Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners Salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
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In Philadelphia's metropolitan area covering parts of PA, NJ, DE, and MD, janitors and cleaners earn a median annual salary of $36,450, with an hourly rate of $17.52. This figure is slightly higher than the national median for this occupation at $35,930. Despite their crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and sanitation across various settings, the earnings for janitors are notably below the area's median household income, which stands at $89,273. The disparity highlights a significant gap between what workers in cleaning occupations earn and the broader financial landscape of households within this region. This difference underscores the economic challenges faced by individuals employed in lower-wage sectors despite their essential contributions to community well-being and public health.
For entry-level janitors and cleaners, earnings tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum, with wages starting around the 10th percentile at $28,280 annually. As workers gain experience, they move into higher earning brackets, reaching a median salary of $36,450, which marks a notable increase from initial earnings. Experienced individuals in this field can see their income rise to the 75th percentile, making approximately $43,730 per year, and potentially even up to the 90th percentile with salaries around $49,540 annually. The variance in pay is largely driven by factors such as years of experience, specific skill sets, certifications, work environment (e.g., office buildings versus industrial sites), and regional demand for janitorial services. As workers progress through their careers and acquire specialized skills or take on roles with greater responsibility, they see a corresponding increase in compensation.
Salary percentile breakdown
Philadelphia economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners make per hour in Philadelphia?
The median hourly wage for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $17.52, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.99 or more per hour.
Is Philadelphia above or below average for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners salaries?
The median Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 1.4% above the national median of $35,930. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners in Philadelphia?
Entry-level Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (10th percentile) earn around $28,280 per year in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $31,470.