Terminal Cleaner Jobs in NYC
Looking for Terminal Cleaner jobs in NYC? You’ve landed in the right place!
With 27 Terminal Cleaner positions available across major airports and private facilities, NYC offers numerous Terminal Cleaner opportunities to match your skills in sanitation, maintenance, and facility care.
How To Apply for Terminal Cleaner Jobs in New York, NY
Terminal Cleaner jobs in NYC are highly competitive, but with the right approach you can significantly boost your chances.
Build a Professional Terminal Cleaner Resume
Create a strong resume that highlights your cleaning expertise, knowledge of airport or large-scale facility operations, and certifications (such as OSHA or specialized sanitation training).
Register an account to use OysterLink’s resume builder to create a professional Terminal Cleaner resume.

Here’s a quick guide to using the OysterLink resume section effectively:
- Fill in details: Include bio, work history, education, certifications, and areas of expertise.
- Set privacy: Choose between private (only employers you apply to) or public visibility.
- Upload photo: Add a professional headshot (200×200, PNG or JPG).
- Confirm location: Make sure your base location is accurately listed.
- Write your bio: Clearly outline your skills in facility upkeep, safety procedures, and sanitation standards.
Choose a Terminal Cleaner Job to Apply To on OysterLink
To apply for a Terminal Cleaner job on OysterLink, simply click the “Apply Now” button on your chosen listing. This will launch the application process.
Follow the prompts provided and the employer will contact you with the next steps.
Prepare for Terminal Cleaner Job Interviews
Before any interview, be ready to discuss your experience with cleaning schedules, handling hazardous materials, and maintaining high-traffic facilities like airport terminals.
- Review job descriptions and align your examples with the employer’s expectations.
- Prepare real scenarios where you handled unexpected spills, coordinated with security teams, or met strict cleaning timelines.
- Ask questions about their cleaning protocols, shift schedules, and equipment used—showing genuine interest in operational standards.
Legal Requirements & Facility Regulations for Terminal Cleaners in NYC
Terminal Cleaners must follow specific federal, state, and airport-based regulations:
- OSHA Training: Completion of workplace safety and hazard communication training.
- Background Checks: Standard airport and TSA clearances for staff with access to secure areas.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to lift heavy equipment, bend, stretch, and work long shifts on foot.
- Medical Clearance: Routine health checks ensuring you can work safely with chemicals and equipment.

Work Conditions & Benefits for Terminal Cleaners in New York
- Competitive Pay: Hourly rates average between $18 and $26, depending on facility type and shift (day/night).
- Comprehensive Benefits: Many employers offer healthcare, retirement plans, uniform allowances, and paid time off.
- Flexible Schedules: Expect rotating shifts, overnight options, and weekend availability.
- Growth Potential: Opportunities to move into Lead Cleaner, Supervisor, or Facility Coordinator roles
Outlook for Terminal Cleaner Careers in New York, NY
- Growth Prospects: Demand for sanitation professionals is projected to grow steadily from 2023–2033 due to increased travel and heightened cleanliness standards.
- NYC Advantage: With expansions at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark plus ongoing construction in private terminals, the need for skilled Terminal Cleaners remains strong.
- Industry Trends: Employers value cleaners with knowledge of eco-friendly products, cross-training in maintenance, and bilingual communication skills to coordinate with diverse teams.

Terminal Cleaner Jobs vs Janitorial Staff Jobs: What’s the Difference?
While the terms often overlap, there are distinctions—especially in bustling New York airports and large transit hubs.
- Terminal Cleaner: Specializes in maintaining public terminals, following strict safety regulations, working alongside security teams, and using high-grade industrial equipment.
- Janitorial Staff: A broader term covering cleaners in offices, schools, or residential buildings, often without the same security and operational requirements found in terminals.
Understanding these nuances helps you tailor your resume, training, and interview answers to match terminal-specific needs.
Why Employers & Job Seekers Trust OysterLink
Rated 4.9 on Glassdoor, OysterLink is the preferred platform for hospitality and service professionals seeking trusted job opportunities.

Our dedicated team rigorously screens employers and listings, evaluating factors like workplace safety, salary transparency, and overall industry reputation, ensuring job seekers find secure and rewarding Terminal Cleaner roles.
Sources
OysterLink maintains an extensive database of hospitality and service industry job listings and employers across New York City. Our listings are verified through a thorough vetting process, ensuring reliability and accuracy:
- Dedicated research: Our experts actively research and compile top Terminal Cleaner opportunities by analyzing job postings, employer websites and company reputations.
- Employer submissions: Restaurants, hotels and airline employers can submit jobs directly to OysterLink, where each listing is reviewed and verified for quality and authenticity.