Building Service Contractor Salary Survey
Cleaning companies, like any other service, are in business to make a profit, so if you have employees or are getting ready to hire employees, how do you know how much to pay? Paying too little in wages will result in employees leaving for higher paying jobs; paying too much can bite into your profits. Taking a look at survey data may help you focus on the details you need to know to stay competitive.
Wages vary depending on the part of the country you are in. According to a recent survey by CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management Magazine, starting wages for cleaning workers range from $7.80 per hour to $9.51 per hour, with the overall average starting wage being $8.63 per hour.
The average wage for cleaning workers range from $8.97 per hour to $10.11 per hour, with the overall average being $9.76 per hour. The average wage for supervisors range from $10.98 per hour to $13.47 per hour, with the overall average being $12.52 per hour.
Actual salary results will likely differ in your area, so you'll need to do your own research, but these figures will give you an idea if your cleaning business is paying competitive wages to your employees.
When looking at wages as part of operating costs, 55 - 60% of operating costs are attributed to wages according to respondents of the survey who offer commercial janitorial services. Respondents who perform specialty cleaning services report that wages are 30 - 34% of operating costs. When looking at these statistics, it is clear that offering specialty cleaning services in your cleaning business will add profit to your bottom line.
For more information on wages in your area, check the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Wage estimates web site: Bureau of Labor Statistics .
To find the average wages in your state:
- Click on your state
- Click on
- Click on the category that is appropriate for your business. For example, 37-2011 Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners.
- From this screen you can a) check national estimates for this occupation; b) check the industry profile for this occupation; c) check your state's profile for this occupation; d) check Metropolitan area profiles for this occupation.
