The building cleaning and maintenance industry in Singapore offers consistent job availability due to the country's strong emphasis on cleanliness, hygiene, and infrastructure upkeep. With ongoing urban development and commercial growth, demand for maintenance services remains high.
Workers in this sector can earn competitive wages, especially with experience and specialization in areas like high-rise cleaning or facility maintenance. Many employers also provide additional benefits such as overtime pay, annual leave, and medical coverage.
This industry is ideal for individuals seeking immediate employment, as many roles require minimal formal education or prior experience. On-the-job training is often provided, allowing workers to learn practical skills while earning an income.
Employees can move up from entry-level positions to supervisory or managerial roles with experience and performance. Some companies also sponsor training or certification programs, enhancing workers’ qualifications for advancement.
Singapore's government supports the cleaning and maintenance sector through initiatives aimed at improving working conditions, productivity, and safety standards. Workers benefit from these regulations through better job security and working environments.
Singapore welcomes skilled and hardworking international candidates to support its high standards in building cleaning and maintenance. With a multicultural environment and a strong demand for labor, it offers an ideal setting for overseas workers to build a stable career.
The industry in Singapore is rapidly evolving, using advanced equipment like robotic cleaners, eco-friendly products, and smart building technologies. International workers get the opportunity to learn and work with cutting-edge systems, enhancing their skills and employability.
Cleaning and maintenance aren't just routine tasks. Workers often encounter unique challenges, from maintaining architectural landmarks to solving space-specific maintenance issues. This allows for creativity in approaching solutions and improving processes.
International candidates can specialize in areas such as high-rise window cleaning, air-conditioning maintenance, or pest control. Singapore provides training and certification programs, giving workers a chance to grow professionally and move into leadership roles.
Singapore has strict labor laws that ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and proper treatment of all workers, including foreigners. The system supports ethical employment practices and offers clear paths for grievance redressal.
Working in Singapore exposes international candidates to a diverse and inclusive culture. The workplace often includes people from various countries, making it a great place to improve communication skills and gain global experience.
Responsible for daily cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and waste disposal in commercial, residential, or industrial buildings.
Focuses on specific tasks such as carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, or disinfection services, often using advanced equipment and chemicals.
Trained to clean windows and building exteriors on skyscrapers and tall structures, usually with safety harnesses or gondola systems.
Handles deep cleaning and sanitization of areas like toilets, kitchens, and high-touch surfaces, especially in healthcare or food-related facilities.
Works in building maintenance to prevent and eliminate pests, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for occupants.
Performs minor electrical, plumbing, painting, and carpentry work to keep facilities functional and safe.
Specializes in the maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems in commercial and residential buildings.
Oversees a team of cleaners or technicians, manages schedules, conducts inspections, and ensures compliance with safety and cleaning standards.
Responsible for inspecting, servicing, and repairing elevators and escalators in buildings to ensure smooth and safe operations.
Takes care of outdoor areas such as gardens, lawns, and pathways in building compounds, including watering, trimming, and minor repairs.
Job Profile |
Avg Salary (SGD/month) |
Avg Salary (USD/month) |
Avg Salary (INR/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
1,600 |
1,184 |
97,600 |
|
Specialized Cleaner |
1,900 |
1,406 |
115,900 |
|
High-Rise Window Cleaner |
2,200 |
1,628 |
134,200 |
|
Sanitation Worker |
1,700 |
1,258 |
103,700 |
|
Building Maintenance Technician |
2,300 |
1,702 |
140,300 |
|
Electrical Maintenance Technician |
2,600 |
1,924 |
158,600 |
|
Plumbing Maintenance Technician |
2,500 |
1,850 |
152,500 |
|
HVAC Technician |
2,700 |
1,998 |
164,700 |
|
Lift Maintenance Technician |
3,000 |
2,220 |
183,000 |
|
Pest Control Technician |
2,100 |
1,554 |
128,100 |
|
Landscape & Grounds Worker |
1,800 |
1,332 |
109,800 |
|
Waste Management Worker |
1,700 |
1,258 |
103,700 |
|
Facility Maintenance Supervisor |
3,500 |
2,590 |
213,500 |
|
Operations & Maintenance Executive |
4,000 |
2,960 |
244,000 |
|
Maintenance Coordinator |
2,800 |
2,072 |
170,800 |
|
Cleaning Team Leader |
2,400 |
1,776 |
146,400 |
|
Fire Safety & Maintenance Officer |
3,200 |
2,368 |
195,200 |
|
Energy & Building System Technician |
3,000 |
2,220 |
183,000 |
|
Building Supervisor |
3,600 |
2,664 |
219,600 |
|
Facility Engineer |
4,200 |
3,108 |
256,200 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Age Requirement |
Minimum 18 years old (typically between 18–50 years for foreign workers) |
|
Work Permit |
Must obtain a valid Work Permit or S Pass (depending on job type and salary) |
|
Educational Qualification |
Usually no formal education required for general cleaning roles; technical roles may require secondary education or vocational training |
|
Relevant Experience |
Preferred but not mandatory for entry-level roles; required for skilled or supervisory roles |
|
Language Proficiency |
Basic English or local language (Malay, Tamil, or Mandarin) preferred for safety and communication |
|
Health Requirements |
Must pass a pre-employment medical check-up including tests for infectious diseases |
|
Skill Certification |
Certain jobs (e.g., lift technician, pest control) may require WSQ or industry certifications |
|
Employer Sponsorship |
Must be hired by a Singapore-registered company willing to apply for a work pass |
|
Quota & Levy Compliance |
Subject to foreign worker quota and levy limits imposed on the employer |
|
Security Bond |
Employers may be required to post a security bond (SGD 5,000) for non-Malaysian workers |
|
Training Requirements |
May be required to attend mandatory safety orientation courses before starting work |
|
Good Conduct Record |
Clean background with no criminal record or past immigration violations |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
Perform routine cleaning tasks like sweeping, mopping, dusting, and waste disposal in buildings. |
|
Specialized Cleaner |
Handle tasks like carpet shampooing, deep cleaning, and chemical treatments using specialized tools. |
|
High-Rise Window Cleaner |
Clean exterior glass surfaces of tall buildings using safety harnesses or gondolas. |
|
Sanitation Worker |
Disinfect high-contact areas, restrooms, and food zones to maintain hygiene and safety standards. |
|
Building Maintenance Technician |
Carry out basic repairs in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and general upkeep of building systems. |
|
Electrical Maintenance Technician |
Maintain and repair electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment. Ensure electrical safety compliance. |
|
Plumbing Maintenance Technician |
Install, repair, and maintain water supply and drainage systems in residential and commercial buildings. |
|
HVAC Technician |
Service and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for energy efficiency. |
|
Lift Maintenance Technician |
Inspect, maintain, and repair elevators and escalators to ensure smooth operation and safety. |
|
Pest Control Technician |
Identify and treat pest infestations using chemicals and traps; maintain pest-free environments. |
|
Landscape & Grounds Worker |
Maintain outdoor spaces by mowing, watering, pruning, and cleaning gardens and building exteriors. |
|
Waste Management Worker |
Collect, segregate, and dispose of waste materials in compliance with environmental regulations. |
|
Facility Maintenance Supervisor |
Supervise cleaning and maintenance teams; assign tasks and ensure compliance with safety protocols. |
|
Operations & Maintenance Executive |
Oversee overall building operations, manage vendors, and ensure proper maintenance schedules. |
|
Maintenance Coordinator |
Plan, schedule, and track maintenance activities and equipment servicing for buildings. |
|
Cleaning Team Leader |
Lead a team of cleaners, train new staff, inspect work, and report issues to supervisors. |
|
Fire Safety & Maintenance Officer |
Conduct fire drills, inspect fire safety systems, and ensure emergency preparedness compliance. |
|
Energy & Building System Technician |
Monitor energy systems and building automation; troubleshoot and optimize system efficiency. |
|
Building Supervisor |
Oversee day-to-day building maintenance operations and contractor performance for upkeep. |
|
Facility Engineer |
Design and implement facility improvements, conduct inspections, and ensure technical systems function. |
Job Profile |
Minimum Education |
Experience Required |
Work Permit Type |
Special Certifications (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
None |
Not mandatory |
Work Permit |
Basic Safety Orientation (recommended) |
|
Specialized Cleaner |
Secondary preferred |
1 year preferred |
Work Permit |
WSQ Cleaning Modules |
|
High-Rise Window Cleaner |
Secondary |
1–2 years |
Work Permit |
Rope Access Certification / IPAF License |
|
Sanitation Worker |
None |
Not mandatory |
Work Permit |
Infection Control Training (for hospitals) |
|
Building Maintenance Technician |
Secondary or Vocational Cert. |
1–2 years |
Work Permit / S Pass |
WSQ Facilities Maintenance Certificate |
|
Electrical Maintenance Technician |
ITE or Vocational in Electrical |
2–3 years |
S Pass |
Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) (if applicable) |
|
Plumbing Maintenance Technician |
Vocational (Plumbing) |
2 years |
Work Permit / S Pass |
WSQ Plumbing Certification |
|
HVAC Technician |
Diploma / Vocational |
2–3 years |
S Pass |
Aircon Servicing Cert / WSQ HVAC |
|
Lift Maintenance Technician |
Diploma (Mechanical/Electrical) |
2–3 years |
S Pass |
BCA Lift Specialist Training |
|
Pest Control Technician |
Secondary |
1–2 years |
Work Permit |
NEA Pest Control License |
|
Landscape & Grounds Worker |
None |
Not mandatory |
Work Permit |
WSQ in Landscape Operations (optional) |
|
Waste Management Worker |
None |
Not mandatory |
Work Permit |
WSQ Waste Management Module |
|
Facility Maintenance Supervisor |
Diploma or equivalent |
3–5 years |
S Pass |
WSQ Facilities Supervision |
|
Operations & Maintenance Executive |
Diploma / Degree |
3–5 years |
S Pass / Employment Pass |
Relevant Engineering or Facility Management Cert |
|
Maintenance Coordinator |
Diploma |
2–4 years |
S Pass |
Project Management or Maintenance Scheduling Cert |
|
Cleaning Team Leader |
Secondary |
2–3 years |
Work Permit / S Pass |
WSQ Team Leadership in Cleaning |
|
Fire Safety & Maintenance Officer |
Diploma |
2–3 years |
S Pass |
SCDF Fire Safety Manager Certificate |
|
Energy & Building System Technician |
Diploma (Engineering) |
3–5 years |
S Pass |
BMS (Building Management System) Training |
|
Building Supervisor |
Diploma or ITE |
3–5 years |
S Pass |
BCA Supervisor Certificate |
|
Facility Engineer |
Degree (Mechanical/Electrical) |
3–6 years |
Employment Pass |
PE (if required), Energy Efficiency Certification |
Job Category |
Job Examples |
Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Entry-Level (Unskilled) |
General Cleaner, Sanitation Worker, Waste Management Worker, Landscape Worker |
0–1 year; on-the-job training usually provided |
|
Semi-Skilled Roles |
Specialized Cleaner, Pest Control Technician, Cleaning Team Leader |
1–2 years preferred; some industry knowledge required |
|
Skilled Technical Roles |
HVAC Technician, Lift Maintenance Technician, Electrical/Plumbing Technician |
2–3 years; relevant technical experience needed |
|
Supervisory Roles |
Facility Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Coordinator, Fire Safety Officer |
3–5 years in related technical or team leadership roles |
|
Executive & Engineering Roles |
Facility Engineer, Operations & Maintenance Executive, Building Supervisor |
3–6 years; degree and industry-specific experience required |
Company Name |
Core Services |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|
|
ISS Facility Services Pte Ltd |
Integrated facilities management, cleaning, maintenance |
One of the largest FM companies; actively hires foreign workers |
|
CBM Pte Ltd (a member of City Developments Ltd) |
Cleaning, maintenance, security, landscaping |
Offers a range of property services; hires S Pass and Work Permit holders |
|
Engie Services Singapore Pte Ltd |
Energy, HVAC, technical and maintenance services |
International presence; hires engineers and skilled technicians |
|
Chye Thiam Maintenance Pte Ltd |
Environmental and cleaning services |
Long-established local company; regularly employs international cleaners |
|
SMM Pte Ltd (Member of Keppel Group) |
Integrated facilities management, technical maintenance |
Part of Keppel Corporation; hires across building maintenance categories |
|
Ramky Cleantech Services Pte Ltd |
Industrial and commercial cleaning |
Frequently hires Indian, Bangladeshi, and Burmese workers |
|
Sembcorp Facilities Management |
General and specialized building maintenance services |
Well-known in public and private sector contracts |
|
UEMS Solutions Pte Ltd |
Environmental and healthcare cleaning, facility services |
Often hires foreign workers for healthcare-related cleaning roles |
|
Shimizu Corporation (Singapore) |
Construction and building maintenance |
Hires skilled technicians for ongoing property upkeep in its built projects |
|
Hong Ye Group Pte Ltd |
Cleaning, pest control, landscaping |
Known for hiring Work Permit holders from various countries |
|
LS 2 Services Pte Ltd |
Commercial and industrial cleaning |
Medium-sized firm with diverse international staff |
|
Clean Solutions Pte Ltd |
Waste management, cleaning, disinfection |
Recruits both general cleaners and sanitation workers |
|
APT Facilities Management Services |
Facility cleaning and maintenance |
Works on residential and commercial sites; actively recruits overseas staff |
|
Kleen-Tech Engineering Services |
HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical maintenance |
Hires skilled foreign technicians with relevant certifications |
|
Springmount Services Pte Ltd |
Commercial cleaning, property services |
Hires international cleaners and supervisors |
Job Profile |
Avg Monthly Salary (SGD) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
1,600 |
No formal education; physically fit; basic English preferred |
ISS, Clean Solutions, LS 2 Services |
Sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, and remove trash in assigned areas |
|
Specialized Cleaner |
1,900 |
1–2 years’ experience; WSQ training preferred |
Chye Thiam, Springmount, Ramky |
Perform carpet cleaning, upholstery care, and chemical deep cleaning |
|
High-Rise Window Cleaner |
2,200 |
Rope access certification; physically fit; 1–2 years’ experience |
CBM, ISS, LS 2 Services |
Clean exterior windows of tall buildings using safety equipment |
|
Sanitation Worker |
1,700 |
Basic health and hygiene knowledge; WSQ sanitation course |
UEMS, Clean Solutions, Ramky |
Deep clean and sanitize restrooms, kitchens, and medical or food-handling areas |
|
Building Maintenance Technician |
2,300 |
Technical/vocational training; 1–2 years of maintenance experience |
CBM, Keppel SMM, APT FM |
Repair and maintain building systems including lighting, plumbing, and HVAC |
|
Electrical Technician |
2,600 |
ITE diploma; electrical license (if applicable); 2–3 years’ experience |
Engie, CBM, Shimizu Corporation |
Maintain and troubleshoot electrical wiring, lighting, and circuits |
|
Plumbing Technician |
2,500 |
Plumbing certification; hands-on experience |
Keppel SMM, APT FM, Springmount |
Install and repair water systems, pipes, faucets, and drainage |
|
HVAC Technician |
2,700 |
HVAC diploma; 2–3 years’ experience; knowledge of refrigerants |
Engie, Ramky, Sembcorp |
Service, clean, and repair heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems |
|
Lift Maintenance Technician |
3,000 |
Diploma in Electrical/Mechanical; safety training; 3 years’ experience |
CBM, SMM, Keppel Land |
Inspect and service elevators and escalators |
|
Pest Control Technician |
2,100 |
NEA license; basic training; ability to handle chemicals |
Ramky, Chye Thiam, Clean Solutions |
Detect and treat pest infestations in buildings |
|
Landscape Worker |
1,800 |
No experience required; ability to work outdoors |
Hong Ye Group, Springmount |
Maintain gardens, lawns, and green spaces |
|
Waste Management Worker |
1,700 |
Basic physical fitness; hygiene awareness |
Clean Solutions, Ramky, Chye Thiam |
Collect, sort, and dispose of waste and recyclables |
|
Facility Maintenance Supervisor |
3,500 |
Diploma; 3–5 years’ experience; leadership skills |
CBM, Keppel SMM, ISS |
Supervise maintenance teams and ensure building standards are met |
|
O&M Executive |
4,000 |
Diploma or Degree; 3+ years in FM |
ISS, Sembcorp, Engie |
Oversee daily facility operations, vendor management, and compliance |
|
Maintenance Coordinator |
2,800 |
Diploma; scheduling and planning experience |
UEMS, Keppel SMM, Springmount |
Plan and monitor maintenance works, maintain logs and reports |
|
Cleaning Team Leader |
2,400 |
2–3 years in cleaning; leadership training |
LS 2 Services, CBM, Clean Solutions |
Supervise cleaning teams, assign duties, and inspect work |
|
Fire Safety Officer |
3,200 |
SCDF Fire Safety Certificate; Diploma; 2+ years’ experience |
SMM, CBM, Shimizu |
Conduct fire drills, inspect systems, and ensure fire code compliance |
|
Energy & BMS Technician |
3,000 |
Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical; experience with building automation |
Engie, Sembcorp, CBM |
Monitor and optimize building energy systems and controls |
|
Building Supervisor |
3,600 |
Diploma; 3–5 years’ experience |
Keppel SMM, CBM, UEMS |
Manage daily building operations and oversee contractor performance |
|
Facility Engineer |
4,200 |
Degree in Engineering; 3–6 years’ experience |
Engie, Sembcorp, CBM |
Plan, design, and improve facility systems; ensure technical compliance |
Visa Type |
Suitable For |
Common Job Roles |
Key Eligibility Requirements |
Validity & Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Work Permit (WP) |
Low-skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers |
General Cleaner, Sanitation Worker, Landscape Worker, Waste Management Worker, Pest Control Technician |
Age: 18–50 years (varies by nationality) |
Valid up to 2 years |
|
S Pass |
Mid-skilled workers with technical training |
Building Maintenance Technician, Electrician, Plumber, HVAC Technician, Lift Technician, Cleaning Team Leader |
Monthly salary ≥ SGD 3,150 (as of 2025) |
Valid for up to 2 years |
|
Employment Pass (EP) |
Degree holders in professional roles |
Facility Engineer, Operations & Maintenance Executive, Building Supervisor |
Monthly salary ≥ SGD 5,000 (2025) |
Valid up to 2 years |
|
Training Work Permit |
Short-term hands-on training roles |
Intern or trainee positions in cleaning or maintenance companies |
For semi-skilled workers undergoing training |
Up to 6 months |
|
Training Employment Pass |
Professional or management trainees |
Trainees for Facility Management, Engineering roles |
Degree students or recent graduates |
Up to 3 months |