The type of cleaning that pays the most typically depends on the level of service required, the complexity of the job, and the client’s needs.

The following types of cleaning tend to pay more due to the specialized nature or higher demand for those services…

Post-Construction Cleaning

• Why It Pays Well – Post-construction cleaning requires a lot of detail-oriented work. Cleaning up after a construction project involves removing dust, debris, and construction materials, cleaning floors, windows, and fixtures that are often covered in paint, plaster, or other residue.
• Pay Range – $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot or higher, depending on the scope of the project. For a large commercial building, this could result in substantial earnings.

Commercial and Office Cleaning

• Why It Pays Well – Commercial cleaning can involve larger spaces and more complex needs, such as high-traffic areas, specialized floor care, or disinfection services. Offices or commercial buildings also require more frequent and thorough cleaning to maintain cleanliness.
• Pay Range – Monthly contracts for commercial cleaning can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the building size and frequency of service.

Medical or Healthcare Cleaning

• Why It Pays Well – Cleaning medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices, requires specialized knowledge and attention to sanitation. It may also involve biohazardous waste disposal, sanitizing equipment, and using hospital-grade disinfectants.
• Pay Range – Rates can vary, but specialized medical cleaning can earn you $30 to $60 per hour, or higher for complex tasks. Contract agreements can range from $5,000 to $10,000+ per month.

Industrial Cleaning

• Why It Pays Well – Industrial cleaning involves cleaning large manufacturing or processing plants, warehouses, and other industrial facilities. This includes specialized equipment, cleaning of hazardous materials, and sometimes requiring adherence to strict safety and environmental standards.
• Pay Range – Industrial cleaning jobs can pay between $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the complexity of the work and whether hazardous materials are involved.

Floor Care and Carpet Cleaning

• Why It Pays Well – Floor care services like waxing, buffing, and carpet cleaning (especially commercial carpets) require specialized equipment and expertise. The work is in high demand for businesses and commercial properties, especially where the floors experience heavy traffic.
• Pay Range – Carpet cleaning may pay $0.20 to $0.50 per square foot for commercial spaces. Floor care services can range from $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot, depending on the job’s complexity.

Window Cleaning (High-Rise or Specialized)

• Why It Pays Well – Window cleaning for high-rise buildings or difficult-to-reach areas requires specialized equipment (like ropes, lifts, or scaffolding) and experience with safety protocols. It’s often more expensive than regular residential window cleaning.
• Pay Range – Rates for high-rise window cleaning can be $1 to $3 per window for standard buildings, and much higher for more complex jobs (e.g., skyscrapers).

Disinfection Services (Especially After COVID-19)

• Why It Pays Well – With heightened awareness of sanitation and cleanliness, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, disinfection services have become a high-demand service. These jobs involve deep cleaning and using specialized disinfectants to sanitize surfaces and spaces.
• Pay Range – Disinfection services typically pay between $0.20 to $1.00 per square foot, depending on the size of the facility and the type of service.

Specialty Cleaning (e.g., Crime Scene, Hoarding, or Biohazard Cleanup)

• Why It Pays Well – These types of cleaning require highly trained professionals due to the sensitive, hazardous, or emotionally charged nature of the job. This type of work is niche and commands a premium.
• Pay Range – Specialty cleaning can earn anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the specific service. Biohazard cleanup, for example, is a particularly lucrative field due to the risks involved.

Summary of High-Paying Cleaning Types

• Post-Construction Cleaning
• Commercial/Office Cleaning (especially large contracts)
• Medical Cleaning
• Industrial Cleaning
• Floor and Carpet Care
• Window Cleaning (High-Rise)
• Disinfection Services
• Specialty Cleaning (Crime Scene, Hoarding, Biohazard)

These types of cleaning usually involve specialized skills, tools, and knowledge, which is why they typically command higher rates. If you’re looking to enter a higher-paying segment, gaining certifications or specialized training in one of these areas can help increase your earning potential.