65312 – Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners
TEER 5Occupations usually needing a short work demonstration and no formal education
Lead statement
Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners clean and maintain the interior and exterior of commercial, institutional and residential buildings and their surrounding grounds.
Main 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 and plants
- Clean and disinfect washrooms and fixtures
- May move heavy furniture, equipment and supplies.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school may be required.
- Previous cleaning experience may be required.
Example job titles
apartment building caretaker · building caretaker · building custodian · live-in caretaker · church caretaker · heavy-duty cleaner · industrial cleaner · industrial plant cleaner · construction campsite attendant · custodian · janitor · school janitor · school custodian · factory cleaner · plant cleaner · airport janitor · apartment building concierge · office building concierge · campground cleaner
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $16.00 | $21.27 | $28.72 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.00 | $20.81 | $27.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.50 | $19.00 | $26.00 |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 | $20.00 | $22.50 |
| Quebec | $17.00 | $21.00 | $26.67 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | $22.00 | $28.00 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 | $20.15 | $28.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 | $20.62 | $27.00 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | $20.03 | $28.00 |
| British Columbia | $17.85 | $24.65 | $34.00 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.