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How to Become a Janitor/Custodian (Offices, Schools, Commercial) in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook

by Occupations.ca Team
10 min read

Have you ever walked into a spotless office or school first thing in the morning and wondered who made it feel so fresh and ready for the day? If you enjoy practical work, keeping spaces clean, and helping people feel safe and comfortable, a career as a Janitor / Custodian (Offices, schools, commercial) in Ontario might be a great fit for you.

Job Description

In Ontario, a Janitor or Custodian keeps offices, schools, and commercial buildings clean, safe, and well maintained. You ensure that learning and working environments are hygienic, organized, and ready for use. In many workplaces—especially schools—you are a key part of the team that supports students, staff, clients, and visitors each day.

Daily work activities

You will work indoors most of the time and sometimes outdoors (for snow removal or groundskeeping). Your shifts may be early morning, daytime, afternoon, or overnight, depending on the building’s schedule. In schools, you may work during the day or after classes; in offices and commercial sites, evening and night shifts are common. You will use Cleaning tools and equipment, handle cleaning chemicals safely, and follow set procedures and schedules.

Main tasks

  • Clean and sanitize washrooms, classrooms, offices, lobbies, and hallways
  • Sweep, vacuum, mop, and scrub floors; strip and wax floors when required
  • Dust and clean windows, surfaces, fixtures, and common areas
  • Empty garbage and recycling; follow waste segregation procedures
  • Refill supplies (soap, paper towels, toilet tissue)
  • Set up and take down furniture for meetings, events, and exams
  • Perform light building Maintenance (replace light bulbs, minor repairs)
  • Inspect Safety issues (wet floors, broken tiles, trip hazards) and report hazards
  • Lock and unlock buildings; secure alarms; control building access as needed
  • Maintain cleaning equipment; report and document maintenance needs
  • Follow WHMIS safety rules for handling and storing chemicals
  • In winter, clear entrances/sidewalks and apply salt or sand for safety

You may also assist with receiving deliveries, moving boxes, and supporting facility operations (Boilers, HVAC) under Supervision—especially if you work as a Caretaker/Building Superintendent in a commercial or residential setting.

Required Education

Becoming a custodian in Ontario is very accessible. Many employers provide on-the-job Training, and a high school diploma is often preferred but not always required. Safety training and certain certificates can make you a stronger candidate.

Diplomas

  • Certificate:
    • WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) — highly recommended
    • First Aid/CPR — often requested
    • Working at Heights — required only if your duties include working at heights
    • Fall Protection, Ladder Safety, Lockout/Tagout awareness — assets for some workplaces
    • Infection Prevention and control (especially in healthcare or school settings)
  • College Diploma (optional but helpful for advancement):
    • Building Environmental Systems (BES), Facilities/Building Maintenance, or related continuing education
  • Bachelor’s Degree:
    • Not required for janitorial/custodial roles. Degrees become more relevant if you move into facility Management or supervisory roles later in your career.
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Length of studies

  • WHMIS: typically a few hours (online or in-class)
  • First Aid/CPR: usually 1–2 days
  • Working at Heights: 1 day (with refreshers as required by regulation)
  • Building Environmental Systems or Building Maintenance programs (part-time CE): several months to 1 year, depending on pace
  • On-the-job training: generally a few weeks to several months

Where to study? (Ontario examples and useful links)

Safety and Compliance training:

Adult education (to complete your OSSD if needed):

Ontario colleges and continuing education (building/facilities basics, BES, maintenance):

Professional and industry associations (learning and networking):

Job application portals (many Ontario school boards and employers use these):

Tip: When you look at college continuing education pages, search for course titles like “Building Environmental Systems (BES),” “Facility/Building Maintenance,” “Building Operations,” or “Custodial Services.” Even short micro-credentials will make your résumé stronger.

Salary and Working Conditions

Entry-level vs experienced salary

In Ontario, wages for Janitors/Custodians vary by employer, union status, and location.

  • Entry-level (Commercial Cleaning, non-union, part-time): often close to the Ontario minimum wage or a few dollars above, depending on shift and site. See minimum wage updates: https://www.ontario.ca/page/minimum-wage-ontario
  • School boards, municipalities, hospitals, and large employers (often unionized): typically higher hourly rates, plus Benefits and pension eligibility after probation. Evening and night shifts may include shift premiums. Many school-based custodians in Ontario are members of CUPE locals and may participate in OMERS (the municipal employees’ pension) when employed by public sector organizations that offer it.
  • Experienced custodians, lead hands, or building superintendents: higher hourly pay or salary. Some superintendent roles include rent-reduced or on-site accommodation as part of compensation.

Benefits may include paid sick days, extended health and dental, uniforms/PPE, training, and pension plans (varies by employer). Always review the job posting or collective agreement for details.

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Note: For the most current wage information and provincial ranges, check the Government of Canada Job Bank (search “Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents (NOC 65312)” and select Ontario): https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/

Job outlook

The employment outlook in Ontario for Janitor / Custodian (Offices, schools, commercial) is generally steady. Offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial properties require continuous cleaning, sanitizing, and maintenance. Demand increases with population growth, new Construction, and higher standards for infection control.

Useful labour market resources:

Seasonal and regional factors can affect hiring. In large urban areas like the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, London, Hamilton, and Kitchener–Waterloo, there are often more openings across schools, commercial cleaning companies, and facility management firms.

Working conditions

  • Work hours: Days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays depending on building schedules. Schools often need evening custodians; offices/commercial sites frequently clean after business hours.
  • Physical demands: Lifting, carrying, pushing carts, bending, climbing ladders, and standing/walking for long periods. Good physical fitness helps.
  • Safety: Use of chemicals and equipment; must follow WHMIS, wear PPE (gloves, eye protection, sometimes masks), and follow safe work procedures.
  • Environment: Sometimes dirty, wet, or noisy; possible exposure to biohazards (bodily fluids) and dust. Ventilation and safe chemical handling are important.
  • Security: Some roles require police record checks (schools, healthcare, government). Learn more about police record checks in Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/police-record-checks

Key Skills

Success in custodial work comes from a mix of people skills and technical skills.

Soft skills

  • Reliability and punctuality: Buildings depend on your schedule.
  • Attention to detail: Cleanliness, safety, and quality checks.
  • Time management: Completing tasks within tight schedules.
  • Communication: Reporting hazards and coordinating with staff or supervisors.
  • Teamwork and independence: Work alone during shifts and as part of a team for big projects.
  • Customer Service mindset: You Support students, staff, clients, and visitors.
  • Flexibility: Shift changes, urgent cleanups, and special events happen.

Hard skills

  • Safe chemical handling (WHMIS) and correct dilution of cleaning products
  • Floor care: Stripping, Waxing, burnishing, and carpet extraction
  • Janitorial equipment operation: Auto-scrubbers, burnishers, wet/dry vacuums
  • Infection control: Proper sanitizing and Disinfection procedures
  • Minor building maintenance: Basic repairs, changing bulbs/filters, securing doors
  • Waste management: Recycling, hazardous waste procedures (where applicable)
  • Record-keeping: Work orders, checklists, inspection reports
  • Safety procedures: Ladder safety, fall protection, lockout/tagout awareness

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

  • Steady demand across Ontario’s public and private sectors
  • Entry-level friendly with on-the-job training
  • Clear pathways to lead hand, head caretaker, building superintendent, or facility operations
  • Opportunity to work in environments you enjoy (schools, offices, commercial sites)
  • In unionized settings: potential benefits, pension, and job security
  • Tangible results: you can see the positive impact of your work every day

Disadvantages:

  • Physically demanding; repetitive tasks can cause strain
  • Evening or overnight shifts are common, especially in commercial sites
  • Exposure to chemicals, biohazards, and noise
  • Workload spikes during weather events, spills, or special events
  • Some positions require police record checks and strict protocols (e.g., schools)
  • Pay varies widely; some entry-level roles are close to minimum wage
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Expert Opinion

If you are starting out or changing careers in Ontario and want dependable work with real impact, custodial roles in offices, schools, and commercial buildings offer a practical route. You can start quickly, build skills, and work your way up. Focus first on the essentials: complete WHMIS, learn proper infection control and floor care, and show strong attendance and work ethic—these are highly valued by employers.

If you want to grow your earnings and responsibilities, aim for a unionized environment (such as school boards, municipalities, hospitals) and consider part-time college continuing education in Building Environmental Systems (BES) or facility maintenance. These courses signal that you are serious and ready for more technical tasks. Over time, you can move into lead custodian, head caretaker, or building superintendent roles, and even transition into facility management.

For job search Strategy in Ontario:

  • Apply as a casual/on-call custodian with a local school board via ApplyToEducation.
  • Look at municipal job boards and large cleaning contractors for steady shifts.
  • Keep your résumé short and practical, highlighting safety training and equipment you can operate.
  • Ask about training, shift premiums, and benefits during interviews, and always follow safety procedures—your reputation for safe, thorough work will open doors.

FAQ

Do I need a high school diploma to become a custodian in Ontario?

Many employers will hire without a high school diploma if you show reliability and a willingness to learn. However, an OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) improves your chances—especially with school boards and public sector employers. If you need to finish high school, explore Ontario Adult Learning options: https://www.ontario.ca/page/adult-learning

Are custodial jobs in schools different from those in offices or commercial sites?

Yes. In schools, you may need a police record check, follow stricter infection control procedures, support classroom and gym setups, and interact more with staff and students. In offices/commercial sites, you may work more independently, often during evenings or nights, with a strong focus on floor care, restrooms, kitchens, and common areas. Pay and benefits can also differ, with many school roles being unionized.

What equipment and technology should I be comfortable using?

Expect to use auto-scrubbers, walk-behind or ride-on burnishers, carpet extractors, wet/dry vacuums, backpack vacuums, and dilution control systems. You may also use work order apps, digital logs, and inspection checklists on tablets or smartphones. Learning to maintain these machines (changing pads, cleaning filters, checking cords/batteries) is a valuable skill.

How can I move from custodian to building superintendent or facility management?

Build experience in floor care, safety, and minor maintenance, then add education—such as BES courses through Ontario colleges’ continuing education. Ask for opportunities to assist with work orders, contractor Coordination, or HVAC/boiler checks (within your training and workplace rules). Over time, you can move into lead custodian or superintendent roles, and later pursue facility management certifications or diplomas.

Are there unionized custodian roles in Ontario, and what are the benefits?

Yes. Many school boards, municipalities, and hospitals have unionized custodial roles. Unions may negotiate higher wages, shift premiums, benefits, and pension participation (for example, OMERS in many public-sector workplaces). To learn more about unionized education-sector roles, visit CUPE Ontario: https://cupe.on.ca/

By focusing on safety certifications, solid work habits, and continuous learning, you can build a stable and rewarding career as a Janitor / Custodian (Offices, schools, commercial) in Ontario—one that keeps your community’s spaces clean, healthy, and welcoming every day.

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