Cleaning & Maintenance · SOC 37-2011
Cleaning is almost entirely physical; robotic floor cleaners exist but lack the dexterity and judgment for full building maintenance.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Robotic floor cleaning is already common in large facilities, but full-scope janitorial work requires human adaptability that will remain irreplaceable through at least the 2030s.
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$34,660 median pay
$38,090 median pay
$45,200 median pay
$50,430 median pay
$44,730 median pay
AI job-risk card
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners is 10/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
10 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Logging supply needs and maintenance requests. Harder to automate: Cleaning restrooms and variable surfaces, Monitoring building security and safety, Notifying management of repair needs, Responding to unexpected messes and spills.
Lean into Commercial cleaning equipment operation, Hazardous material handling, Building safety awareness, Inventory tracking. Consider roles such as Building maintenance technician or Custodial supervisor or Facilities coordinator.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.