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Career Profile

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment

What they do:

Wash or otherwise clean vehicles, machinery, and other equipment. Use such materials as water, cleaning agents, brushes, cloths, and hoses.

Also Called:

Aircraft Cleaner, Automotive Detailer (Auto Detailer), Bus Cleaner, Car Detailer, Car Washer, Cleaner, Detail Technician (Detail Tech), Detailer, Reconditioner, Sanitation Truck Cleaner, Aircraft Cleaner, Automotive Detailer (Auto Detailer), Bus Cleaner, Car Detailer, Car Washer, Cleaner, Detail Technician (Detail Tech), Detailer, Reconditioner, Sanitation Truck Cleaner

MO Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$28,600
Starting Salary (2025)
$34,670
Median Salary (2025)
3.9%
Projected Job Growth
9,150
MO Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Inspect parts, equipment, or vehicles for cleanliness, damage, and compliance with standards or regulations.
Clean and polish vehicle windows.
Sweep, shovel, or vacuum loose debris or salvageable scrap into containers and remove containers from work areas.
Scrub, scrape, or spray machine parts, equipment, or vehicles, using scrapers, brushes, clothes, cleaners, disinfectants, insecticides, acid, abrasives, vacuums, or hoses.
Mix cleaning solutions, abrasive compositions, or other compounds, according to formulas.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Cooperation
Initiative
Independence
Adaptability/Flexibility

What key skills are needed for this job?

Quality Control Analysis
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Time Management
Monitoring
Speaking

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Common Activities

Performing General Physical Activities

Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 54%
  • Less than high school 24%
  • Some college 20%
  • Post-secondary certificate 2%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Dishwashers
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.