The United States continues to be a top destination for people seeking better job opportunities. In recent years, cleaning jobs in the U.S. with visa sponsorship have become a popular option for foreign workers.
Thanks to growing visa programs and the ongoing demand for cleaning staff, international applicants can now find stable, well-paying jobs that also offer a chance to legally live and work in the U.S.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning jobs in America—from why these roles are in high demand to what skills you’ll need, how much you can earn, and which visas are available for foreign workers.
Keep reading to discover how to apply, what to expect, and which states or companies are the best fit for your career goals.
Why Cleaning Professionals Are in High Demand
A Vital Role Across Multiple Sectors
Cleaning jobs form the backbone of many U.S. industries—from residential housekeeping and commercial janitorial services to specialized cleaning roles in healthcare and hospitality.
The COVID-19 pandemic placed even greater emphasis on sanitization and hygiene, driving organizations to invest more heavily in professional cleaning services. Facilities such as hospitals, hotels, offices, schools, and factories constantly require janitorial and sanitation teams, creating a steady stream of vacancies.
Consistent Growth and Job Opportunities
As businesses refocus on hygiene standards, the demand for skilled cleaning personnel has climbed. Coupled with staffing shortages in some regions, this demand has opened the door for cleaning jobs in USA for foreigners with visa sponsorship.
Many U.S. employers are now looking overseas to fill these roles, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement—workers gain access to opportunities in a developed economy, while employers can staff crucial positions with reliable, qualified professionals.
Also Read: $70,000 Construction Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the USA 2025
Advantages of Cleaning Jobs in the USA
Accessibility and Easy Entry
In comparison to other industries that demand advanced degrees or specialized certifications, many cleaning roles emphasize soft skills like reliability, a strong work ethic, and attention to detail.
This lower barrier to entry makes the sector accessible for international applicants. While some specialized cleaning tasks might necessitate extra training, basic janitorial or housekeeping positions often only require a readiness to learn on the job.
Competitive Wages and Benefit Packages
Despite being labeled as entry-level roles, cleaning positions can be surprisingly well-compensated. Hourly wages typically span from $10.10 to $22.18, which equates to an annual income of $23,591 to $51,786.
Certain roles, especially those in healthcare, specialized industrial cleaning, or large corporate offices, tend to pay on the higher end. Many employers also offer perks such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and even performance bonuses.
Job Stability & Demand
For foreigners seeking security, cleaning positions in the U.S. can offer long-term stability. Residences, factories, schools, and healthcare facilities require consistent cleaning and sanitization.
Moreover, once an employer sponsors a worker under a recognized visa program, that individual gains a level of job security and the potential to extend or transition their work permit.
Flexible Schedules
If you are juggling multiple jobs or seeking a schedule that accommodates personal responsibilities, cleaning jobs frequently provide part-time, evening, or overnight hours.
This flexibility can be particularly valuable for newcomers balancing their early days in the U.S. with other commitments, such as language classes or professional training.
Long-Term Career Growth
Though cleaning jobs might be considered entry-level, they can be stepping stones toward management or specialized roles.
Experienced workers can move into supervisory or managerial positions overseeing teams, coordinating schedules, or focusing on advanced tasks like biohazard cleanup. Over time, building expertise in a niche such as medical facility cleaning may unlock higher wages and leadership opportunities.
Cultural Immersion and Networking
International workers often find cleaning positions a smooth way to integrate into American culture. Through daily interactions with coworkers, supervisors, and clients, you can refine your English language skills and learn about cultural norms.
This environment also opens the door to networking with local professionals, potentially broadening future career horizons.
Health and Safety Compliance
The U.S. maintains rigorous health and safety guidelines under agencies like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Employers are thus required to provide safe equipment and adequate training—crucial benefits for foreign workers concerned about working conditions.
Also Read: Construction Laborer Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship for Immigrants
Average Salaries & Top Locations in the USA
Salary Ranges by Skill Level
1Entry-Level Cleaners
- Tasks: Sweeping, mopping, emptying trash, basic housekeeping
- Hourly Wage: Around $12.50
- Annual Salary: About $26,000
2. Experienced Professionals
- Tasks: Handling industrial cleaning, floor waxing, specialized equipment
- Hourly Wage: Around $16.50
- Annual Salary: About $34,320
3. Supervisors or Managers
- Tasks: Scheduling, team oversight, regulatory compliance
- Hourly Wage: Around $22.00
- Annual Salary: About $45,760
Best States for Higher Salaries
- California: With robust demand for cleaning services in major cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, annual salaries can reach $35,000 or more for specialized roles.
- New York: Known for a high concentration of offices, hotels, and hospitals, typical pay stands around $34,500 annually for specialized cleaning.
- Washington: In tech-focused areas like Seattle, wages can surpass $33,200 per year, driven by commercial and industrial demands.
- Massachusetts: Particularly in Boston, employees may see pay hovering around $33,800 due to constant need in healthcare facilities, universities, and corporate offices.
Types of Cleaning Jobs in USA for Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship
1. Residential Cleaning
- Focus: Homes, apartments, condos
- Typical Pay: Around $28,500 annually
- Perks: More flexible schedules, potential for tips, less formal environment
2. Industrial Cleaning
- Focus: Factories, warehouses, construction sites
- Typical Pay: Around $35,200 annually
- Skills: May involve certifications for handling hazardous materials or operating machinery
3. Commercial Cleaning
- Focus: Offices, schools, retail stores, restaurants
- Typical Pay: Around $34,218 annually
- Tasks: Dusting, scrubbing, and polishing floors, maintaining bathrooms, ensuring hygiene standards
4. Hospitality Cleaning
- Focus: Hotels, resorts, restaurants
- Typical Pay: Around $32,000 annually
- Notables: May include receiving tips, potential for shifts during weekends or holidays
5. Healthcare Cleaning
- Focus: Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics
- Typical Pay: Around $34,500 annually
- Requirements: Stringent infection-control training, specialized knowledge of medical-grade cleaning supplies
Also Read: Plumber Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners 2025
Skills & Qualifications Needed for Cleaning Job in USA for foreigners
While cleaning jobs in USA for foreigners with visa sponsorship generally have modest barriers to entry, certain competencies can boost your employability:
- Education: A high school diploma is often enough; advanced formal education isn’t typically required.
- Physical Stamina: The job involves standing, bending, lifting, and repetitive tasks for extended periods.
- Work Experience: Although not mandatory, prior cleaning or housekeeping experience—especially in specialized areas—can be advantageous.
- Language Proficiency: Basic to moderate English skills help you read safety protocols, communicate with supervisors, and understand instructions.
- Professional Certifications: For industrial or healthcare settings, certifications like Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training or Bloodborne Pathogens Training may be required.
- Teamwork Skills: Because cleaning staff often collaborate in teams—particularly in large-scale operations—good communication and reliability are highly valued.
- Attention to Detail: Maintaining pristine cleanliness, especially in medical or hospitality environments, calls for thoroughness and methodical cleaning habits.
Steps to Secure Cleaning Jobs in USA for Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship
Research Employers and Job Boards
Start by searching for U.S. companies, hotels, hospitals, office cleaning agencies, or facilities management firms that regularly hire international employees under H-2B, EB-3, or J-1 programs.
Use well-known job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Include keywords such as “cleaning jobs in USA for foreigners with visa sponsorship” to refine your results.
Verify Visa Sponsorship Policies
Scrutinize job postings to confirm if an employer is open to sponsoring a visa. Typically, postings clarify the type of sponsorship offered. Cross-check that the position matches the visa category you seek—seasonal, temporary, or permanent.
Tailor Your Résumé or CV
Highlight relevant cleaning experience—residential, commercial, or hospitality—and any specialized training or certifications you possess. Also, emphasize language proficiency and reliability, as these traits frequently appeal to potential employers.
Apply and Prepare for Interviews
Submit applications, ensuring you highlight your adaptability, dedication to cleanliness, and willingness to learn new methods or equipment. If selected, interviews may be virtual or phone-based.
Show familiarity with cleaning best practices, mention any prior overseas work experiences, and confirm your readiness to follow U.S. safety standards.
Finalize the Sponsorship Process
Once an employer provides a job offer, they will guide you through visa procedures, such as acquiring a labor certification or submitting the necessary forms to U.S. immigration authorities.
You must offer accurate documentation; passport, police clearance, medical checkups (if needed) to expedite the sponsorship.
Also Read: Electrician Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners
Top U.S. Companies Offering Cleaning Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
1. ABM Industries
One of the largest facility management giants, ABM Industries caters to sectors like healthcare, education, and retail. They frequently sponsor under H-2B for seasonal or short-term roles. Search “ABM Industries Careers” for current job listings.
2. The Budd Group
Operating mainly in the Southeastern U.S., The Budd Group focuses on educational and healthcare cleaning, often requiring custodial staff and specialized cleaners. They have a record of hiring foreign workers with valid sponsorships.
3. Jani-King International
A globally recognized franchise in commercial cleaning, Jani-King covers a vast range of sectors—offices, hotels, and healthcare facilities. Check “Jani-King Careers” for potential cleaning vacancies offering visa sponsorship.
4. ServiceMaster Clean
Known for restoration and commercial cleaning, ServiceMaster Clean occasionally sponsors foreign staff for regions with labor deficits. Their broad client base ranges from corporate buildings to homes and specialized facilities.
Conclusion
Cleaning jobs in the U.S. offer a solid and rewarding opportunity for foreigners, especially those looking for visa sponsorship. These roles often come with good pay, benefits, and flexible hours, and typically don’t require advanced education.
Whether you’re interested in basic cleaning work or want to focus on areas like hospital or industrial cleaning, there are plenty of job openings across the country.
Choosing the right visa is important. Options include the H-2B visa for temporary non-agricultural work, the EB-3 visa for permanent unskilled jobs, or the J-1 visa for cultural exchange programs. With the right visa and job match, international workers can find stable employment and start building a future in the U.S.
Cleaning jobs can also lead to bigger opportunities. As you gain experience, you could move into supervisory positions or even explore roles in environmental services management. These jobs can be a first step toward long-term residency and career growth.
For foreign workers who are motivated, adaptable, and ready to work hard, the U.S. cleaning industry is a practical and achievable path to success. Start by researching openings, understand the visa process, and take smart steps toward a better future.
