Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
Vehicle and equipment cleaners wash and sanitize cars, trucks, machinery, and industrial equipment using water, cleaning agents, brushes, cloths, and hoses. Work takes place in car washes, dealerships, rental facilities, manufacturing plants, construction sites, and transportation yards. The job requires attention to detail and physical stamina.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cleaners of vehicles and equipment and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical day involves spraying vehicles with water and cleaning solutions, scrubbing surfaces with brushes and cloths, and wiping down interiors. Workers may clean engines, undercarriages, or heavy machinery depending on the workplace. Tasks are repetitive and physically demanding, often performed outdoors or in enclosed bays. Most positions follow standard daytime or shift schedules, with volume and type of equipment varying by employer.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on work with clear procedures and measurable results—realistic work that produces immediate, visible outcomes. You're organized and systematic, comfortable following established routines and standards, and take pride in thorough, quality work.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Bowling Equipment Repairer · Air Force Materiel Command · Robins AFB, Georgia · $22.56–$26.31
- Bowling Equipment Worker NA-05 · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Polk, Louisiana · $20.82–$24.29
- Air Conditioning Mechanic Equipment · Office of the Secretary · Washington, District of Columbia · $36.49–$42.63
- Engineering Equipment Operator · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Austwell, Texas · $33.57–$39.25
- Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Information Systems) · Veterans Health Administration · Aurora, Colorado · $113930–$148112
- Telecommunications Equipment Operator · Veterans Health Administration · Madison, Wisconsin · $40736–$52952
- SUPERVISORY EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST · United States Fleet Forces Command · Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia · $108019–$140426
- Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer · Defense Logistics Agency · New Cumberland Defense Logistics Center, Pennsylvania · $28.06–$32.72
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $36,400 | $42,710 | $47,990 | 350 |
| Alaska | $37,890 | $40,210 | $45,550 | 620 |
| Washington | $37,260 | $40,070 | $45,750 | 8,270 |
| Colorado | $37,390 | $39,610 | $45,080 | 6,750 |
| Vermont | $37,200 | $39,530 | $45,970 | 620 |
| New York | $35,530 | $39,390 | $49,200 | 20,390 |
| Massachusetts | $36,390 | $38,630 | $43,160 | 5,100 |
| Oregon | $35,830 | $38,070 | $44,100 | 5,550 |
| California | $36,190 | $37,920 | $44,790 | 46,030 |
| Minnesota | $35,350 | $37,580 | $42,360 | 4,460 |
| Hawaii | $35,290 | $37,560 | $41,700 | 1,180 |
| Delaware | $31,350 | $37,440 | $41,600 | 1,280 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cleaners of vehicles and equipment and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-7061.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.