SOC 9222 Elementary administration and service occupations

Street cleaners Salary

Median salary £26,330 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 street cleaners, £27,633 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -29% versus the national average.

About this role

Street cleaners 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 9222

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 4,000

Median Salary

£26,330

Mean Salary

£24,484

Jobs (000s)

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

Median: £26,330

P10: --P25: --Median: £26kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Mid Level

£26,330

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +51.0%Real growth: +9.4%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£26,330

Full-time Only

£27,633

Full-time premium: +£1,303

Street cleaners salary: common questions

How much do street cleaners earn in the UK?

Street cleaners earn a median of £27,633 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £27,633 a good salary in the UK?

For street cleaners, £27,633 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -29% versus the national average.

Have street cleaners salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median street cleaners pay has risen from £18,026 to £27,633 — +53% in cash terms, or +11% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

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