Janitors, Caretakers, and Building Superintendents
(NOC 6733)
in All Sales and ServiceJanitors, caretakers and building superintendents clean and maintain the inside and outside of commercial, institutional and residential buildings and their surrounding grounds. Building superintendents for large organizations are responsible for the operation of the business and may also supervise other workers. They work for office and apartment building management companies, condominium corporations, educational institutions, health care facilities, recreational and shopping facilities, religious, industrial and other businesses.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all 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. 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. Janitors, Caretakers, and Building Superintendents most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 47% of Janitors, Caretakers, and Building Superintendents who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $36,792. 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
$12.95
Minimum$17.40
Median$24.29
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,640
Minimum$25,905
Median$50,027
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
Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents clean and maintain the inside and outside of commercial, institutional and residential buildings and their surrounding grounds. Building superintendents for large organizations are responsible for the operation of the business and may also supervise other workers. They work for office and apartment building management companies, condominium corporations, educational institutions, health care facilities, recreational and shopping facilities, religious, industrial and other businesses.
Job duties
Workers in this group:
- Use industrial vacuum cleaners to remove scraps, dirt, heavy debris and other waste.
- 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 and plants.
- Clean and disinfect washrooms and fixtures.
- Change and make minor repairs to heating, cooling, ventilating, plumbing and electrical systems, and contact tradespersons for major repairs.
- Do other routine maintenance jobs like painting and drywall repair.
- May move heavy furniture, equipment and supplies.
- Make sure that security and safety measures are in place.
- May advertise vacancies, show apartments and offices to prospective tenants and collect rent.
- May supervise other workers.
Sample job titles
- airport maintenance worker
- building caretaker
- building custodian
- building superintendent
- campground cleaner
- church caretaker
- custodian
- handyman/woman
- heavy-duty-cleaner
- industrial cleaner
- janitor
- plant maintenance worker
- school custodian
- school janitor
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
- High school may be required.
- Some jobs in this group require cleaning and maintenance experience.
- A journeyperson certificate in one or more of the trades or a building operator certificate may be necessary for building superintendents.
Other considerations
Some jobs in this group require cleaning and maintenance experience. Movement to supervisory 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
North Shore
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Educational services
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Real estate and rental and leasing
Health care and social assistance
Accommodation and food services
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
65+
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$24,804 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,066 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$29,400 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$32,899 median annual incomeBachelor
$25,545 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 incomeApprenticeship
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma 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
Building/Property Maintenance and Management
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to keep a building functioning, and to service a variety of structures including commercial and industrial buildings and mobile homes. They include courses in the basic maintenance and repair skills required to service building systems, such as air conditioning, heating, plumbing, electrical, major appliances, and other mechanical systems.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, 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.