Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Janitor
What janitors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a janitor?
Clock in and get assignments. From there, the day usually includes clean restrooms, mop and vacuum, and empty trash. Often evenings or nights.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a janitor working full time.
- Clock in and get assignments.
- Empty trash.
- Clean restrooms.
- Vacuum offices.
- Mop halls.
- Restock supplies.
- Lock up.
Where janitors work
Janitors work in schools, offices, hospitals and factories.
Hours and schedule
Often evenings or nights.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Clean restrooms
- Mop and vacuum
- Empty trash
- Disinfect surfaces
- Strip and wax floors
- Do minor repairs
- Report problems
Tools you’ll use every day
- Mops
- Vacuums
- Auto scrubbers
- Floor buffers
- Chemical dispensers
- Carts
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Many openings
- Short training
- Independent work
- Benefits in schools and hospitals
What’s hard
- Physical work
- Night shifts
- Chemical exposure
- Low pay
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like seeing clean results
- I work well alone
- I don’t mind nights
- I’m reliable
- I want short training
- I want steady work
Not sure? Take the free Janitor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use wet floor signs
- Never mix chemicals
- Lift safely
- Wear gloves