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SOC 9131 Elementary trades and related occupations

Industrial cleaning process occupations Salary

Median salary £26,236 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £26,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For industrial cleaning process occupations, £27,306 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -30% versus the national average. Experienced industrial cleaning process occupations (top 25%) earn over £30,100.

About this role

Industrial cleaning process occupations maintain cleanliness and hygiene in buildings, facilities and environments. They carry out cleaning tasks using appropriate equipment, chemicals and methods, ensuring spaces meet health, safety and presentation standards.

Key responsibilities

  • Cleaning and maintaining designated areas to required standards
  • Using cleaning equipment, chemicals and methods safely
  • Replenishing supplies and reporting maintenance issues
  • Following health and safety and COSHH procedures
  • Working to schedules and adapting to changing priorities

Qualifications and entry routes

No formal qualifications are required, though training in COSHH, health and safety and specialist cleaning techniques is standard. BICSc qualifications are available for professional development.

Career outlook

Entry-level roles with opportunities for progression through experience, additional training and skills development. Apprenticeships offer structured routes into skilled occupations.

Key skills

Attention to detail Physical fitness Reliability Time management Safety awareness

Common industries

  • Facilities management
  • NHS
  • Hospitality
  • Education
  • Commercial offices

Data coverage

SOC code 9131
Data source ONS ASHE
Years available 2015–2025
Estimated jobs 14,000

Median Salary

£26,236

Mean Salary

£24,832

Jobs (000s)

14k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P10: --P25: £22kMedian: £26kP75: £30kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£22,260

0-2 years

Mid Level

£22,260

3-7 years

Senior

£30,100

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +35% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Nominal growth: +65.7%Real growth: +20.1%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 15.4%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£26,236

Full-time Only

£27,306

Full-time premium: +£1,070

Industrial cleaning process occupations salary: common questions

How much do industrial cleaning process occupations earn in the UK?
Industrial cleaning process occupations earn a median of £27,306 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £22,260 and £30,100.
Is £27,306 a good salary in the UK?
For industrial cleaning process occupations, £27,306 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -30% versus the national average. Experienced industrial cleaning process occupations (top 25%) earn over £30,100.
What is the starting salary for industrial cleaning process occupations?
Entry-level industrial cleaning process occupations typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £22,260, and the lowest-paid 10% earn under £22,934.
Have industrial cleaning process occupations salaries kept up with inflation?
Since 2015, median industrial cleaning process occupations pay has risen from £17,584 to £27,306 — +55% in cash terms, or +13% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.
Is there a gender pay gap for industrial cleaning process occupations?
Male industrial cleaning process occupations earn a median £27,399 and female industrial cleaning process occupations £23,173 — a gap of +15% in 2025.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).