What You Need to Know About Cleaning Jobs in Educational Facilities for 2025

Summary

Cleaning jobs in educational facilities involve maintaining the cleanliness, hygiene, and safety of school buildings and campuses, including K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. These roles—commonly filled by school cleaners, custodians, and janitors—are vital for creating healthy learning environments by managing routine cleaning tasks, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and coordinating with school staff to minimize disruptions during instructional hours. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly heightened the focus on infection control, prompting institutions to adopt enhanced cleaning protocols and specialized training programs to combat infectious agents and safeguard occupants.
The sector has seen growing professionalism with increased emphasis on formal qualifications, certifications, and ongoing training provided by industry bodies such as the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) and the Cleaning Management Institute (CMI). Advances in cleaning technologies and management systems have improved operational efficiency and indoor air quality, although budget constraints and scheduling challenges remain prevalent issues for facility managers and custodial staff. Additionally, workplace hazards—including chemical exposure, ergonomic strain, and psychological stress—necessitate adherence to occupational health and safety regulations enforced by agencies like OSHA, as well as the adoption of safer cleaning products and ergonomic best practices.
Labor market trends reveal challenges in recruitment and retention of cleaning personnel, largely due to low wages and limited career advancement opportunities, which have been exacerbated by pandemic-related pressures. Nonetheless, the demand for cleaning jobs in educational settings is expected to grow through 2025 and beyond, driven by increasing health standards, demographic shifts, and the ongoing need to maintain safe, sanitized environments for students and staff. The sector’s future hinges on balancing workforce development, technological adoption, and regulatory compliance to meet evolving cleanliness expectations.
Controversies surrounding cleaning jobs in educational institutions primarily relate to workforce management—such as inadequate compensation, promotion practices lacking leadership training, and disparities between contract and in-house staff benefits—as well as debates over the environmental and health impacts of chemical disinfectants. These issues underscore the need for transparent policies, sustainable procurement, and comprehensive training to ensure the wellbeing of cleaning workers and the communities they serve.

Overview of Cleaning Jobs in Educational Facilities

Cleaning jobs in educational facilities primarily involve maintaining the cleanliness and safety of school buildings and campuses, regardless of whether students are present. These roles typically include general cleaning duties performed in designated areas of K-12 schools, colleges, or university environments. Custodians and cleaning staff conduct regular inspections to assess cleaning needs and address them promptly, often fostering professional relationships with school staff and students during their work.
The importance of disinfecting surfaces is a critical aspect of these jobs, especially to combat microorganisms, viruses, and infectious fungi. Disinfectants are applied to hard, inanimate surfaces to inactivate or destroy harmful agents, ensuring a safer environment for all occupants. With growing awareness around health and hygiene, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions have placed increased emphasis on cleanliness to create safe and inviting spaces conducive to learning and growth.
Interpersonal skills such as effective communication are essential for cleaning personnel to understand instructions clearly and coordinate with colleagues and school staff. Industry bodies like ISSA are supporting the development of specialized education and training programs to help implement clean standards tailored specifically for K-12 facilities, enhancing the overall quality of cleaning services in educational settings.
The commercial cleaning sector, which includes educational facilities, is expected to remain strong heading into 2025, with continued demand driven by the need to improve indoor air quality and implement specialized disinfection protocols. This highlights the growing importance and professionalism of cleaning jobs within educational institutions as a key component of maintaining healthy and productive learning environments.

Types of Cleaning Jobs in Educational Facilities

Cleaning jobs in educational facilities encompass a variety of roles focused on maintaining the cleanliness and safety of school buildings, regardless of whether students are present. The most common positions include school cleaners, custodians, and janitors, each with distinct responsibilities and levels of accountability.

School Cleaners

School cleaners are tasked with the daily upkeep of one or more school buildings within a district. Their duties often include vacuuming classroom rugs, polishing hallways, removing trash, and responding promptly to spills and emergencies. Specialized cleaning techniques may be required for certain areas such as science laboratories. Particular emphasis is placed on daily cleaning of cafeterias and restrooms to maintain hygiene standards.

Custodians

Custodians perform a wide range of cleaning and maintenance tasks in schools, colleges, or university campuses. Their routine responsibilities include dust mopping, sweeping, wet mopping, vacuuming, dusting, waxing floors, emptying trash receptacles, cleaning bathrooms, and polishing furniture. Custodians also coordinate with maintenance teams to ensure system-wide air quality and overall facility hygiene. Unlike janitors, custodians generally have broader duties and greater responsibility for the upkeep of institutional facilities.

Janitors

Janitors are cleaning workers primarily responsible for basic cleaning operations within institutional settings such as schools and hospitals. Typically, janitors work indoors but may also perform outdoor tasks like sweeping walkways. The term “janitor” in the United States is considered to indicate a lower level of responsibility compared to custodians, and it is less commonly used today in favor of “custodian.” Janitors focus mainly on cleaning rather than broader maintenance or management tasks.

Supervisory and Management Roles

Beyond the operational roles, educational facilities employ supervisors and facility managers who oversee cleaning teams and the overall maintenance of buildings. Facility managers handle budgeting, supplier negotiations, audits, and coordination among teams, ensuring efficient facility operations. Supervisory roles often require advanced training in management and leadership to effectively motivate cleaning staff and maintain high standards of cleanliness. Such roles are critical to addressing challenges stemming from the promotion of technically skilled workers to management positions without adequate leadership experience.

Skills, Qualifications, and Training Requirements

Cleaning jobs in educational facilities require a combination of interpersonal skills, formal qualifications, and specific training to ensure effective and safe performance. Employers often seek candidates with basic written and oral communication abilities, a responsible attitude, and the capability to understand and follow directions clearly. Effective communication is also essential for coordinating tasks and reporting issues promptly within facility management teams.
The minimum educational requirement typically includes a high school diploma or its equivalent, although some roles may require additional qualifications depending on the level of responsibility. Apprenticeship schemes can provide entry pathways for individuals without prior experience, and there are specialized theory-based awards designed to offer an understanding of working in school environments without requiring practical placements.
Professional development is emphasized through regular training sessions covering new cleaning technologies, updated safety regulations, and best practices in cleaning and maintenance management. Training also includes safe handling of hazardous waste and sharps to minimize health and safety risks, with certification provided upon successful course completion. Programs such as those offered by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) and Cleaning MasterClass focus on infection control and disinfection principles, which are especially pertinent in the context of preventing infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19.
Certification programs, such as those provided by the Cleaning Management Institute (CMI), support career advancement by equipping cleaning professionals with supervisory skills and industry-recognized credentials. Additionally, industry standards like the Cleaning Industry Management Standard and initiatives like ISSA’s Clean Standard: K-12 encourage the development of tailored education and training programs to enhance compliance and uphold hygiene standards across educational facilities.

Working Conditions and Scheduling

Working in educational facility cleaning involves managing a range of tasks under specific time and budget constraints. Facility managers coordinate meetings, calls, emails, team efforts, budgeting, audits, and supplier negotiations to ensure smooth operations. Once commercial cleaning services are hired, they typically handle everything from scheduling to creating customized cleaning plans tailored to the facility’s requirements and budget.
One of the biggest challenges in school cleaning is the limited time available to perform cleaning tasks without disrupting classes. Cleaning during school hours can cause chaos and interrupt learning, making after-hours or during-break scheduling essential. However, budget constraints often limit the adoption of the latest cleaning tools and technologies, complicating efforts to maintain high standards.
To maintain effective operations, schools develop consistent cleaning schedules focusing on time-sensitive needs and accommodating after-hours events. Such scheduling allows teachers and caregivers to concentrate on their core responsibilities while fostering pride and trust among staff and families. Regular training sessions are crucial for updating staff on new cleaning technologies, safety regulations, and best practices, which enhances both quality of work and staff retention.
Communication plays a key role in efficient facility management. Implementing multi-channel communication systems enables quick reporting of issues, sharing of updates, and coordination of tasks among cleaning staff and management. Additionally, team-building activities and positive staff engagement contribute to a collaborative work environment, which has been especially valued following the challenges faced by educational institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tools, Equipment, and Technological Advances

Effective cleaning in educational facilities relies heavily on the use of appropriate tools and equipment, combined with up-to-date technological advances. Professional cleaning staff are expected to have prior experience operating specialized cleaning machinery and a thorough knowledge of stain removal techniques, chemical agents, and the functionality of various cleaning devices.
Investing in modern tools, such as HEPA filters, advanced window cleaning equipment, and microfiber cloths, significantly enhances indoor air quality by reducing allergens and managing hygiene more effectively. These innovations not only improve cleanliness but also contribute to the overall health and comfort of the school environment, helping to prevent issues like headaches caused by poor air quality.
To maintain these standards, it is crucial for educational institutions to allocate funds for regular upgrades or replacements of cleaning equipment. When budget constraints exist, establishing a dedicated maintenance fund can ensure the gradual acquisition of advanced tools that keep pace with evolving cleaning demands.
The integration of a robust cleaning and maintenance management system further supports efficient facility operations by centralizing task assignments, scheduling, and reporting. This technological approach allows facility managers to coordinate teams more effectively and maintain oversight of cleaning activities. Additionally, continuous training on new cleaning technologies and safety regulations is essential for staff to maximize the benefits of these tools and uphold high cleanliness standards.
Clear and multi-channel communication systems are also integral to this process, enabling rapid issue reporting, timely updates, and smooth coordination among cleaning personnel and facility managers, who often balance numerous responsibilities including budgeting and supplier negotiations. Together, these tools, equipment, and technological advances form the backbone of modern cleaning practices in educational settings for 2025.

Workplace Hazards and Health & Safety

The cleaning industry in educational facilities presents several workplace hazards and health and safety challenges that must be addressed to protect workers and occupants. Cleaning professionals often encounter psychological hazards such as stress, burnout, and anxiety due to tight deadlines, high expectations, and sometimes difficult working conditions. Additionally, the physical risks are significant, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, ergonomic strains, and the danger of slips, trips, and falls.
Chemical exposure is a primary concern in school cleaning environments. Workers may come into contact with a variety of cleaning and disinfecting products, some of which contain toxic ingredients. To mitigate these risks, it is important to check product labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) to understand potential hazards and ensure safe handling practices. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes the Safer Choice program, which helps identify cleaning products with safer ingredients for both people and the environment. Educational institutions are encouraged to procure third-party certified safer chemicals through state green procurement initiatives and prohibit unauthorized or toxic chemical products, including mercury-containing items.
Ergonomics plays a critical role in reducing workplace injuries by designing tasks and workstations to fit the worker’s needs rather than forcing the worker to adapt to poorly designed jobs. This approach helps prevent musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries common in the cleaning sector.
Falls remain a serious hazard in cleaning jobs, particularly in settings that require working at heights or using personnel lifts. Fatalities and serious injuries have been documented due to falls through floor openings or from equipment, underscoring the need for stringent fall protection measures and training.
Maintaining high standards of health and safety in educational facilities not only protects cleaning staff but also minimizes the spread of germs, allergens, and pathogens among students and staff, reducing illness and accidents such as slips on wet floors. Indoor air quality is another critical concern, as poor ventilation and storage limitations can exacerbate health issues like headaches and allergic reactions.

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and Guidelines

Occupational health and safety regulations and guidelines play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of workers involved in cleaning jobs within educational facilities. These standards are designed to protect employees from workplace hazards by addressing a wide range of issues, including chemical handling, indoor air quality, infectious disease control, and general safety practices.
In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the primary federal agency responsible for establishing and enforcing safety standards that apply to cleaning personnel. OSHA’s guidelines cover essential areas such as the safe use of hazardous chemicals, bloodborne pathogen protocols, ventilation requirements, and the handling of sharps and hazardous waste. Compliance with OSHA’s laboratory safety standards also mandates training for staff on chemical management, prohibiting unauthorized or toxic substances, and ensuring that all products used meet safety criteria.
Other organizations contribute to the framework of safety in educational cleaning environments. The Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), for example, offers specialized training courses on cleaning and disinfection principles to help professionals effectively prevent and control infectious disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19. Additionally, the Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA) provides cleaning standards tailored to educational and institutional facilities, offering a structured approach to maintaining appropriate cleanliness levels.
Facility managers and cleaning professionals are advised to carefully review product labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) to understand potential hazards and implement safe work practices. They should also engage in regular inspections and adhere to state green procurement initiatives when selecting safer, third-party certified chemical products to minimize health risks and environmental impact.

Operational Challenges in Educational Facility Cleaning

Maintaining cleanliness in educational facilities presents several operational challenges that require careful planning and resource management. One of the primary difficulties is the time constraint inherent in school environments. Cleaning must often be conducted outside of class hours to avoid disrupting students’ learning, limiting the window available for custodial tasks. This compressed schedule can make it difficult to thoroughly clean high-touch areas, which require frequent disinfection to minimize the spread of bacteria and viruses.
Budget limitations also pose significant challenges. Many schools lack the funding necessary to invest in advanced cleaning tools and technologies that could improve efficiency and safety. As a result, custodial staff often have to rely on older equipment that may be less effective or even hazardous, potentially compromising both cleaning outcomes and worker safety.
High-touch surfaces throughout schools, such as desks, door handles, and bathroom fixtures, increase the workload of cleaning staff. Properly disinfecting these areas is critical but time-consuming, especially given the need to adhere to strict safety protocols when using chemical cleaners. Improper handling of these chemicals can lead to serious health risks for employees, including chemical burns and respiratory issues, underscoring the importance of training and adherence to best practices.
Facility managers face the complex task of balancing multiple responsibilities beyond cleaning oversight, such as budgeting, supplier negotiations, and staff coordination, which adds another layer of difficulty in managing cleaning operations effectively. Additionally, planning cleaning schedules requires advance coordination with other maintenance activities to ensure resource availability and avoid operational conflicts.
To address these challenges, schools may consider creative staffing solutions like partnering with local job training programs to fill workforce gaps. Transitioning to eco-friendly cleaning products can also help reduce environmental impact and improve indoor air quality while maintaining effective sanitation. Ultimately, overcoming these operational challenges is essential to maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy learning environment for students, staff, and visitors alike.

Workforce Demographics and Labor Market Trends

Cleaning jobs in educational facilities face distinct workforce demographic and labor market trends influenced by broader economic and social factors. One critical challenge is the ongoing difficulty in attracting and retaining quality employees, largely due to low compensation levels that often fail to keep pace with inflation. School facility managers, responsible for maintaining clean, healthy, and safe environments, commonly encounter staffing shortages as wages for cleaning staff are typically set by school boards rather than managers, limiting the ability to adjust pay to competitive levels[

Coordination and Communication Practices

Effective coordination and communication are essential components of cleaning jobs in educational facilities, ensuring efficient operations and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety. Facility managers and cleaning staff must work closely together, utilizing structured communication channels and management systems to streamline workflows and respond promptly to issues.
A robust cleaning and maintenance management system serves as the backbone of facility operations by centralizing task assignment, scheduling, and reporting. This centralization enhances oversight and coordination among team members, allowing for quicker response times and better task management. The implementation of multi-channel communication platforms facilitates the swift reporting of problems, sharing of updates, and coordination of daily activities, which is critical in dynamic school environments.
Interpersonal communication skills are also highly valued in cleaning roles within educational settings. Cleaners must effectively understand directions and share pertinent information with colleagues or supervisors to maintain operational efficiency. As schools increasingly adopt operational software tailored to maintenance and safety coordination—beyond generic messaging tools—staff can better manage cleaning schedules and safety protocols while maintaining clear lines of communication.
Moreover, leadership and management capabilities significantly impact coordination effectiveness. Facility managers often juggle diverse responsibilities, from team coordination and budgeting to supplier negotiations and auditing, all of which require strong communication and organizational skills. However, a common challenge lies in the promotion of individuals to managerial roles based primarily on technical expertise rather than leadership experience, which can affect team motivation and operational efficiency.

Impact of COVID-19 and Future Preparedness

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected cleaning jobs in educational facilities, fundamentally altering cleaning protocols and heightening the focus on infection control. Schools and facility centers had to adapt their schedules to address time-sensitive needs and after-hours events, enabling teachers and caregivers to concentrate on their core responsibilities while fostering a sense of pride, trust, and value among staff and families.
One of the major changes brought by the pandemic was the increased emphasis on proper cleaning and disinfection practices. Educational institutions now require cleaning staff to be thoroughly trained in the safe handling of hazardous waste and sharps to minimize health and safety risks. Courses such as those developed by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) and organizations like J.J. Keller provide vital education on cleaning and disinfection principles, including the selection and safe use of disinfectants, proper cleaning procedures, and the understanding of chemical agents and equipment. These training programs are often modular and designed to fit the fast-paced schedules of custodial staff, with certification offered upon successful completion.
The pandemic also underscored the critical importance of maintaining high standards of health and safety within schools. Proper cleaning not only minimizes the spread of germs, allergens, and pathogens but also reduces the risk of accidents, such as slips on wet floors, thus protecting both occupants and staff. Non-compliance with cleaning standards can lead to severe consequences, including regulatory citations, liability for health incidents, reputational damage, and even potential facility closures during inspections or outbreaks.
Looking ahead, the future of cleaning jobs in educational settings will be shaped by ongoing challenges such as technological advancements, economic uncertainty, and demographic changes, all of which impact labor market dynamics and workforce strategies. Educational facilities are expected to continue deep cleaning practices, typically conducted quarterly and supplemented by comprehensive overhauls during summer breaks to ensure thorough disinfection and maintenance.
Furthermore, schools must maintain up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for cleaning products, as many disinfectants and cleaning agents pose risks such as skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. This ongoing vigilance and preparedness are essential for safeguarding health while adapting to evolving standards and regulations.

Career Development and Prospects

Career development in cleaning jobs within educational facilities increasingly emphasizes professional growth through specialized education and certification programs. Organizations like the Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) provide widely recognized certifications such as the Certified Custodial Technician, which help employees enhance their skills and advance their careers. Participation in these programs is growing, with projections indicating that over 350 employees and clients are expected to engage in CMI’s certification offerings in the upcoming fiscal year, reflecting the industry’s commitment to professional standards and leadership development.
In addition to certification, gaining relevant work experience, such as custodial roles in educational environments, strengthens career prospects. Employers often prefer candidates with hands-on experience in schools, colleges, or universities and may require or favor applicants who possess formal cleaning or supervisory credentials. Job seekers are encouraged to keep their professional profiles updated with skills and qualifications, which can be supplemented by enrolling in cleaning courses or certifications to increase employability and competitiveness in the job market.
Looking ahead, the cleaning industry is expected to evolve significantly due to broader labor market transformations driven by technological advancements, economic shifts, and demographic changes. According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025, these factors are likely to reshape employment landscapes by 2030, including in the cleaning sector, with a projected 22% turnover in current jobs and the creation of approximately 170 million new roles globally. This outlook underscores the importance of adaptability and continuous skill development for cleaning professionals in educational settings.
Salary prospects for school cleaners vary depending on location and employer but generally range between $40,884 and $73,424 annually in the United States. Entry-level positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, and the ability to maintain good working relationships and exercise sound judgment is crucial for career progression.

The content is provided by Blake Sterling, Direct Bulletins