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Caretaker, Cleaner, Housekeeper, Industrial Plant Cleaner, Janitor, Light Duty Cleaner, Sanitization Team Member
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
A custodian’s duties may be light or heavy. They may involve both the inside and outside of a building.
A custodian’s light duties might be to:
A custodian’s heavy duties might be to:
Many jobs also require custodians to make sure all doors are locked and electrical items turned off.
School custodians also maintain heating and cooling equipment by, for example, changing filters. They make sure lights and fire extinguishers work.
Industrial plant cleaners also ensure machinery is free of lint, dust, oil, and grease. They may use a box cart to take materials and products between buildings.
Custodians often work evenings and nights. They may work part time on a nightly, weekly, or monthly basis. Others work 8-hour shifts. They may be called upon to respond to emergencies when off duty.
Custodians usually work indoors, but they may need to do some outdoor work. They may clean sidewalks and driveways, check drains, and inspect HVAC equipment on rooftops. Sometimes they clean the outside of buildings.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in copying instructions to clean and maintain the interior and exterior of commercial, institutional and residential buildings and their grounds; to contract tradespersons for major repairs; and to ensure that security and safety measures are in place in the establishment
Interest in operating - manipulating industrial vacuum cleaners to remove scraps, dirt, heavy debris and other refuse; to sweep, mop, scrub and wax hallways, floors and stairs; to clear snow and ice from walkways and parking areas; and to cut grass and tend grounds
Interest in making adjustments and minor repairs to heating, cooling, ventilating, plumbing and electrical systems; and in performing routine maintenance jobs and repairs such as painting
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Custodians need:
They should enjoy taking an orderly approach to their work. They should also like working with equipment like vacuum cleaners, sweepers, and floor polishers.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 22, 2024 and Nov 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Make adjustments and minor repairs to heating, cooling, ventilation, plumbing and electrical systems, and contact tradespersons for major repairs | 62 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Perform minor repairs on appliances | 61 |
| Tasks: Move heavy furniture, equipment and supplies | 59 |
| Tasks: Sweep, mop, scrub and wax hallways, floors and stairs | 59 |
| Tasks: Empty trash cans and other waste containers | 59 |
| Tasks: Work with minimal supervision | 55 |
| Tasks: Operate industrial vacuum cleaners to remove scraps, dirt, heavy debris and other refuse | 51 |
| Tasks: Wash windows, interior walls and ceilings | 50 |
| Tasks: Perform safety and security checks | 49 |
| Tasks: Clean and disinfect bathrooms and fixtures | 48 |
Most custodians are trained on the job. They need to know which cleaning products to use for different purposes, and which cleaning chemicals they can mix safely.
There are no standard educational requirements for custodians. However, employers may require job applicants to have one or more of the following:
Custodians doing industrial work may need other safety training.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification offers certification for custodians who have taken approved floor-care training courses.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Custodians may work for:
Custodians may subcontract their services or become contractors themselves. Many positions are part time. Competition for better-paying jobs is intense.
There are few openings in higher-paid positions like supervisor or inspector. Some custodians may train for building operator jobs.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents
2016 NOC: 6733
75.4% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Hourly wages for custodians vary a great deal.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $30.77 | $20.15 | $18.00 |
| Overall | $15.87 | $34.66 | $23.64 | $22.15 |
| Top | $16.44 | $42.50 | $28.83 | $29.06 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $41,797 |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | $34,672 |
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $35,846 |
| Construction | $53,871 |
| Manufacturing | $52,927 |
| Wholesale Trade | $48,872 |
| Retail Trade | $36,820 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $54,036 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $30,244 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $56,215 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $29,563 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $29,157 |
| Educational Services | $41,758 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $47,519 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $34,985 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $28,701 |
| Public Administration | $56,116 |
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
