Office Cleaning Jobs in the U.S.:What They Do, Pay, Hours & How to Apply
High Hourly Wage| No Experience
Are you looking for an immediate start? Office cleaning jobs are currently one of the most accessible entry-level positions in the United States, offering steady pay and flexible schedules.
What Does an Office Cleaner Do?
Office cleaners are responsible for maintaining cleanliness in commercial workplace environments.
Typical duties include:
- Emptying trash and recycling
- Vacuuming carpets, sweeping and mopping floors
- Cleaning bathrooms, sinks, and kitchen/break areas
- Dusting desks, shelves, and common areas
- Restocking paper products and soap
Unlike industrial or construction cleaning, office cleaning is usually routine and standardized.
What Is the Average Salary for Office Cleaning Jobs?
One of the most frequently asked questions is about pay:
👉 Office cleaners in the U.S. typically earn between $13 – $18 per hour (2026).
Exact wages depend on factors such as:
- Location (city vs suburb vs rural)
- Employer (small company vs large janitorial service)
- Experience and shift hours
In major metropolitan areas (e.g., New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago), starting pay can be toward the higher end of that range due to local wage scales and cost-of-living factors.
What Are the Typical Work Hours?
Office cleaning jobs are often scheduled outside standard business hours to avoid disrupting regular operations.
Common work hours include:
- Early morning shifts: 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Evening shifts: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Night shifts: 8:00 PM – Midnight or overnight
Some employers also offer part-time or split shifts, which can appeal to students, parents, or individuals seeking flexible hours.
Do You Need Experience or Special Training?
Most office cleaning positions do not require prior experience.
Employers tend to look for:
- Reliability (showing up on time every shift)
- Ability to follow instructions
- Attention to detail
- Willingness to work independently or in small teams
Many companies provide on-the-job training that covers equipment, cleaning products, and safety procedures. Certifications are rarely required for office cleaning roles.
How to Apply for Office Cleaning Jobs
Here’s a practical step-by-step approach to getting hired:
1. Prepare a simple resume
Include:
- Contact info
- Work history (if any)
- Any cleaning or maintenance experience
If you don’t have formal experience, list other jobs showing reliability and work ethic.
2. Search job listings
Use popular job boards like:
- Indeed
- ZipRecruiter
- Glassdoor
- Local staffing agencies
Search terms that work well:
- office cleaner
- janitorial
- custodial staff
- commercial cleaner
3. Apply directly or through staffing agencies
Many cleaning companies hire through temp agencies.
Staffing agencies can connect you with multiple employers quickly.
4. Attend the interview prepared
If called for an interview, be ready to talk about:
- Availability (shift times you can work)
- Physical ability (lifting, standing hours)
- Any teamwork experience
Benefits and Pay Growth
Many cleaning jobs offer more than just hourly pay:
- Overtime opportunities (especially at night or weekends)
- Consistent hours from week to week
Some employers offer basic benefits (after eligibility), such as:
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan options
- Health benefits (in larger companies)
Pay can gradually increase with experience and reliability.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I get hired without a high school diploma?
A: Yes, many employers do not require a diploma.
Q: Do office cleaning jobs include weekends?
A: Often yes, especially for businesses that operate Monday–Friday.
Q: Is night work common?
A: Yes. Many offices are cleaned after regular business hours.
Q: Does the job require lifting heavy objects?
A: Some tasks involve moderate lifting (trash bags, vacuums), but major heavy lifting is rare.
Summary
Office cleaning jobs in the United States are:
✔ Accessible without formal experience
✔ Typically paying $13 – $18/hr
✔ Often evening or early morning work
✔ Available through direct hiring or staffing agencies
For many people, these roles offer steady work with flexible hours and a chance to enter the workforce or supplement income.