SOC 9226 Elementary administration and service occupations

Vehicle valeters and cleaners Salary

Median salary £24,875 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £25,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For vehicle valeters and cleaners, £26,598 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -32% versus the national average. Experienced vehicle valeters and cleaners (top 25%) earn over £28,899.

About this role

Vehicle valeters and 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 9226

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 14,000

Median Salary

£24,875

Mean Salary

£23,246

Jobs (000s)

14k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £16,170Median: £24,875P75: £28,899

P10: £12kP25: £16kMedian: £25kP75: £29kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£11,570

0-2 years

Mid Level

£16,170

3-7 years

Senior

£28,899

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +150% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +63.0%Real growth: +19.3%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£24,875

Full-time Only

£26,598

Full-time premium: +£1,723

Vehicle valeters and cleaners salary: common questions

How much do vehicle valeters and cleaners earn in the UK?

Vehicle valeters and cleaners earn a median of £26,598 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £16,170 and £28,899.

Is £26,598 a good salary in the UK?

What is the starting salary for vehicle valeters and cleaners?

Entry-level vehicle valeters and cleaners typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £16,170, and the lowest-paid 10% earn under £11,570.

Have vehicle valeters and cleaners salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2016, median vehicle valeters and cleaners pay has risen from £16,157 to £26,598 — +65% in cash terms, or +20% 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).