Cleaning is one of the largest and steadiest service markets in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted about 2.4 million janitors and building cleaners in 2024, before counting the house cleaners and maids who serve homes. Employment is projected to grow only 2% from 2024 to 2034, but that headline hides the real story: across building and grounds cleaning jobs, BLS expects hundreds of thousands of openings every year, mostly to replace people who leave.
For a business owner, that means two things. Demand is constant, because buildings and homes always need cleaning. And the competition isn’t other giant companies so much as a scattered field of small operators, many of them unreliable. Reliability is the product.
Two markets, two business models
Residential cleaning serves homeowners and renters with weekly, biweekly or one-off cleans, plus move-in, move-out and deep cleans. It’s quick to start, sold on trust and reviews, and builds recurring revenue through regular schedules.
Commercial cleaning (janitorial) serves offices, medical clinics, gyms, schools, shops and property managers, usually on monthly contracts and often in the evenings. Accounts are larger and steadier, but you’ll need to bid, carry more insurance, and supervise staff you rarely see.
Jobs and pay
The median wage for janitors and building cleaners was $35,930 in May 2024, or $17.27 an hour. Hiring and keeping good cleaners is the biggest challenge in the industry, so owners who pay fairly, train well and schedule predictably have an edge.
Best entry points for a small business
| Business | Startup cost | Why it works now |
|---|---|---|
| Residential cleaning business | $1,000 to $5,000 | Start solo, build a weekly client list, then hire |
| Commercial cleaning business | $5,000 to $25,000 | Monthly contracts give predictable revenue |
| Specialty cleaning (carpets, windows, post-construction) | $5,000 to $30,000 | Higher prices per job; pairs with other services |
| Short-term rental turnover cleaning | Under $5,000 | Hosts need fast, reliable turnovers between guests |
Startup costs are Advanton estimates covering supplies, equipment, insurance, bonding and basic marketing.
Risks to plan for
Trust and liability. You’re in people’s homes and workplaces. Carry general liability insurance and a janitorial bond, run background checks, and have a clear process for keys and alarm codes.
Worker classification. Treating cleaners as contractors when they should be employees can lead to back taxes and penalties. Check the rules with an accountant before you hire.
Underpricing. Many new owners price too low to win clients, then can’t afford good staff. Know your cost per hour, including travel, supplies and taxes, before you quote.
Our take
Cleaning isn’t glamorous, but it is dependable. Start small with residential or a few commercial accounts, systematize everything with checklists, and grow by being the company that always shows up and does the job right.
Ready to start? Follow the Start a Business A–Z guide.
Sources
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Janitors and Building Cleaners
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Building and Grounds Cleaning Occupations
Last reviewed October 17, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.
