Light Duty Cleaners
(NOC 6731)
in All Sales and ServiceLight duty cleaners clean lobbies, hallways, offices and rooms of hotels, motels, resorts, hospitals, schools, office buildings and private residences. They work for hotels, motels, resorts, recreational facilities, hospitals and other institutions, building management companies, cleaning service companies and private individuals.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Sales and Service
Despite reduced foot traffic or even outright closures of some public buildings and workspaces, the heightened need for sanitization during the pandemic appears to have resulted in a net increase in demand for cleaners throughout the province. A shortage of cleaners has emerged as a surge of hiring used up the available labour supply. Demand for this occupation in hotels and offices has gone down due to reduced tourist occupancy and the increased number of people working from home, respectively. However, employment has been stable for those working in hospitals and other public buildings with a continued (or even increased) need for sanitization.
There are usually several vacancies for this occupation in Nova Scotia due to a high rate of turnover. Employers have occasionally noted difficulty in filling positions. The increasing popularity of sharing economy services such as Airbnb may represent an emerging opportunity for self-employed light duty cleaners. The eventual end of the pandemic will likely reduce the need for such frequent and widespread sanitization in public spaces. This may result in layoffs for light duty cleaners. However, hiring may take place as other public spaces reopen and accommodations become busier.
The median employment income for the 32% of Light Duty Cleaners who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $27,961. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600. (Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$13.45
Median$17.39
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,876
Minimum$15,619
Median$34,253
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.36
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Light duty cleaners clean lobbies, hallways, offices and rooms of hotels, motels, resorts, hospitals, schools, office buildings and private residences. They work for hotels, motels, resorts, recreational facilities, hospitals and other institutions, building management companies, cleaning service companies and private individuals.
Job duties
Light duty cleaners:
- Sweep, mop, wash, wax and polish floors.
- Dust furniture and vacuum carpeting and area rugs, draperies and upholstered furniture.
- Make beds, change sheets and supply clean towels and toiletries.
- Complete guests' requests for extra supplies.
- Stock linen closets and other supplies' areas.
- Clean, disinfect and polish kitchen and bathroom fixtures and appliances.
- Clean and disinfect public areas like changing rooms, showers and elevators.
- Disinfect operating rooms and other hospital areas.
- Pick up debris and empty trash containers.
- Wash windows, walls and ceilings.
- Report and store lost and found items.
- May provide basic information on facilities.
- May handle complaints.
Sample job titles
- cleaner
- hospital cleaner
- hotel cleaner
- house cleaner
- housekeeping aide
- housekeeping room attendant
- light duty cleaner
- office cleaner
- sweeper
Skills
You should have good health, physical stamina, and manual dexterity. You must also be able to work on your own and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- There are no specific education requirements for jobs in this group.
- Certification for housekeeping room attendants or similar certification may be required by some employers.
Other considerations
Movement to supervisor cleaning positions is possible with additional training or experience. Workers are often expected to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Cape Breton
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Health care and social assistance
Accommodation and food services
Manufacturing
Retail trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
15-24
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$16,638 median annual incomeLess than high school
$15,234 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$13,614 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$18,439 median annual incomeBachelor
$16,415 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
No contacts were found under this occupation profileAdditional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.