Top 10 States for Career Advancement in the Cleaning Industry

If you work in the cleaning and janitorial industry, your career path isn’t just about hard work—it’s also about where you work. Some states offer better pay, faster wage growth, or stronger job markets, creating more opportunities for cleaners to move up, earn more, and build long-term stability.

Whether your goal is finding a steady job, earning higher wages, or stepping into a supervisor role, these are the top 10 states for career advancement in the cleaning industry.

10. Montana (MT) – Fastest Job Growth

Cleaner Wage: $17.98/hr
Job Growth: +3.42% annually
Montana leads the nation in job growth for cleaners. If you’re just starting out or need quick access to opportunities, MT is a market where doors are opening fast.

9. Colorado (CO) – Competitive Pay + Demand

Cleaner Wage: $17.92/hr
Wage Growth: +5.5% annually
Colorado combines above-average pay with steady growth. With demand continuing to rise, it’s a state where cleaners can secure competitive wages and long-term career potential.

8. Virginia (VA) – Balanced Opportunity

Cleaner Wage: $16.33/hr
Wage Growth: +5.79% annually
Virginia offers strong wage growth and a more affordable cost of living than major coastal states. It’s an attractive option for cleaners who want career advancement without the high price tag.

7. Nebraska (NE) – Stability + Growth

Cleaner Wage: $17.22/hr
Wage Growth: +6.03% annually
NE offers higher-than-average wages with consistent growth. For cleaners seeking steady, reliable career opportunities, Nebraska delivers.

6. Michigan (MI) – Midwest Growth Leader

Cleaner Wage: $16.83/hr
Wage Growth: +6.22% annually
Michigan is quickly becoming a Midwestern powerhouse in the cleaning industry. Wages are climbing, jobs are expanding, and both cleaners and supervisors can find paths to advancement.

5. New Mexico (NM) – Rising Opportunities

Cleaner Wage: $16.17/hr
Wage Growth: +6.49% annually
NM combines fast wage growth with expanding job opportunities. For cleaners wanting both stability and future raises, it’s one of the best markets to watch.

4. Idaho (ID) – Hidden Gem for Growth

Cleaner Wage: $17.00/hr
Wage Growth: +6.53% annually
Job Growth: +2.14% annually
Idaho offers both strong wage growth and steady job creation. It’s not as crowded as coastal markets, but opportunities are rising—making it one of the best states for cleaners seeking upward mobility.

3. Arizona (AZ) – Fastest Wage Growth for Cleaners

Cleaner Wage: $17.37/hr
Wage Growth: +6.85% annually
No state is increasing cleaner pay faster than Arizona. If your focus is on future wage growth and higher earning potential, AZ is the place to build a career that keeps paying more year after year.

2. Washington (WA) – Best for Supervisors

Cleaner Wage: $21.02/hr
Wage Growth: +4.98% annually
Supervisor Wage Growth: +6.56% annually
WA nearly ties with MA for high pay, but it stands out for supervisors. With the fastest supervisor wage growth in the country, Washington is where ambitious cleaners can step into leadership roles and see paychecks grow quickly.

1. Massachusetts (MA) – Best Overall for Career Growth

Cleaner Wage: $21.43/hr
Wage Growth: +4.98% annually
Supervisor Premium: +50%
Massachusetts leads the nation with the highest cleaner wages and steady growth to back it up. If you want both strong starting pay and long-term earning potential, MA offers the full package—ideal for cleaners building a lasting career.

What This Means for Your Career

• Looking for high pay right now? Head to Massachusetts or Washington.
  
  
• Want future raises and upward mobility? Arizona, Idaho, and New Mexico are the fastest-growing markets.
  
  
• Prefer stability and balance? Nebraska, Virginia, and Michigan offer strong pay with reliable growth.
  
  
• Seeking plentiful openings? Montana is your best bet.

No matter where you are in your career, these states represent the best places to grow in the cleaning industry.