Immigrating to the United States for work is a goal for many individuals worldwide. The cleaning industry offers a wealth of job opportunities, particularly for immigrants, due to its lower barriers to entry and consistent demand. With the right approach, skills, and employer sponsorship, securing a stable and well-paying cleaning job in the U.S. is achievable.
This guide provides essential insights into finding cleaning jobs, visa sponsorship opportunities, salaries, and tips for success as an immigrant worker.
Why Consider a Cleaning Job in the U.S.
The cleaning industry in the U.S. is thriving, with thousands of job openings available in homes, offices, hotels, hospitals, and commercial buildings. Here’s why it’s a great option for immigrant workers:
✅ High Demand – Cleaning jobs are always in demand across the country.
✅ Easy Entry – Most positions do not require formal education or experience.
✅ Visa Sponsorship Possibilities – Some employers sponsor work visas for skilled and reliable workers.
✅ Opportunities for Growth – Workers can advance to supervisory roles or start their own cleaning businesses.
Types of Cleaning Jobs Available for Immigrants
There are several types of cleaning jobs available, depending on experience and work preferences:
Residential Cleaning (Housekeeping)
- Cleaning private homes and apartments
- Average Salary: $30,000 – $45,000 per year
- Potential Employers: Cleaning agencies, private homeowners, rental property managers
Commercial Cleaning (Office & Industrial Cleaning)
- Cleaning offices, warehouses, and public spaces
- Average Salary: $35,000 – $50,000 per year
- Potential Employers: Corporate offices, janitorial service providers, government facilities
Hotel & Hospitality Cleaning
- Housekeeping roles in hotels, resorts, and motels
- Average Salary: $30,000 – $40,000 per year
- Potential Employers: Hotels, resorts, Airbnb property managers
Healthcare Cleaning (Hospital & Nursing Home Cleaning)
- Sanitizing medical facilities, clinics, and nursing homes
- Average Salary: $35,000 – $55,000 per year
- Potential Employers: Hospitals, nursing homes, healthcare facilities
Visa Sponsorship for Cleaning Jobs in the U.S.
While many cleaning jobs do not require advanced skills, some employers offer visa sponsorships for foreign workers. The most common visa options include:
H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa)
- Suitable for temporary cleaning positions
- Often used by hotels, resorts, and cleaning companies during peak seasons
EB-3 Visa (Skilled & Unskilled Worker Visa)
- Ideal for full-time cleaning jobs with a U.S. employer
- Requires employer sponsorship and labor certification
TN Visa (For Canadian & Mexican Workers)
- Available under the USMCA trade agreement
- Some cleaning and janitorial management roles qualify
How to Find Employers Offering Sponsorship:
✔️ Apply to large cleaning companies with a history of hiring immigrants
✔️ Check job boards like Indeed, SimplyHired, and Glassdoor for visa-sponsored positions
✔️ Contact U.S. staffing agencies specializing in immigrant workers
Common Cleaner Job Duties and Responsibilities
Cleaners perform a range of essential functions:
Residential Cleaners
- Clean private homes, apartments etc.
- Tasks involve sweeping, mopping, dusting, making beds, washing dishes etc.
- Provide specialized services like carpet cleaning
Office/Commercial Cleaners
- Clean office buildings, retail stores, hotels, hospitals etc.
- Remove trash, sanitize bathrooms, vacuum, polish floors, replenish supplies
- Ensure safety and cleanliness standards are met
Industrial Cleaners
- Clean factories, power plants, production facilities
- Remove hazardous materials, chemical residues
- Sanitize machinery and equipment
- May require protective clothing
Window Cleaners
- Clean interior and exterior windows and glass surfaces of tall buildings
- Use specialized tools and equipment for high-rise access
- Ensure glass surfaces are streak-free and crystal clear
Crime Scene Cleaners
- Clean sites after traumatic incidents or deaths
- Follow biohazard protocols to sanitize sites
- Remove blood, human tissue and hazardous waste
Income Potential and Benefits
Here are typical cleaner earning potentials in the US:
- Average Annual Salary: $27,620
- Average Hourly Wage: $13.27
- Overtime Rate: $19.90 (time and a half for over 40 hours/week)
- Earning Potential with Experience: $40,000+ per year
Higher incomes in states/metro areas with higher costs of living. Benefits may include medical insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. Independent contractors set own rates.
Best U.S. Cities & States for Cleaning Jobs
Certain cities and states offer better job prospects and higher wages for cleaners:
Top Cities for Cleaning Jobs
🏙️ New York City, NY – High demand for residential and commercial cleaners
🏙️ Los Angeles, CA – Hospitality and office cleaning jobs are plentiful
🏙️ Chicago, IL – Large workforce demand in corporate buildings and hotels
🏙️ Houston, TX – Growing need for industrial and hospital cleaners
🏙️ Miami, FL – Many job opportunities in tourism and hospitality cleaning
Best States for Cleaning Jobs in the US(Higher Pay & More Jobs)
📍 California – High wages but higher cost of living
📍 Texas – Affordable living with steady cleaning job demand
📍 Florida – Strong tourism industry creates many cleaning jobs
📍 New York – Competitive pay rates for commercial and residential cleaners
📍 Nevada – Many cleaning jobs in hotels, casinos, and resorts
How to Apply for Cleaning Jobs as an Immigrant
Step 1: Prepare a Resume
- Highlight past cleaning experience (if any)
- List key skills: Attention to detail, time management, teamwork
- Mention any relevant training or certifications
Step 2: Search for Jobs Online
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Use job websites like:
🔹 Indeed.com
🔹 Glassdoor.com
🔹 SimplyHired.com
🔹 USAjobs.gov (for government cleaning jobs)
Step 3: Apply to Companies That Sponsor Visas
-
Large employers like:
🏨 Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt (Hotels)
🏢 ABM Industries, ISS Facility Services (Commercial Cleaning)
🏥 Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Step 4: Attend Interviews & Secure an Offer
- Be prepared to discuss work experience and availability
- Show commitment to reliability and efficiency
Step 5: Obtain a Work Visa (If Required)
Once an employer sponsors you, follow the visa process for legal employment in the U.S.
Conclusion
The U.S. cleaning industry offers stable and well-paying jobs for immigrants, with many opportunities for career growth. By applying to the right jobs, securing employer sponsorship, and demonstrating strong work ethics, immigrants can build a successful life in the United States.
💡 Are you looking for a cleaning job with visa sponsorship? Let us know in the comment section, and we’ll help you find the best resources!