Resume Examples for Janitors

A janitor’s resume or CV can differ greatly depending on their experience level, ranging from entry-level roles to seasoned professionals. You can explore templates suitable for each stage and build your resume into a polished document tailored to your needs.

Entry-Level Janitor Resume

Ideal for recent high school graduates seeking guidance on writing a resume with no experience, this template also suits individuals transitioning into janitorial roles from other industries.

Mid-Career Janitor Resume

A good fit for custodial professionals with some experience, this template highlights recent accomplishments and facilitates advancement into supervisory or specialized positions.

Experienced Janitor Resume

An ideal choice for janitors with over 10 years of hands-on experience, this template supports job seekers aiming to showcase their expertise in facility maintenance and sustainable cleaning practices.

Janitor Resume Template (Text)

Use this customizable text format for a janitor resume to easily copy, edit, and personalize directly in your document or file. You can also view the resume templates page for additional options.

Lucy Liu

Minneapolis, MN 55401

Professional Summary

Dedicated janitor with 8 years’ experience in facility maintenance. Expert in waste reduction and floor care, delivering 95% client satisfaction. Proven track record in cost-saving solutions and employee training.

Work Experience

January 2024 – May 2026

CleanWorks Solutions – Minneapolis, MN

Janitor

  • Ensured 100% cleanliness in all assigned areas
  • Reduced waste material by 15% through efficient disposal
  • Maintained inventory levels, reducing supply costs by 10%

January 2020 – December 2023

CareClean Facilities – Minneapolis, MN

Custodial Technician

  • Implemented recycling, cutting waste by 20%
  • Trained 5 staff in cleaning and maintenance techniques
  • Managed floor care operations for 50,000 sq ft area

January 2018 – December 2019

GreenBrite Services – Minneapolis, MN

Maintenance Cleaner

  • Performed deep cleaning reducing allergens by 30%
  • Reorganized storeroom improving access by 25%
  • Serviced restrooms, increasing client satisfaction by 85%

Education

May 2017
Springfield Community Springfield, MO
Associate Degree Facilities Management

May 2016
Lincoln High School Cedar Valley, IA
High School Diploma General Studies

Certifications

  • Certified Custodial Technician – National Cleaning Association
  • Green Cleaning Professional – International Janitorial Association

Skills

  • Facility Maintenance
  • Inventory Management
  • Waste Reduction
  • Floor Care Expertise
  • Cleaning Chemical Safety
  • Time Management
  • Team Collaboration
  • Customer Satisfaction

How to Write a Janitor Resume

As a janitor, knowing how to write a resume involves showcasing your relevant skills and experience while using a clear format that highlights your fit for the role. Use the guidance below to emphasize your strengths and customize your resume for the positions you’re aiming for.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be clear, professional, and easy to find at the top of your resume.

Make sure to include:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio (if relevant)
  • Any relevant certifications or licenses
TipPRO TIP

Avoid including personal details such as your age, Social Security number, or unnecessary identifiers unless explicitly requested by the employer.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a concise introduction, typically two to four sentences, that highlights your main qualifications and skills. It serves as a compelling pitch to hiring managers, aiming to grab their attention and motivate them to explore your resume further.

This profile is positioned at the top of your resume and can take the form of either a summary or an objective. Each serves a distinct purpose, allowing you to tailor your approach based on what best represents your career goals:

  • A resume summary emphasizes your most relevant experience, skills, and achievements in a way that is relevant to the role you seek. This approach is especially beneficial for those with work history or transferable skills who aim to highlight their contributions in janitorial services.
  • A resume objective is a forward-looking statement that highlights your career aspirations and the goals you aim to achieve. It’s particularly useful for recent high school graduates, individuals entering the workforce, or those shifting careers, such as veterans transitioning into civilian roles.

Let’s take a look at an example of each to see how a resume summary and a resume objective differ:

Janitor resume summary example:

Diligent janitor with over 6 years of experience maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in diverse environments, including schools and healthcare facilities. Proficient in waste management, floor care, and safety compliance. Acknowledged for improving facility hygiene standards and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for staff and visitors alike.

Janitor resume objective example:

Detail-oriented recent graduate with a diploma in janitorial services eager to start a career in a professional cleaning environment. Committed to maintaining high cleanliness standards and promoting safety, while using strong organizational skills and attention to detail in commercial or residential settings.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume forms an important foundation for your application. Employers look beyond job titles and responsibilities to assess how you’ve contributed to maintaining clean and safe environments.

Your background in custodial services highlights your attention to detail and reliability, illustrating why you are well-suited for the janitorial role.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points describing your relevant responsibilities and achievements

Tailor your content to reflect the specific janitorial role you are pursuing. Start each bullet point with an action verb (like “Cleaned,” “Sanitized,” “Maintained”) to create a strong impression of your responsibilities.

Incorporate quantifiable metrics whenever possible. Specific numbers, such as the areas cleaned or time saved, illustrate your effectiveness and set you apart from other applicants in the job market.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of a 50,000 sq. ft. facility, ensuring compliance with health standards and achieving a 95% satisfaction rating from staff and visitors.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Achieved a 30% reduction in cleaning time through the implementation of efficient cleaning protocols and team training.

Find more work experience examples for janitors further down the page.

4. Skills

The skills section provides a concise overview of janitorial abilities relevant to maintaining cleanliness and safety in various environments. This summary assists hiring managers in quickly assessing qualifications for the role.

Skills can be categorized into three distinct groups:

  • Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how janitors collaborate and interact with colleagues and clients. Key examples include attention to detail, reliability, communication, and adaptability.
  • Hard skills are specific, quantifiable abilities gained through education, training, or experience. For a janitor, examples include operating cleaning machinery, performing maintenance tasks, and following safety protocols for hazardous materials.
  • Technical skills are the specific abilities required to operate tools and technologies relevant to a profession. For janitors, this includes using floor scrubbers, waste management systems, and cleaning chemicals safely.

In general, aim to include a diverse range of relevant skills that match the job requirements to showcase your overall capabilities. Find additional janitorial skills examples further down the page.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re a newer janitor, consider placing your skills section higher on your resume right after your summary to highlight your qualifications. For those with more experience, it’s best to position this section lower and weave your skills throughout your work history for a cohesive narrative.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is essential for making a strong impression. Start by listing your most recent or relevant degree, clearly stating the degree type and the school name.

For those who have recently graduated, consider including the graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or above), any honors received, and relevant coursework to improve your qualifications further.

Janitor resume education section example:

High School Diploma
Lincoln High School, Springfield, IL
Graduated: 2020 | Honor Roll (3 years)

TipPRO TIP

If you’ve progressed from an Associate Degree in Facilities Management to a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Services, or obtained another relevant degree, list both in reverse-chronological order.

6. Certifications

Listing certifications on your resume showcases your commitment to the janitorial profession, especially when you have limited work experience. Although this section is not always seen in traditional resumes, it can be essential for many professionals in our field. Employers often seek specific credentials for specialized roles, like environmental services or industrial cleaning.

Include only relevant certifications that improve your candidacy and align with the job requirements. Make sure your certifications are current and formatted clearly to create a strong impression on potential employers.

Janitor certification examples:

  • Certified Custodial Technician | International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) | Expires: 04/2028
  • Green Cleaning Certification | Green Seal | Expires: 09/2027
  • Floor Care Specialist Certification | Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) | Expires: 11/2028
  • Restroom Care Specialist Certification | Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) | Expires: 03/2027

Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Your work experience is more than a list of job titles. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate the measurable impact you’ve had on cleanliness, safety, and overall facility maintenance. This approach creates an ATS-friendly resume that applicant tracking systems (ATS) can easily scan.

To craft a compelling work history for a janitorial role, tailor it to the specific position by using relevant keywords and phrases aligned with the employer’s expectations. Begin by thoroughly analyzing the job description. Identify frequently mentioned responsibilities, tools, or cleaning techniques and reflect those elements in your experience descriptions whenever possible.

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder—based on what hiring managers respond to most.

  • Maintained cleanliness and sanitation in a 50,000 sq ft facility, improving overall hygiene ratings by 20%.
  • Performed daily inspections and restocked supplies for 10+ restrooms, ensuring availability and cleanliness at all times.
  • Trained new janitorial staff on best practices and safety protocols, improving team efficiency and performance.
  • Used industrial cleaning equipment to deep clean carpets and floors quarterly, extending the lifespan of facilities.
  • Collaborated with management to develop cleaning schedules that minimized disruption during busy hours.

Example of Skills for Janitors

Highlighting the right skills for your resume can demonstrate to employers and ATS that you possess the essential abilities required for a janitorial position. Since resumes are often scanned quickly, ensure that your skills are focused, relevant, and aligned with the job description.

The skills listed below represent what is currently valued in the janitorial field. These competencies frequently appear in successful resumes and resonate well with hiring managers looking for qualified job seekers.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Effective communication
  • Team collaboration
  • Problem-solving skills

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Floor maintenance techniques
  • Chemical handling and safety (OSHA standards)
  • Waste disposal management
  • Equipment operation (buffer, extractor)
  • Inventory tracking systems (FMX, CleanTelligent)

What’s a Fair Janitor Salary?

Understanding janitorial salaries across the nation helps you assess job offers, negotiate fair wages, and make informed career choices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the data below shows the latest nationwide averages for janitors and building cleaners.

Factors like geographic location, years of experience, certifications, and the type of facility can all impact your actual salary. Janitors in hospitals or specialized facilities often earn more than those in schools or office buildings, while those with advanced cleaning certifications may also see increased earning potential

Alabama$45,740
Alaska$56,460
Arizona$51,640
Arkansas$39,830
California$60,980
Connecticut$55,570
Delaware$51,270
District of Columbia$55,140
Florida$48,150
Georgia$48,370
Hawaii$60,320
Idaho$51,700
Illinois$54,440
Indiana$49,000
Iowa$47,570
Kansas$52,980
Kentucky$43,640
Louisiana$43,000
Maine$53,470
Maryland$49,820
Massachusetts$60,550
Michigan$48,580
Minnesota$53,760
Mississippi$41,760
Missouri$45,550
Montana$46,530
Nebraska$50,540
Nevada$51,130
New Hampshire$56,520
New Jersey$57,900
New Mexico$49,450
New York$59,940
North Carolina$45,360
North Dakota$53,970
Ohio$45,650
Oklahoma$43,420
Oregon$53,260
Pennsylvania$49,040
Rhode Island$59,280
South Carolina$49,990
South Dakota$45,880
Tennessee$48,780
Texas$41,890
Utah$52,730
Vermont$57,960
Virginia$51,770
Washington$60,180
West Virginia$42,020
Wisconsin$50,670
Wyoming$50,510
Guam$30,330
Puerto Rico$26,430
Virgin Islands$29,680

Key Takeaways

  • Tailor your resume to the job description. Use specific terms from the posting to align with both ATS and human reviewers.
  • Highlight quantifiable achievements. Include metrics that demonstrate your impact (e.g., area cleaned per hour, budget savings, or safety compliance rates).
  • Select an appropriate format based on experience level. Entry-level applicants may use a functional layout, while seasoned professionals might prefer a reverse-chronological format.

More Resume & CV Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my janitor resume?

There are three main resume formats available for janitors. Your selection should align with your experience level and the specific skills or achievements you wish to highlight:

  • Chronological: The most popular format, a chronological resume emphasizes your work experience by outlining your responsibilities and achievements in reverse order. This is particularly beneficial for job seekers with a relevant job history that reinforces their qualifications and demonstrates their reliability in janitorial roles.
  • Functional: Also known as a skills-based resume, the functional resume emphasizes a qualifications summary and an expanded skills section to showcase your cleaning abilities. This format minimizes focus on work history, making it useful for job seekers without relevant experience or those entering the field from different backgrounds.
  • Combination: A combination resume integrates chronological and functional formats, presenting a skills section alongside work experience. This approach benefits janitors by allowing them to showcase their practical abilities and highlight their career development, making it suitable for those seeking advancement or diverse opportunities within the field.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter with your janitor job application. A thoughtfully crafted cover letter improves your resume by providing insight into your interest in the position and highlighting relevant skills or experiences that may not be evident from your resume alone. It allows you to connect personally with potential employers, demonstrating that you’ve put effort into your application.

If you’re feeling uncertain about how to write a cover letter, there are numerous resources available to guide you. Online articles can help clarify how to structure a cover letter and what to include. You can also find examples tailored for different roles and industries, which serve as great references for crafting your own personalized message.

To make the process easier, consider using a cover letter generator that assists in creating a polished document quickly while offering suggestions based on the specific janitorial position you’re applying for.

How long should a janitor resume be?

Most janitors with less than 10 years of experience should aim for a one-page resume. This format allows you to highlight your relevant skills, work history, and any certifications or training without overwhelming hiring managers. Focus on clarity and organization to make a strong impression.

For those in senior positions or specialized roles, a two-page resume can be appropriate if it remains focused and relevant. Ensure that every section adds value, showcasing your extensive experience and expertise while maintaining an easy-to-read layout.

Should I include cleaning experiences or volunteer work?

Yes, especially if you’re new to the field. Listing cleaning experiences demonstrates your commitment to maintaining cleanliness and order in various environments, helping you stand out when formal janitorial roles are limited on your resume.