Canada’s job market offers diverse opportunities across many sectors, and the cleaning industry is no exception. While traditionally considered low-paying, certain cleaner jobs in Ontario offer competitive salaries, with some roles paying as much as $60,000 annually. These roles often come with benefits such as job stability, flexible hours, and opportunities for growth.
In this guide, we’ll explore high-paying cleaning jobs in Ontario, the qualifications required, industries hiring cleaners at this salary range, and how to apply for these opportunities.
Why Are Some Cleaner Jobs in Ontario High-Paying?
While cleaning jobs are often viewed as entry-level or low-paying, certain roles in Ontario offer high salaries due to specialized skills, increased demand, and challenging work conditions. Let’s dive deeper into the reasons why some cleaning jobs pay as much as $60,000 annually.
1. Specialized Cleaning Roles
Specialized cleaning goes beyond regular janitorial duties. It involves working in environments that require strict adherence to safety protocols and advanced training.
- Examples of Specialized Cleaning:
- Biohazard Cleaning: Cleaners in hospitals or laboratories handle hazardous materials such as bodily fluids, chemicals, or infectious agents. Their work ensures public health and safety, requiring knowledge of infection control and the use of advanced cleaning tools.
- Industrial Cleaning: Industrial cleaners work in factories or warehouses, where they are responsible for maintaining heavy machinery and ensuring a safe working environment. This often involves operating industrial-grade cleaning equipment and handling potentially dangerous substances.
- Why It Pays Well:
These roles demand technical expertise, certifications, and attention to detail. Specialized cleaners often undergo rigorous training to ensure compliance with industry standards, justifying the higher wages.
2. Unionized Positions
Many high-paying cleaner jobs in Ontario are unionized, which ensures better wages, benefits, and working conditions for employees.
- How Unions Impact Pay:
- Unions like the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) or the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) advocate for competitive wages and job security.
- Unionized positions often come with perks like health insurance, pensions, paid leave, and scheduled pay raises.
- Examples of Unionized Cleaning Jobs:
- Custodians in public schools, universities, and municipal offices.
- Hospital cleaning staff working under healthcare unions.
- Why It Pays Well:
Unionized jobs provide structured salary increments and comprehensive benefits, making even entry-level positions financially rewarding.
3. Remote or Hazardous Locations
Cleaners working in remote or hazardous environments often earn higher salaries as compensation for the challenges they face.
- Remote Locations:
- Cleaning roles in northern or isolated areas of Ontario may include additional pay for relocation, travel, and living expenses.
- For example, cleaners in mining facilities or remote industrial sites are often paid premiums to account for the inconvenience of working far from urban centers.
- Hazardous Environments:
- Jobs involving cleaning in hazardous conditions, such as asbestos removal or confined space cleaning, demand higher pay to attract workers willing to undertake such risks.
- Why It Pays Well:
Employers offer competitive salaries to incentivize workers to accept roles in challenging or less desirable locations.
4. Experience and Certifications
Experience and certifications play a crucial role in determining pay scales in the cleaning industry. Employers value individuals who have proven expertise and formal training, as this ensures quality and safety.
- Certifications That Boost Pay:
- WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System): Required for handling cleaning chemicals safely.
- Infection Control Certification: Essential for healthcare-related cleaning.
- Forklift or Heavy Machinery Operation License: Beneficial for industrial cleaners who operate specialized equipment.
- Experience Matters:
- Experienced cleaners can handle complex tasks with minimal supervision.
- Supervisory roles in cleaning teams often come with higher salaries and additional responsibilities, such as team management and scheduling.
- Why It Pays Well:
Certified and experienced cleaners offer reliability and efficiency, reducing liability and risks for employers.
5. High Demand in Certain Sectors
Some industries experience a higher demand for cleaning services, leading to better compensation packages to attract and retain skilled cleaners.
- Sectors with High Demand:
- Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics must meet strict hygiene standards, especially in the wake of global health concerns.
- Transportation: Cleaning airplanes, trains, and buses requires attention to detail and adherence to strict safety regulations.
- Corporate Spaces: High-end corporate offices often pay premiums for cleaners who can maintain polished, professional environments.
- Why It Pays Well:
These industries prioritize cleanliness for operational efficiency, public health, and brand image, leading to higher investments in quality cleaning staff.
6. Demand for Night and Shift Work
Many high-paying cleaning jobs involve irregular hours, such as night shifts or weekend work, which often come with additional compensation.
- Night Shift Differential Pay:
- Hospitals, airports, and factories operate 24/7, requiring cleaning staff at odd hours. Employers often offer extra pay to cover the inconvenience of night or rotating shifts.
- Why It Pays Well:
Employees working non-standard hours often receive premium pay rates or overtime compensation, significantly increasing their annual earnings.
Industries Offering $60,000 Cleaning Jobs
1. Healthcare
- Roles: Hospital janitors, sanitation specialists, and sterile processing technicians.
- Why It Pays Well: Ensuring cleanliness in hospitals is critical to patient safety, requiring advanced training in handling biohazard materials.
- Average Salary: $50,000–$65,000 annually.
2. Manufacturing and Industrial Cleaning
- Roles: Industrial cleaners, plant sanitation workers, and maintenance cleaners.
- Why It Pays Well: These jobs involve cleaning heavy machinery and hazardous materials, often requiring certifications in workplace safety.
- Average Salary: $55,000–$70,000 annually.
3. Transportation
- Roles: Aircraft cabin cleaners, train sanitation workers, and transit maintenance workers.
- Why It Pays Well: Cleaning in transportation requires adherence to strict regulations and standards for passenger safety.
- Average Salary: $55,000–$65,000 annually.
4. Education Sector
- Roles: School custodians and maintenance cleaners.
- Why It Pays Well: Unionized positions in public schools often come with higher wages and comprehensive benefits.
- Average Salary: $50,000–$60,000 annually.
5. Corporate and Government Buildings
- Roles: Building maintenance cleaners and specialized cleaning supervisors.
- Why It Pays Well: Government and corporate jobs often provide higher salaries, pensions, and health benefits.
- Average Salary: $50,000–$60,000 annually.
Qualifications and Certifications for High-Paying Cleaning Jobs
While entry-level cleaning jobs may not require formal education, high-paying roles often require additional training and certifications:
1. Workplace Safety Certifications
- Examples: WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), First Aid, and CPR certifications.
- Required for: Industrial and hazardous cleaning roles.
2. Biohazard and Infection Control Training
- Examples: Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) certification for healthcare settings.
- Required for: Hospital and medical facility cleaners.
3. Equipment Operation Licenses
- Examples: Forklift or heavy machinery operation licenses.
- Required for: Industrial and manufacturing cleaners.
4. Supervisory Experience
- Supervisory positions in cleaning services often pay more and require experience managing teams and scheduling shifts.
5. Language Proficiency
- Fluency in English or French is often required for understanding safety instructions and communicating with colleagues.
How to Find $60,000 Cleaner Jobs in Ontario
1. Job Boards and Portals
- Websites:
- Search Keywords: “high-paying cleaning jobs,” “industrial cleaner Ontario,” or “healthcare cleaning specialist.”
2. Union Listings
- Unionized positions often pay higher wages. Check unions such as:
- CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees).
- SEIU (Service Employees International Union).
3. Networking
- Join local industry-specific networks or attend job fairs for healthcare, industrial, and public sector roles.
4. Staffing Agencies
- Agencies like Manpower and Adecco often have listings for high-paying cleaner roles in Ontario.
How to Apply for High-Paying Cleaning Jobs
- Update Your Resume
- Highlight relevant certifications, prior cleaning experience, and any supervisory roles.
- Tailor Your Application
- Customize your cover letter and resume for each role, emphasizing your ability to meet the job’s specific requirements.
- Highlight Safety and Efficiency
- Employers value cleaners who can maintain high safety standards while working efficiently.
- Provide References
- Include references from previous employers to showcase your reliability and work ethic.
- Prepare for the Interview
- Be ready to discuss your certifications, experience, and ability to handle challenging work environments.
Benefits of High-Paying Cleaning Jobs
- Job Stability
- Cleaning jobs are always in demand, offering long-term employment opportunities.
- Competitive Wages
- Salaries up to $60,000 make these roles financially rewarding.
- Health and Retirement Benefits
- Many high-paying positions include health insurance, pensions, and paid leave.
- Opportunities for Growth
- With experience and additional certifications, cleaners can transition into supervisory or management roles.
- Work-Life Balance
- Many cleaning roles offer flexible schedules, including evening and weekend shifts.
Conclusion
High-paying cleaner jobs in Ontario, Canada, demonstrate that roles in this industry can offer excellent compensation, stability, and career growth. Whether in healthcare, manufacturing, or education, specialized skills and certifications can significantly boost earning potential. By focusing on industries with higher demand, obtaining necessary qualifications, and leveraging job search strategies, you can secure a cleaner job in Ontario that pays up to $60,000 or more annually.
