FAQ
Industrial Cleaning Operator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an industrial cleaning operator.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an industrial cleaning operator: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about industrial cleaning operators
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects about average growth.
Is it safe?
With PPE and procedures, yes.
How much does an industrial cleaning operator make?
The median annual wage for industrial cleaning operators was $43,530 ($20.93 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $33,790 and the highest 10% earned more than $58,570.
How long does it take to become an industrial cleaning operator?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be an industrial cleaning operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is industrial cleaning operator a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +3.4% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 1,700 openings each year. Upsides include no degree needed; a common challenge is that chemical exposure.
What skills does an industrial cleaning operator need?
Key technical skills include washer operation, pickling, chemistry testing, and temperature control. Employers also value safety focus, reliability, and attention to detail.
What certifications are available for industrial cleaning operators?
Common credentials include Hazmat training, OSHA 10, Crane training, and Chemical safety training. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Industrial Cleaning Operator fit quiz, compare with Plating Operator, or explore Industrial Cleaning Operator training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9192 (Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.