Cleaners
(NOC 6731, 6732, 6733)
in All Sales and ServiceLight duty cleaners clean lobbies, hallways, offices and rooms of hotels, motels, resorts, hospitals, schools, office and other buildings, and private residences. They are employed by hotels, motels, resorts, recreational facilities, hospitals and other institutions, building management companies, cleaning service companies and private individuals. Specialized cleaners clean and refurbish building exteriors, carpets, chimneys, industrial equipment, ventilation systems, windows and other surfaces, using specialized equipment and techniques. They are employed by specialized cleaning service companies or they may be self-employed. Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents clean and maintain the interior and exterior of commercial, institutional and residential buildings and their surrounding grounds. Building superintendents employed in large establishments are responsible for the operation of the establishment and may also supervise other workers. They are employed by office and apartment building management companies, condominium corporations, educational institutions, health care facilities, recreational and shopping facilities, religious, industrial, and other establishments.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available (yet overall job prospects are still considered good due to other factors). With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Cleaners may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 42% of Cleaners who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $32,414. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.00
Minimum$14.00
Median$19.95
MaximumAnnual Pay
$3,454
Minimum$19,748
Median$42,828
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$10.70
Minimum$12.50
Median$21.17
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 and other buildings, and private residences. They are employed by hotels, motels, resorts, recreational facilities, hospitals and other institutions, building management companies, cleaning service companies and private individuals.
Specialized cleaners clean and refurbish building exteriors, carpets, chimneys, industrial equipment, ventilation systems, windows and other surfaces, using specialized equipment and techniques. They are employed by specialized cleaning service companies or they may be self-employed.
Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents clean and maintain the interior and exterior of commercial, institutional and residential buildings and their surrounding grounds. Building superintendents employed in large establishments are responsible for the operation of the establishment and may also supervise other workers. They are employed by office and apartment building management companies, condominium corporations, educational institutions, health care facilities, recreational and shopping facilities, religious, industrial, and other establishments.
Job duties
Light duty cleaners perform some or all of the following duties:
- Sweep, mop, wash, wax and polish floors.
- Dust furniture and vacuum carpeting and area rugs, draperies and upholstered furniture.
- Make beds, change sheets and distribute clean towels and toiletries.
- Attend to guests' requests for extra supplies.
- Stock linen closet and supplies area.
- Clean, disinfect and polish kitchen and bathroom fixtures and appliances.
- Clean and disinfect public areas such as 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.
The following is a summary of main duties for some specialized cleaners:
- Carpet and upholstery cleaners operate cleaning machines to clean carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture on customers' premises or in carpet and upholstery cleaning establishments.
- Chimney cleaners clean soot and creosote from chimneys and fireplaces using hand tools and industrial vacuum cleaners.
- Furnace and ventilation system cleaners clean ducts, vents and filters of furnaces in residences and commercial buildings using hand tools and industrial vacuum cleaners.
- Sandblasters clean building exteriors, tanks, chimneys and industrial equipment using sandblasting, pressurized steam or hydroblasting equipment.
- Vehicle cleaners clean the interior and exterior of automobiles, buses, streetcars, railway cars and subway cars.
- Window cleaners wash and clean interior and exterior windows and other glass surfaces in low-rise and high-rise buildings.
Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate industrial vacuum cleaners to remove scraps, dirt, heavy debris and other refuse.
- Wash windows, interior walls and ceilings.
- Empty trash cans and other waste containers.
- Sweep, mop, scrub and wax hallways, floors and stairs.
- Clean snow and ice from walkways and parking areas.
- Cut grass and tend grounds.
- Clean and disinfect washrooms and fixtures.
- Make adjustments and minor repairs to heating, cooling, ventilating, plumbing and electrical systems, and contact tradespersons for major repairs.
- Perform other routine maintenance jobs such as painting and drywall repair.
- May water and tend to plants.
- May move heavy furniture, equipment and supplies.
- Ensure that security and safety measures are in place in the establishment.
- May advertise vacancies, show apartments and offices to prospective tenants and collect rent.
- May supervise other workers.
Sample job titles
- building superintendent
- car detailer
- cleaner
- furnace cleaner
- handyman/woman
- housekeeping room attendant
- janitor
- maid - cleaning services
- maintenance worker
- septic tank cleaner
- window cleaner
Skills
To work in these jobs, 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. Workers are often expected to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Job requirements
- There are no specific education requirements for jobs in this group.
- Completion of high school may be required.
- On-the-job training is usually provided.
- Certification for housekeeping room attendants or similar certification may be required by some employers.
- A journeyperson certificate in one or more of the trades or a building operator certificate may be required for building superintendents.
Other considerations
Some jobs in this group require previous cleaning and maintenance experience. Progression to supervisory cleaning positions is possible with additional training or experience.
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
Northern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Management, Admin & Other Support
Health Care and Social Assistance
Accommodation and Food Services
Educational Services
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Leasing
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
15-24
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
25-34
35-44
55-64
Top levels of education
High school
$9,015 median annual incomeLess than high school
$4,918 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$15,970 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$22,624 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$8,434 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$12,982 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$19,514 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,486 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$20,807 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$18,797 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The 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
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Certification is required to work in this job.