Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
No formal educational credential
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Cleaners of vehicles and equipment keep transportation and machinery in usable condition. With national employment of about 410,000 workers, this is a sizable occupation that touches many parts of the economy. The typical entry requirement is no formal educational credential, which can make this role accessible to people starting their first job, re-entering the workforce, or changing careers. National median annual pay of $35,270 reflects steady, hourly-based work, and there are an estimated 56,000 job openings each year, combining new roles and replacements. Projected employment growth of 3.9% suggests that demand is expected to continue. The role rewards physical strength and stamina, attention to detail, and customer service, while also offering chances to use mechanical and technology-related skills. For those interested in related paths, similar occupations include cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders; dishwashers; building cleaning workers, all other; fishing and hunting workers; and tire builders.
Cleaners of vehicles and equipment earn a national median annual salary of $35,270. Pay levels vary across states and metro areas. Among the top states by opportunity score, median salaries range from $37,920 in California and $38,630 in Massachusetts to $40,070 in Washington. New York and Colorado fall within a close band at $39,390 and $39,610. At the metro level, pay can be higher than the national median. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA shows a median salary of $44,350, and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $43,680. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro reports $41,540. Other leading metros such as Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV offer median salaries of $38,950 and $36,730. This spread suggests that location choices can play an important role in earnings for this occupation.
Employment for cleaners of vehicles and equipment totals about 410,000 nationally, indicating a broad base of positions. Projected employment growth is 3.9%, pointing to an expectation that the field will expand over time. In addition to growth, there are an estimated 56,000 annual openings. These openings will likely reflect both newly created roles and the need to replace workers who retire or move to other occupations. The combination of existing employment, projected growth, and a substantial number of openings suggests that people entering this field may find multiple pathways into work over the coming years. The same 3.9% growth rate is reflected in several leading states and metro areas, indicating a consistent national projection rather than isolated regional changes. For individuals exploring entry-level options or considering a shift from other similar roles, this occupation presents an ongoing presence in the labor market.
Location plays a clear role in opportunity for cleaners of vehicles and equipment. Among the top states by CareerGPS opportunity score, California leads with an opportunity score of 67.38, a median salary of $37,920, and employment of 46,030. Massachusetts and New York both show higher median salaries, at $38,630 and $39,390 respectively, with opportunity scores just above 65. Colorado and Washington offer median salaries near $40,000 and opportunity scores in the mid-50s. All of these states share the same projected growth rate of 3.9%, so differences in opportunity scores reflect other factors such as pay and employment levels. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ stand out with opportunity scores above 77 and median salaries above $41,000. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA also combines a relatively high salary with a strong opportunity score, while Washington-Arlington-Alexandria and Boston-Cambridge-Newton show solid salaries and mid-60s opportunity scores.
The typical education requirement for cleaners of vehicles and equipment is no formal educational credential. This makes the occupation accessible to people who may not have completed traditional degree programs or who want to enter the workforce quickly. While formal education is not required, success in this role relies on a combination of physical, technical, and people-focused skills. Key strengths include physical strength and stamina, fine motor abilities, and mechanical awareness. Skills in science, project management, and being detail oriented can support consistent, accurate work. Customer service and interpersonal skills are also important, especially in roles that involve direct contact with clients or coworkers. Comfort with computers and information technology rounds out the profile, reflecting the presence of digital tools or systems in some workplaces. Together, these skills create multiple ways to grow capability on the job, even without a formal educational pathway.
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