Main duties
People in this unit group perform some or all of the following duties.
- Operate industrial vacuum cleaners to remove scraps, dirt, heavy debris and other refuse
- Wash windows, interior walls and ceilings
- Empty trash cans and other waste containers
- Sweep, mop, scrub and wax hallways, floors and stairs
- Clean snow and ice from walkways and parking areas
- Cut grass and tend grounds and plants
- Clean and disinfect washrooms and fixtures
- May move heavy furniture, equipment and supplies
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school may be required
- Previous cleaning experience may be required
Job titles in NOC 65312
19 job titles are classified in this unit group.
- airport janitor
- apartment building caretaker
- apartment building concierge
- building caretaker
- building custodian
- campground cleaner
- church caretaker
- construction campsite attendant
- custodian
- factory cleaner
- heavy-duty cleaner
- industrial cleaner
- industrial plant cleaner
- janitor
- live-in caretaker
- office building concierge
- plant cleaner
- school custodian
- school janitor
Wages for NOC 65312 by province
Hourly wages from Job Bank for janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners.
| Province or territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $17.60 | $22.00 | $28.00 |
| British Columbia | $17.85 | $24.65 | $34.00 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | $20.03 | $28.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 | $20.62 | $27.00 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 | $20.15 | $28.00 |
| Quebec | $17.00 | $21.00 | $26.67 |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 | $20.00 | $22.50 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.50 | $19.00 | $26.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.00 | $20.81 | $27.00 |
| Canada | $16.00 | $21.27 | $28.72 |
Ontario by region
| Region | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa | $17.60 | $20.00 | $25.15 |
| Kingston–Pembroke | $17.60 | $22.00 | $26.92 |
| Muskoka–Kawarthas | $21.00 | $23.00 | $26.86 |
| Toronto | $17.60 | $22.77 | $29.00 |
| Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie | $17.60 | $23.00 | $28.00 |
| Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula | $17.60 | $20.00 | $27.00 |
| London | $17.60 | $23.00 | $28.98 |
| Windsor–Sarnia | $17.60 | $23.00 | $28.00 |
| Stratford–Bruce Peninsula | $17.60 | $22.00 | $30.00 |
| Northeast | $17.60 | $22.00 | $28.00 |
| Northwest | $17.92 | $23.00 | $31.25 |
Source: Job Bank wages, reference period 2023-2024, revised November 19, 2025. Some Ontario figures are below the current general minimum wage of $17.95 per hour (since October 1, 2026); employers must pay at least the minimum wage.
Career progression and other notes
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with additional training or experience.
Similar occupations classified elsewhere
These occupations look related but belong to a different NOC unit group.
- Cleaning supervisors: NOC 62024, Cleaning supervisors
- General building maintenance workers and building superintendents: NOC 73201, General building maintenance workers and building superintendents
- Light duty cleaners: NOC 65310, Light duty cleaners
- Specialized cleaners: NOC 65311, Specialized cleaners
Hiring for this occupation in Ontario?
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Questions about NOC 65312
What is NOC 65312?
NOC 65312 is Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners, a unit group in the 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0). It belongs to the broad category sales and service occupations and to TEER 5.
What TEER is NOC 65312?
NOC 65312 is TEER 5. TEER 5 generally means: short work demonstration, no formal education required.
What job titles are in NOC 65312?
The unit group includes 19 job titles, for example custodian, heavy-duty cleaner, industrial cleaner, plant cleaner, school janitor.
How much do janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners earn in Canada?
Job Bank reports a national median of $21.27 per hour for janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners, and $22.00 in Ontario. The highest provincial median is in British Columbia at $24.65 (reference period 2023-2024).
Which occupations are similar to NOC 65312?
Related occupations classified in other unit groups include cleaning supervisors (NOC 62024); general building maintenance workers and building superintendents (NOC 73201); light duty cleaners (NOC 65310).
Last updated October 2026. Sources:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0, Statistics Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada
- Job Bank wages
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