Occupation · SOC 53-7061
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
Wash or otherwise clean vehicles, machinery, and other equipment. Use such materials as water, cleaning agents, brushes, cloths, and hoses.
Median wage
$35,270
$26,740–$47,150
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
373,960
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
0 mapped
Core skills
Quality Control AnalysisOperation and ControlOperations MonitoringTime ManagementMonitoringSpeakingActive ListeningService OrientationTroubleshootingSystems AnalysisRepairingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceCritical ThinkingCoordinationSocial PerceptivenessComplex Problem SolvingNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesInstructingActive LearningWritingPersuasionManagement of Material ResourcesLearning StrategiesSystems EvaluationMathematicsInstallationTechnology DesignScienceOperations AnalysisManagement of Financial ResourcesProgramming
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageTransportationAdministration and ManagementPublic Safety and SecurityProduction and ProcessingMechanicalEducation and TrainingMathematicsChemistryPersonnel and Human ResourcesEconomics and AccountingAdministrativeCommunications and MediaComputers and ElectronicsSales and MarketingPsychologyLaw and GovernmentForeign LanguagePhysicsBuilding and ConstructionEngineering and TechnologyTelecommunicationsDesignGeographyBiologyMedicine and DentistryTherapy and CounselingSociology and AnthropologyFood ProductionPhilosophy and TheologyHistory and ArcheologyFine Arts
Technology & tools
Bella FSM Auto Detailing Service SoftwareBookFreshGreen Cloud KleanTRACInventory tracking softwareMicrosoft WindowsThoughtful Systems Scheduling Manager for Auto Detailing
Representative tasks
Performing General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting InformationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsTraining and Teaching OthersProcessing InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsDeveloping and Building TeamsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkScheduling Work and ActivitiesCoaching and Developing OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesAssisting and Caring for OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationControlling Machines and ProcessesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationThinking CreativelyProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentPerforming Administrative ActivitiesAnalyzing Data or InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleStaffing Organizational UnitsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationWorking with ComputersSelling or Influencing Others
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Rinsing and drying procedures — follow step-by-step under direct supervision using squeegees, cloths, and air compressors on customer vehicles at a commercial wash facility.Scrubbing and spraying tools — select and apply basic brushes, hoses, and cloths to remove surface dirt from vehicles under close guidance at an entry-level wash station.Vehicle windows — clean and wipe down using approved solutions and lint-free cloths following standard protocols on a supervised detail shift.Cleaning solutions — measure and mix pre-formulated compounds according to posted formulas under supervisor instruction in a vehicle-cleaning shop.Protective products — apply basic wax or polish to exterior vehicle surfaces following labeled directions under direct oversight at a detail bay.Supply inventory — count and report stock levels of cleaning materials to a supervisor using a paper checklist or simple inventory log.Cleanliness inspection — identify obvious dirt, residue, or missed areas on a finished vehicle using a basic visual checklist before handoff to a lead.Safety and chemical labels — read and follow hazard warnings on cleaning agents and disinfectants under guidance to prevent injury in a shop environment.Customer vehicles — move or reposition cars short distances within a facility lot following verbal directions from a supervisor.Work area standards — keep tools, hoses, and supplies organized at an assigned workstation following housekeeping rules set by a team lead.
developing
Drying techniques — select and apply the appropriate method — cloth, squeegee, or air compressor — based on vehicle type and surface material with minimal oversight at a mid-volume detail shop.Paint, wax, and reconditioner application — apply multiple finishing products in correct sequence to preserve and restore vehicle color and gloss during routine detail jobs with limited supervision.Window cleaning — clean and polish interior and exterior glass surfaces to a streak-free standard across varied vehicle types on a scheduled customer service workflow.Cleaning compound formulation — mix solutions and abrasive compositions from documented formulas, adjusting concentrations for soil level or surface type in a production cleaning environment.Scraping and decontamination — use scrapers, abrasives, and disinfectants to remove stubborn deposits or biological matter from equipment or fleet vehicles on a regular service rotation.Vehicle transport — safely drive customer or fleet vehicles to and from workshop bays or customer locations following traffic regulations and company driving policies.Quality inspection — inspect completed vehicles or equipment against cleanliness and condition standards, documenting deficiencies and correcting work before customer delivery.Inventory tracking — record supply usage and submit restocking requests using inventory management software to maintain uninterrupted operations at a commercial cleaning facility.Scheduling awareness — reference calendar and scheduling software to prioritize daily job assignments and meet customer appointment windows without supervisor prompting.Multi-surface equipment cleaning — adapt scrubbing and spray methods to machinery, fleet trucks, or specialty vehicles encountered in a transportation or industrial maintenance setting.
proficient
Full-service detail workflow — independently execute complete interior and exterior detailing processes — including polish, wax, and conditioning — to brand standards across diverse vehicle classes at a high-throughput detail center.Advanced surface restoration — diagnose paint condition, select appropriate reconditioners or masking materials, and execute restoration treatments on vehicles with significant oxidation or surface damage.Glass care expertise — assess and resolve recurring streaking, hazing, or contamination issues on vehicle windows using advanced techniques and appropriate specialty products.Complex solution formulation — develop and adjust cleaning compound ratios for non-routine soiling conditions — such as industrial residue or hazardous material spills — using chemical reference guides and personal experience.Compliance inspection — conduct thorough post-service inspections against regulatory and client-specific standards, identifying damage liability issues and compliance gaps before vehicle release.Fleet driving coordination — transport multiple vehicles between sites across varied road conditions, applying sound judgment on vehicle handling and customer property care.Equipment and vehicle triage — evaluate incoming vehicles or machinery for cleanliness needs, damage risks, and workload estimation to allocate resources and set realistic job timelines.Inventory management — maintain accurate perpetual inventory records using dedicated software, identify usage trends, and coordinate procurement to prevent supply shortages at a busy facility.Chemical safety compliance — ensure all mixing, storage, and disposal of cleaning agents meets OSHA and facility safety protocols, resolving non-compliance issues independently.Customer service problem-solving — address quality concerns or damage claims raised by customers or fleet managers by investigating root causes and proposing corrective actions on the spot.
advanced
Team performance standards — establish cleaning and detailing quality benchmarks for a full crew, coaching emerging and developing workers through demonstration and structured feedback at a commercial vehicle service operation.Workflow system design — develop shift schedules, job routing sequences, and task assignments using scheduling and database software to maximize throughput and on-time customer delivery across a multi-bay facility.Training program development — create onboarding procedures and skills progression guides covering chemical use, surface restoration, and compliance inspection for new hires entering a Job Zone 2 cleaning workforce.Inventory and procurement strategy — oversee supply chain decisions for cleaning chemicals, tools, and equipment, negotiating with vendors and using inventory management software to control costs at an organizational level.Quality assurance system — design and implement a multi-point vehicle inspection protocol that ensures consistent regulatory and client-standard compliance across all technicians and service lines.Safety culture leadership — lead facility-wide safety reviews, update chemical handling and equipment operation procedures, and drive a culture of cautiousness and integrity among all team members.Fleet and client relationship management — serve as the primary operational contact for large fleet accounts or institutional clients, resolving escalated service issues and negotiating service agreements.Technology adoption — evaluate and implement new operating system, database, or scheduling software tools that improve operational visibility and reduce administrative burden across the cleaning department.Performance metrics and accountability — track team-level key performance indicators — including job completion rates, rework incidents, and supply costs — and use data to drive continuous improvement decisions.Cross-functional coordination — align vehicle cleaning operations with transportation dispatch, maintenance, and customer service teams to ensure vehicles meet readiness standards within organizational workflows.
Also known as
213 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Aircraft Cabin CleanerAircraft CleanerAircraft DetailerAirplane CleanerApparatus CleanerApron CleanerAssembly CleanerAutomat Car AttendantAutomatic Car Wash AttendantAutomobile DetailerAutomotive Cleaner (Auto Cleaner)Automotive Detailer (Auto Detailer)Automotive Polisher (Auto Polisher)Automotive Porter (Auto Porter)Automotive Wash Buffer (Auto Wash Buffer)Automotive Washer (Auto Washer)Barrel CleanerBarrel WasherBeer Coil CleanerBell CleanerBelt CleanerBin CleanerBlow Off WorkerBoat DetailerBoat WasherBody CleanerBoiler BlowerBoiler CleanerBoiler Tube BlowerBoiler WasherBook CleanerBooth CleanerBottle CleanerBox Car WasherBox Truck WasherBrick CleanerBrush CleanerBus CleanerBus WasherCan Cleaner