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Window cleaner

Alternative titles for this job include

Window cleaners work on domestic and commercial premises, cleaning windows, doors and other glass surfaces.

Average salary (a year)

£16,000 Starter

to

£23,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 variable

You could work

as a contractor / self-employed managing your own hours

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a window cleaner

You can get into this job through:

  • applying directly
  • specialist training with a professional body

Direct Application

You could apply directly to become a window cleaner with a company, buy an existing round or set up your own business. You don't need any formal qualifications to do this.

Other Routes

You could work as a window cleaner on tall buildings like office blocks, if you've completed training in rope access work or operating a mobile platform.

More Information

Career tips

Employers will be interested in your practical skills, ability to work at height, and your awareness of health and safety regulations and good practice.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Federation of Window Cleaners for professional development training and to make industry contacts.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • business management skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be able to cope with working at height
  • have a good level of fitness

You may need a driving licence and your own vehicle, especially if you're self-employed.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • mix cleaning chemicals and detergents
  • climb ladders
  • use water-fed poles
  • clean windows on high buildings using cradles or ropes
  • talk to customers
  • keep a record of payment or complete customer reports
  • safely store and transport equipment
  • find and bid for new business
  • do business admin tasks if you're self-employed

Working environment

Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could work for contract cleaners or specialist window cleaning firms. With experience, you may be able to progress to become a supervisor or manager.

You may start your own business, working alone or employing staff.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a window cleaner right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Generic and Specialist Cleaning Principles Level 2

  • Provider: EALING, HAMMERSMITH & WEST LONDON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 August 2022
  • Location: Not known

Cleaning Principles: Level 2 NCFE Certificate - Distance Learning

  • Provider: NORTH EAST SURREY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY (NESCOT)
  • Start date: 01 August 2022
  • Location: Not known
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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