The cleaning and maintenance industry in the U.S. is essential for keeping commercial, residential, and industrial spaces safe and functional. There is a constant demand for reliable workers, providing stable job opportunities.
Many jobs in this sector do not require advanced degrees or certifications. This makes it accessible for newcomers, immigrants, and those looking to start working quickly.
With experience, workers can move into supervisory roles, start their own cleaning businesses, or specialize in areas like green cleaning or industrial maintenance.
Jobs often offer flexible hours, including part-time, full-time, early morning, and night shifts. This flexibility is great for people who need to balance work with other responsibilities.
Cleaning and maintenance services are always needed—especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This makes the industry more recession-resistant than many others.
For immigrants or those on temporary visas like H-4, this sector can be a stepping stone into the workforce while adapting to life in the U.S.
Cleaning and maintenance jobs are often among the first opportunities available to international workers. They allow candidates to enter the job market quickly, gain experience, and build a foundation for future career advancement.
Unlike many U.S. industries, cleaning and maintenance roles typically do not require formal education or licensing. This levels the playing field for newcomers who may be adjusting to a new country and system.
From office buildings and schools to hospitals and shopping centers, the need for cleaning and maintenance services never stops. This ongoing demand ensures consistent job openings across cities and states.
Starting in an entry-level role doesn’t mean staying there. Many companies offer training programs, and with time, workers can move into supervisory positions, specialize in high-demand areas like sanitation or HVAC maintenance, or even launch their own service businesses.
Whether you’re a student, caregiver, or simply adjusting to a new schedule in a new country, flexible shifts make it easier to balance life and work.
Even if your long-term goal is to move into a different sector, the discipline, time management, and teamwork skills developed in this industry are transferable and respected across the job market.
Responsible for general cleaning of buildings such as schools, offices, and public spaces. Duties include sweeping, mopping, trash removal, and basic restroom maintenance.
Focuses on cleaning offices, retail stores, hospitals, and other commercial facilities. May work during off-hours or overnight shifts.
Typically works in hotels, resorts, or private homes. Tasks include cleaning rooms, changing linens, and restocking supplies.
Handles repairs and maintenance of building systems like lighting, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Requires some technical skills or training.
Specializes in floor cleaning and treatment such as carpet shampooing, waxing, and polishing hard surfaces.
Cleans windows in commercial or residential buildings, sometimes requiring work at heights using ladders or lift equipment.
Takes care of outdoor areas such as lawns, walkways, and parking lots. Duties include landscaping, snow removal, and trash cleanup.
Ensures high hygiene standards in medical, food processing, or manufacturing environments. Involves deep cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Lives on-site or is available on-call to manage day-to-day building operations, including maintenance requests and emergency repairs.
Handles inspection and treatment to prevent or eliminate pests from residential or commercial properties. Requires certification in most states.
Job Title |
Average Annual Salary (USD) |
Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Janitor / Custodian |
$32,000 |
₹2,65,600 |
|
Commercial Cleaner |
$33,000 |
₹2,73,900 |
|
Housekeeper |
$31,000 |
₹2,57,300 |
|
Maintenance Technician |
$47,000 |
₹3,90,100 |
|
Floor Care Technician |
$35,000 |
₹2,90,500 |
|
Window Cleaner |
$36,000 |
₹2,98,800 |
|
Groundskeeper / Landscaper |
$34,000 |
₹2,82,200 |
|
Sanitation Worker |
$38,000 |
₹3,15,400 |
|
Building Superintendent |
$50,000 |
₹4,15,000 |
|
Pest Control Technician |
$45,000 |
₹3,73,500 |
|
HVAC Maintenance Technician |
$54,000 |
₹4,48,200 |
|
Elevator Maintenance Technician |
$80,000 |
₹6,64,000 |
|
Industrial Cleaner |
$37,000 |
₹3,07,100 |
|
Pool Maintenance Technician |
$39,000 |
₹3,23,700 |
|
Pressure Washer Operator |
$35,000 |
₹2,90,500 |
|
Building Engineer |
$70,000 |
₹5,81,000 |
|
Facilities Manager |
$75,000 |
₹6,22,500 |
|
Cleaning Supervisor |
$40,000 |
₹3,32,000 |
|
Environmental Services Worker |
$34,000 |
₹2,82,200 |
|
Carpet Cleaning Technician |
$36,000 |
₹2,98,800 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Legal Work Authorization |
Must have a valid U.S. work visa (e.g., H-2B, H-1B, J-1, Employment Authorization Document for H-4, etc.) |
|
Visa Type (Common Options) |
H-2B (Temporary Non-Agricultural Work), H-4 EAD (Dependent Spouse Work Permit), Green Card, F-1 OPT, J-1 |
|
Educational Qualification |
No formal education required for entry-level jobs; high school diploma may be preferred |
|
English Language Skills |
Basic communication skills often required; more advanced skills preferred for supervisory roles |
|
Experience Requirements |
Not mandatory for entry-level jobs; 1–3 years preferred for technical or supervisory roles |
|
Physical Fitness |
Must be physically fit to perform tasks such as lifting, bending, standing for long hours |
|
Background Check / Drug Test |
Many employers require background checks and/or drug screening |
|
Certifications (Optional) |
OSHA Safety Certification, HVAC License, or State Sanitation Permits (depending on role) |
|
Age Requirement |
Must be at least 18 years old (some roles may require 21+) |
|
Employer Sponsorship |
Required for most international candidates unless they have independent work authorization |
|
Union Membership (Optional) |
Some roles may be unionized, especially in large facilities or public-sector jobs |
Job Title |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. Janitor / Custodian |
Clean floors, restrooms, hallways; take out trash; restock supplies; perform basic building upkeep |
|
2. Commercial Cleaner |
Sanitize offices, lobbies, break rooms; handle specialized cleaning tools; ensure workplace cleanliness |
|
3. Housekeeper |
Clean guest rooms or residential spaces; change linens; dust surfaces; maintain guest standards |
|
4. Maintenance Technician |
Repair plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems; perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance |
|
5. Floor Care Technician |
Operate machines for floor stripping, waxing, buffing; maintain carpet and tile floors |
|
6. Window Cleaner |
Clean interior and exterior windows; work at heights using ladders or lifts; use safety equipment |
|
7. Groundskeeper |
Maintain lawns, gardens, parking areas; trim bushes; remove snow/leaves; operate landscaping tools |
|
8. Sanitation Worker |
Deep clean restrooms and kitchens; disinfect surfaces; comply with health and safety standards |
|
9. Building Superintendent |
Oversee building systems; respond to repair requests; supervise cleaning/maintenance staff |
|
10. Pest Control Technician |
Inspect properties; apply treatments; maintain pest control logs; ensure compliance with safety laws |
|
11. HVAC Technician |
Install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems |
|
12. Elevator Technician |
Install and service elevators/lifts; perform inspections; respond to emergency repair calls |
|
13. Industrial Cleaner |
Clean manufacturing or warehouse facilities; handle hazardous waste cleanup and industrial equipment |
|
14. Pool Maintenance Technician |
Test and treat water; clean filters and surfaces; maintain pH balance; ensure pool safety compliance |
|
15. Pressure Washer Operator |
Clean building exteriors, walkways, and industrial surfaces using high-pressure water jets |
|
16. Building Engineer |
Monitor building systems; handle complex repairs; assist with energy management and compliance reporting |
|
17. Facilities Manager |
Oversee maintenance operations; manage vendors and contractors; ensure regulatory compliance |
|
18. Cleaning Supervisor |
Assign tasks; monitor cleaning staff; train new workers; ensure cleaning standards are met |
|
19. Environmental Services Worker |
Sanitize medical or institutional settings; handle biohazard waste; follow infection control protocols |
|
20. Carpet Cleaning Technician |
Use specialized machines to clean carpets; remove stains; apply protective treatments |
Job Title |
Minimum Education |
Experience Required |
Visa/Work Authorization |
Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Janitor / Custodian |
None / High School |
0–1 year |
Work visa or EAD |
Physically fit, background check |
|
2. Commercial Cleaner |
None |
0–1 year |
Work visa or EAD |
Night shifts, basic English |
|
3. Housekeeper |
None |
0–1 year |
Work visa or EAD |
Hotel/resort experience preferred |
|
4. Maintenance Technician |
High School / Technical |
1–3 years |
Work visa or EAD |
Basic plumbing, HVAC, or electrical skills |
|
5. Floor Care Technician |
None |
0–2 years |
Work visa or EAD |
Floor waxing/buffing knowledge |
|
6. Window Cleaner |
None |
0–2 years |
Work visa or EAD |
Comfort with heights, safety training |
|
7. Groundskeeper |
None |
0–2 years |
Work visa or EAD |
Lawn care, landscaping tools |
|
8. Sanitation Worker |
None / High School |
0–1 year |
Work visa or EAD |
Knowledge of disinfecting methods |
|
9. Building Superintendent |
High School / Diploma |
2–4 years |
Work visa or EAD |
Property management, repair experience |
|
10. Pest Control Technician |
High School / License Req. |
1–3 years |
Work visa or EAD |
State license required |
|
11. HVAC Technician |
Technical Diploma / Cert. |
2–4 years |
Work visa or EAD |
EPA certification, HVAC license |
|
12. Elevator Technician |
Technical / Apprenticeship |
3–5 years |
Work visa or EAD + Sponsorship |
State license, OSHA training |
|
13. Industrial Cleaner |
None |
0–2 years |
Work visa or EAD |
Ability to use industrial tools and PPE |
|
14. Pool Maintenance Tech |
High School / Cert. |
1–2 years |
Work visa or EAD |
Water treatment knowledge, pool operator certification |
|
15. Pressure Washer Operator |
None |
0–1 year |
Work visa or EAD |
Equipment handling, safety awareness |
|
16. Building Engineer |
Engineering Degree Pref. |
3–5 years |
Work visa or EAD + Sponsorship |
Technical systems, compliance knowledge |
|
17. Facilities Manager |
Associate / Bachelor’s |
3–5 years |
Work visa or EAD + Sponsorship |
Vendor management, leadership skills |
|
18. Cleaning Supervisor |
High School |
1–3 years |
Work visa or EAD |
Staff supervision, time management |
|
19. Environmental Services |
High School / Training |
0–2 years |
Work visa or EAD |
Medical facility cleaning, infection control |
|
20. Carpet Cleaning Tech |
None |
0–1 year |
Work visa or EAD |
Use of carpet cleaning machines and chemicals |
Job Level |
Job Titles |
Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Entry-Level |
Janitor, Housekeeper, Commercial Cleaner, Sanitation Worker, Groundskeeper |
0–1 year (Often no prior experience needed) |
|
Semi-Skilled |
Floor Care Technician, Carpet Cleaner, Pool Maintenance Tech, Pressure Washer |
0–2 years preferred |
|
Skilled Technician |
Maintenance Technician, HVAC Tech, Pest Control Tech, Industrial Cleaner |
1–3 years (plus technical knowledge/certs) |
|
Supervisory Roles |
Cleaning Supervisor, Environmental Services Supervisor |
2–4 years in cleaning or team leadership |
|
Advanced Technical |
Elevator Technician, Building Engineer, Building Superintendent |
3–5 years (certifications often required) |
|
Management Roles |
Facilities Manager, Operations Manager |
3–5+ years in maintenance + leadership |
Company Name |
Industry |
Job Types Hired |
Visa Support / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ABM Industries |
Facilities Services |
Janitors, HVAC Techs, Floor Techs, Supervisors |
Known to hire H-2B & EAD holders; operates across the U.S. |
|
Sodexo USA |
Facilities & Food Services |
Housekeepers, Custodians, Environmental Services |
Hires for hospitals and universities; EAD-friendly |
|
Aramark |
Facility & Food Services |
Janitors, Floor Techs, Environmental Service Workers |
Frequently hires for universities and stadiums; EAD/OPT-friendly |
|
ISS Facility Services |
Integrated Facility Mgt. |
Custodians, Cleaners, Maintenance Techs |
Offers entry-level jobs; good for EAD or J-1 holders |
|
Jani-King |
Commercial Cleaning |
Janitors, Floor Techs, Cleaning Supervisors |
Franchised model; work under authorized work permits |
|
ServiceMaster Clean |
Cleaning Services |
Commercial & Residential Cleaners |
Independent franchises often hire locally; may consider OPT |
|
Compass Group USA |
Hospitality/Facilities |
Housekeepers, Janitors, Sanitation Staff |
Major campus and healthcare cleaning employer |
|
Cintas Corporation |
Maintenance & Supplies |
Industrial Cleaners, Facility Services Workers |
EAD-friendly, some internal roles open for OPT candidates |
|
Hospital Housekeeping Systems (HHS) |
Healthcare Cleaning |
Environmental Services, Janitorial, Floor Techs |
Active in hospitals; open to EAD, H-4, J-1 with proper docs |
|
Healthcare Services Group |
Long-Term Care Facilities |
Housekeeping, Laundry, Cleaning Staff |
Considers EAD holders; major presence in nursing facilities |
Job Title |
Avg. Salary (USD/year) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Janitor / Custodian |
$32,000 |
No formal education; basic English; physically fit |
ABM, Aramark, ISS, Compass Group |
Clean floors, restrooms, remove trash, restock supplies |
|
Commercial Cleaner |
$33,000 |
No experience needed; flexible hours; EAD-friendly |
Jani-King, ServiceMaster, PeopleReady |
Clean office spaces, windows, breakrooms, sanitize workspaces |
|
Housekeeper |
$31,000 |
Hotel/resort experience preferred; attention to detail |
Aramark, Sodexo, HHS, Marriott |
Clean guest rooms, change linens, dust furniture, restock toiletries |
|
Maintenance Technician |
$47,000 |
High school diploma; 1–3 yrs exp.; basic HVAC/plumbing skills |
ABM, Compass, Cintas, Healthcare Services Group |
Repair equipment, inspect HVAC/plumbing systems, perform general maintenance |
|
Floor Care Technician |
$35,000 |
Basic knowledge of floor cleaning machines; night shifts |
ABM, ISS, HHS |
Strip, wax, and buff floors; deep carpet cleaning |
|
Window Cleaner |
$36,000 |
No degree; safety training for heights; good balance |
ABM, Jani-King, ServiceMaster |
Clean interior/exterior windows, use ladders/lifts, follow safety procedures |
|
Groundskeeper |
$34,000 |
Lawn care knowledge; ability to operate landscaping tools |
Sodexo, Compass, Facility Management Inc. |
Maintain outdoor areas, mow lawns, remove snow, trim plants |
|
Sanitation Worker |
$38,000 |
Basic cleaning knowledge; follow hygiene protocols |
HHS, Compass Group, Aramark |
Sanitize bathrooms, kitchens, use disinfectants, dispose of waste |
|
Building Superintendent |
$50,000 |
2–4 yrs exp.; basic mechanical skills; on-call availability |
Property Management Firms, ABM, BuildingLink |
Oversee daily operations, perform repairs, respond to tenant issues |
|
Pest Control Technician |
$45,000 |
High school diploma; state license; pesticide training |
Orkin, Terminix, Aptive |
Inspect for pests, apply chemicals, write service reports |
|
HVAC Technician |
$54,000 |
Technical diploma; EPA cert; 2–4 yrs exp. |
ABM, Cintas, Johnson Controls |
Install, maintain HVAC systems, test air quality, perform repairs |
|
Elevator Technician |
$80,000 |
Apprenticeship; state license; 3–5 yrs exp. |
Otis, KONE, Schindler, Local Unions |
Install/service elevators, inspect cables, troubleshoot malfunctions |
|
Industrial Cleaner |
$37,000 |
Physically fit; safety equipment use; chemical knowledge |
ABM, Jani-King, Labor Staffing Agencies |
Clean warehouses, use industrial tools, handle waste safely |
|
Pool Maintenance Tech |
$39,000 |
Basic pool chemistry; certification preferred |
Facility Management Companies, Hotel Chains |
Treat water, clean filters, maintain pH levels, ensure pool safety |
|
Pressure Washer Operator |
$35,000 |
Training in machine use; safety procedures |
Commercial Cleaning Firms, Property Services |
Clean outdoor surfaces with high-pressure water equipment |
|
Building Engineer |
$70,000 |
Engineering degree; 3–5 yrs exp.; technical knowledge |
JLL, Cushman & Wakefield, CBRE |
Manage building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), compliance oversight |
|
Facilities Manager |
$75,000 |
Bachelor's preferred; 5+ yrs exp.; leadership skills |
Sodexo, Aramark, ISS, CBRE |
Oversee entire facility operations, budget, vendor management, compliance |
|
Cleaning Supervisor |
$40,000 |
High school; 1–3 yrs exp.; leadership skills |
ABM, Compass Group, ServiceMaster |
Lead cleaning teams, train staff, monitor performance |
|
Environmental Services |
$34,000 |
Hospital cleaning experience; infection control knowledge |
HHS, Healthcare Services Group |
Sanitize patient rooms, handle biohazards, follow hospital safety standards |
|
Carpet Cleaning Tech |
$36,000 |
No formal education; machine handling experience helpful |
Stanley Steemer, ABM, Jani-King |
Operate carpet shampooing machines, remove stains, apply treatments |
Visa Type |
Who It's For |
Work Eligibility |
Suitable Job Roles |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
H-2B Visa |
Seasonal/temporary non-agricultural workers |
Employer-sponsored, temporary jobs |
Housekeeping, janitors, groundskeeping, cleaning crews |
Most direct route; employers must prove labor shortage |
|
H-4 EAD |
Dependents (spouses) of H-1B visa holders |
Work permit (EAD) required |
All roles, including maintenance, cleaning, and technician |
No employer sponsorship needed; must apply for EAD separately |
|
F-1 (OPT/CPT) |
International students (Optional/ Curricular Training) |
Temporary (during/after study) |
Entry-level cleaning or facility jobs |
Limited to 12–36 months; STEM programs may extend OPT |
|
J-1 Visa |
Exchange visitors (interns, trainees) |
Limited to internships/training programs |
Hospitality cleaning, facility training in hotels/resorts |
Must return home after completion; employer must be part of J-1 program |
|
TN Visa (Canada/Mexico) |
Canadian/Mexican citizens under USMCA agreement |
Must meet professional requirements |
Facility management (in rare technical cases) |
Limited to skilled roles (e.g., engineer), not general labor |
|
Green Card (Permanent Residency) |
Lawful permanent residents |
Full work rights |
Any role: entry to managerial |
Long process; often through family, employment, or lottery |
|
TPS / DACA / Asylum EAD |
Refugees or individuals with legal protection status |
EAD grants full work rights |
Any cleaning & maintenance role |
Varies based on immigration policy and case approval |
|
B-1 Visa (Prohibited) |
Temporary visitors for business |
Not allowed to work in the U.S. |
None |
Using B-1 for labor work is illegal |