Airport cleaners play an essential role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in some of the world’s busiest and most vital transportation hubs. While this profession might not always receive the recognition it deserves, it is crucial to the smooth running of the commercial aviation industry. However, a common question potential airport cleaners may have is, “How much can I earn as an airport cleaner?”
In this article, we teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to take a closer look at the factors that influence the earnings of airport cleaners and provide insights into the potential salary range.
What Are the Duties of An Airport Cleaner?
Before looking at the earnings of airport cleaners, let’s first take a look at their day-to-day duties. Airport cleaners are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of various areas within the airport, including terminals, restrooms, waiting areas, and other airport facilities. Their duties typically include:
- Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors.
- Emptying trash.
- Cleaning and sanitizing restrooms.
- Dusting and cleaning surfaces, such as windows, counters, and seating.
- Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, like handrails and elevators.
- Responding to spills and accidents promptly.
- Restocking consumable supplies such as toilet paper, soap, and paper towels.
- Operating cleaning equipment.
Factors Influencing Earnings
Several factors can influence how much an airport cleaner earns:
Location
The location of the airport will have a significant effect on potential earnings. Large international airports in major cities, for example, will often pay higher wages than smaller rural airports.
Experience
As with most professions, experience will also determine an airport cleaner’s salary. Entry-level cleaners may earn less than those with several years of experience.
Shifts and Hours
Airport cleaners often work in shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Those who work outside of standard hours may receive higher pay rates.
Union Representation
Some airport cleaners may be part of labor unions, which can negotiate for better wages and benefits on their behalf.
Employment contracts
The company or organization employing airport cleaners will usually offer employment contracts with varying terms. Some employers may offer better pay and benefits than others.
Salary Range
The salary range for airport cleaners will vary significantly based on location, employer, union involvement, and labor market conditions. Here’s a rough estimate of the potential earnings for airport cleaners currently in the United States:
- Entry-Level
Airport cleaners with little to no experience may earn $25,350 per year or around $12 per hour.
- Average
Those with a few years of experience can earn around $30,178 per year or $14.50 per hour. depending on the location and employer.
- Experienced
Airport cleaners with several years of experience and a proven track record may earn up to $36,990 per year. Again, this will depend on the size and location of the airport.
- Supervisory Roles
Some experienced airport cleaners may advance to supervisory roles, which can offer higher salaries.
Job Security and Advancement Opportunities
job security for airport cleaners is generally stable due to the continuous demand for cleaning services at airports. However, this may vary depending on several factors, including the airport’s size, the cleaning company or agency they work for, and their experience.
Here are some of the factors that will influence job security:
Steady Demand
Airport cleaners often enjoy a high level of job security because airports are continuously operational, requiring ongoing maintenance and cleaning. Consequently, the demand for cleaners remains relatively stable, even during economic downturns.
Long-Term Contracts
Cleaning contracts for airport facilities are usually long-term, which provides a certain amount of job security for cleaners. These contracts are often awarded by airports to outsourced cleaning companies that can guarantee consistent cleanliness and maintenance.
Union Representation
In some cases, airport cleaners may be members of labor unions that negotiate for job security and protection of workers’ rights. Unionized workers may have better job security and benefits.
Final thoughts
While the compensation for this profession may not be among the highest in the aviation industry, employment in this field can provide a stable source of income with a high level of job security. Furthermore, as with any career, diligent work will pay off in the long run and may lead to opportunities for advancement and higher earnings.