Building, Grounds Cleaning
& Maintenance Careers

The Unsung Backbone of Facility Health, Careers &
Jobs Guide – Skills, Salary, Outlook + MAPP Fit | Assessment.com

Why This Sector Matters

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Clean, safe environments aren’t a luxury; they're a public-health necessity. Whether maintaining a Fortune 500 campus or a coastal resort, Building & Grounds Cleaning workers enable every other department to function. Automation is nibbling at routine tasks, yet human judgment and adaptability keep these roles resilient.

Complete Occupational List

Role Daily Focus Median Pay* Training
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers Oversee crews performing landscaping, lawn care, and grounds maintenance $51k High school diploma, leadership training, on-the-job experience
Housekeeping Supervisors Coordinate and inspect cleaning staff to maintain cleanliness standards $45k High school diploma, supervisory training, hospitality experience
Janitorial Supervisors Manage janitorial teams, schedule shifts, and ensure facility cleanliness $44k High school diploma, management skills, on-the-job training
Janitors and Cleaners (Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners) Clean and maintain buildings, offices, and public spaces $31k No formal education required, on-the-job training
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Maintain outdoor spaces, plant trees and flowers, mow lawns $35k No formal education required, on-the-job training
Lawn Service Managers Oversee lawn care operations, customer relations, and crew assignments $48k High school diploma, business and management experience
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners Clean and tidy rooms, replace linens, restock supplies $29k No formal education required, short-term on-the-job training
Pest Control Workers Inspect properties, apply treatments to eliminate pests $41k High school diploma, state certification, on-the-job training
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation Apply pesticides to control weeds, insects, and plant diseases $39k High school diploma, safety training, state certification
Tree Trimmers and Pruners Trim, prune, and remove trees to ensure safety and health $38k No formal education required, on-the-job training, safety certification

Workplace Spectrum

  1. Corporate & Campus Facilities - Multi-building logistics, green roofs.
  2. Hospitality Venues - Hotels, theme parks; 24/7 cleanliness standards.
  3. Municipal Parks - Public safety + horticulture science.
  4. Specialty Services - Post-construction cleanup, COVID sanitation, LEED-compliant landscaping.
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Skill Inventory

  1. Attention to Detail - Clean means “invisible.”
  2. Mechanical Aptitude - Power washers, lifts, pesticide applicators.
  3. Safety & Compliance - OSHA, chemical handling, fall protection.
  4. Customer Interaction - Occupied spaces require diplomatic communication.
  5. Problem Anticipation - Spotting leaks, pest entry points, or soil erosion early.
    ‍

Career Progression (progression is endless)

  1. Entry-level custodians can move into Lead Cleaner → Shift Supervisor → Facility Manager.
  2. Grounds workers can ladder into Landscape Designer with horticulture certificates.
  3. Tree trimmers evolve toward ISA-Certified Arborist roles.
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Job Outlook

BLS projects stable or slightly growing demand, aging infrastructure and green-space expansion offset automation.
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Is This Field Your Match?

Success hinges on reliability, task ownership, and physical stamina. The Free MAPP Assessment highlights motivations like orderliness and practical problem-solving, ideal predictors for excelling in Building & Grounds Cleaning.

How to use this library

This career library is your one-stop resource for exploring a wide range of professions. Start by browsing the categories to discover roles that match your interests. For each role, review details like salary, job outlook, and education requirements to compare options. Use the MAPP assessment to get a personalized list of career matches tailored to your strengths. Bookmark careers that catch your eye so you can revisit them later. Share your saved list with a teacher, parent, or mentor to discuss your next steps. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career change, this library will guide you toward informed choices.

  • Browse a career category to explore roles.

  • Scan salary & outlook to compare options.

  • Take MAPP for a personalized match list.

  • Bookmark favorites and share with a coach, parent, or mentor.

Ready for a shortcut?

Get your personalized career matches in minutes with the free MAPP career assessment.

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