and appreciate their impact on our workplaces.
Understanding the Numbers: Insights from BLS
According to the latest data (May 2022) from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), just over 2.1 million janitors/cleaners are employed in the United States. The median annual wage for janitors and building cleaners is $31,990. However, this figure can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific nature of the cleaning services provided. Janitorial wages tend to be more competitive in metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living. The BLS data emphasizes the need for buyers to consider the local economic landscape when assessing the appropriateness of janitorial service bids. Below are median hour rates of pay for selected markets in TN, KY, and IN for the job category 37-2011 Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners, according to the BLS May 2022 and 2020 data:
| Metro Area | May 2022 Data | May 2020 Data |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | $15.45 | $15.08 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $14.48 | $12.87 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $13.35 | $11.95 |
| Columbus, IN | $14.01 | $13.52 |
| Elizabeth-Ft. Knox, KY | $14.43 | $12.84 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | $13.98 | $14.01 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | $14.61 | $13.19 |
| Nashville, Davidson, Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN | $14.41 | $13.40 |
| Owensboro, KY | $12.97 | $11.35 |
Why Janitor Pay Matters for Your Business: Beyond the Bottom Line
- Connecting Pay to Service Quality – The pay janitors receive often reflects the level of service you will receive. When janitors are paid appropriately, they’re more likely to tackle their work with dedication and determination, ensuring your facility enjoys a higher standard of cleanliness.
- Boosting Spirits and Keeping the Team Together – Appropriate pay tends to keep janitorial staff more satisfied and lowers staff turnover. Less turnover means you get a more reliable, experienced team that knows your facility’s needs, ensuring more consistent service.
- Attracting The Best – When janitors are paid appropriately, it draws in more skilled and reliable candidates. Whether they bring varied cleaning techniques or a strong work ethic, a well-compensated janitorial team steps up the game, making your cleaning services more efficient and effective.
- Smart Choices: More Than Just Numbers – When considering janitorial services vendors, it’s not just about the price tag. Consider what potential vendors are paying their team – it is a vital element in the vendor selection process. Matching your expectations with the compensation ensures a win-win scenario, putting quality, consistency, and the well-being of the cleaning staff at the forefront of your workspace priorities.
In summary, janitorial services vendors that stay abreast of market wages and pay their teams accordingly tend to provide more consistent service and will produce more value for your company. When seeking potential vendors, be sure to ask about their compensation strategies. Responses to these questions will give you insight into what you should expect regarding quality and consistency of service.