Recent years have been financially challenging for many families. Millions of Americans are still unemployed, looking desperately for work in a less than promising job market. In an attempt to make ends meet many turn to cleaning jobs as a last resort.
Those who still have a job spend more and more time at work, ensuring they will keep their job. Many Americans simply do not have the time to do their own cleaning anymore, or they simply do not want to spend their time away from work cleaning their houses. It seems like a match made in heaven, resulting in cleaning services jobs for those who have either lost their job, or those who cannot find a suitable job in the current job market.
Cleaning Jobs are in Very High Demand
The cleaning profession is one of the oldest and most profitable. This is partially due to the virtually non –existing qualification needed to be successful in this profession. In addition, cleaning jobs pay very well. As a matter of fact, janitors have experienced the largest salary increase compared to other jobs. The growth in salary is expected to continue through 2014, making this occupation the tenth highest in demand.
Commercial and Residential Cleaning Jobs
Cleaning services can generally be divided into two groups; commercial services and residential services. Commercial cleaning services are needed for office buildings, schools, businesses, manufacturing plants, and hotels. This kind of service usually entails getting everything in the workplace ready for the next day. Office cleaning tasks range from cleaning desks to cleaning the bathrooms, and everything in between like dusting and vacuuming. Hotels and other businesses may require additional tasks like stacking supplies. Employees working for a company or cleaning service have signed contracts with specific job descriptions.
Residential services are usually housekeeping cleaning jobs for private consumers. These consumer oriented cleaning jobs can be very different in nature as the work requirements greatly depend on each individual consumer. One consumer may require the housekeeping service to clean the windows while another prefers their bed sheets changed. Private cleaning services and their fees are negotiable and mostly tailored to the individual consumers’ needs and requests.
While finding a cleaning job that fits your needs and suits your requirements is not necessarily easy, cleaning jobs do not require any particular qualifications at the entry level or in the private sector. Higher level jobs, like supervisory positions within a cleaning company, may require some form of degree or certificate. In order to be successful in this kind of industry it helps to be motivated, efficient, a self-starter, and to take pride in the service provided.
Information on Cleaning Jobs
Where to Start Your Job Search
Looking for a job today is very different than it used to be 20 or even 10 years ago. Individuals who want to start a new career in the cleaning service industry can use technological advances to their advantage. The internet and the Yellow Pages are a good place to start looking for available jobs in this field. These two methods are commonly used by employers to find new employees. Job fairs are also very productive and often result in employment opportunities.
For individuals seeking employment in the private sector bulletin boards, job boards, newspapers, and last but not least word of mouth, are means that have been proven to be very successful.
Differences Between Private and Commercial Cleaning Industry
Working for a company has several benefits over the private cleaning industry. A company provides a stable work environment and comparable pay and benefits, for example health insurance. The private cleaning service providers, even though they can earn equal or sometimes even more than if they would work for a company, do not offer this security. The individual providing the cleaning services has to take care of their own insurance needs.
The Industry Average Salary
The wages in the cleaning industry vary just like in any other profession. Factors that determine the salary are the location, experience, employer, and the kind of cleaning services performed. Professional cleaning companies sometimes require employees to attend training in order to operate machines or to work in secure areas. Undergoing training and earning certificates, or learning a special skill often means a higher salary and better job advancement opportunities. Companies often prefer hiring people with experience and valuable skills.
In general, areas with an overall higher cost of living pay significantly more than areas of the country with a lower cost of living.
It is hard to say which states pay the highest for cleaning services as the wages vary significantly within a state. Services in the city generally pay higher wages than those performed in the outskirts and more suburban areas around cities like Washington and Atlanta, or any other area for that matter.
Cleaning jobs are in high demand and will continue to be in high demand as so many Americans are forced to find ways to make ends meet. The cleaning industry offers opportunities for temporary employment, a lifelong career, and for self-starters and entrepreneurs alike.