Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment

O*NET 53-7061.00 · SOC 53-7061

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment is a solid career choice. Median pay is $36k a year with +3.9% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 51,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+3.9%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$36k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
52k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Wash vehicle exteriors using pressure washers and cleaning solutions
  • →Vacuum and wipe down vehicle interiors between uses
  • →Clean and degrease heavy equipment engines and undercarriages
  • →Apply protective coatings or wax to vehicle surfaces
  • →Rinse and dry vehicles to prevent water spots or streaks

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
Browse courses →
Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
Browse courses →
Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
Browse courses →
LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
Browse courses →

Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.

Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningWash vehicle exteriors using pressure washers and cleaning solutions
MiddayVacuum and wipe down vehicle interiors between uses
AfternoonClean and degrease heavy equipment engines and undercarriages

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)7.0
Conventional (Organizers)4.0
Investigative (Thinkers)1.1
Social (Helpers)1.0
Artistic (Creators)1.0
Enterprising (Persuaders)1.0

Who Thrives as Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTPThe CraftspersonISTJThe InspectorESTPThe DynamoESTJThe Executive

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

Similar Careers

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators+1.5%Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders+3.4%Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall+2.4%Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators+1.5%Mechanical Door Repairers+6.4%Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers+5.7%Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers+3.8%Roofers+5.3%

Explore More Careers

Best Trades & Skilled Labor Careers →Browse all careers →

Job Outlook

Employment of Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment is projected to grow 3.9% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

53/100Elevated disruption risk
  • ·40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·48% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment make?

The median Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment earns $36k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment jobs?

Our model puts Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment at 53 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 48% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.

Is Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 3.9% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 51,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment?

Most Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

Take the assessment →

Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes