SOC 9229 Elementary administration and service occupations

Elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c. Salary

Median salary £25,688 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 elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c., £25,780 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -34% versus the national average.

About this role

Elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c. 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 9229

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Median Salary

£25,688

Mean Salary

£26,800

Jobs (000s)

N/A

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

Median: £25,688

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

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Mid Level

£25,688

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +98.4%Real growth: +55.0%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 8.7%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£25,688

Full-time Only

£25,780

Full-time premium: +£92

Elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c. salary: common questions

How much do elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c. earn in the UK?

Elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c. earn a median of £25,780 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £25,780 a good salary in the UK?

For elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c., £25,780 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -34% versus the national average.

Have elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c. salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c. pay has risen from £18,926 to £25,780 — +36% in cash terms, or -1.0% after CPIH inflation. That is roughly in line with inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c.?

Male elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c. earn a median £25,962 and female elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c. £23,694 — a gap of +9.0% in 2025.

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