What Is the Average Salary for a Crime Scene Cleaner in the United States?

How Much Does a Crime Scene Cleaner Make?

Crime scene cleaning is a unique and specialized job within the biohazard remediation industry. From dealing with trauma scenes to cleaning up after unattended deaths, crime scene cleaners play a critical role in restoring environments to safety. If you’re considering this profession, you’re probably wondering about the salary. Here’s what you need to know about how much crime scene cleaners make in the United States.

Understanding the Role of a Crime Scene Cleaner
Before diving into salary details, it’s important to understand what crime scene cleaners do. These professionals are responsible for cleaning, decontaminating, and sanitizing areas affected by trauma, such as:

• Homicides
• Suicides
• Unattended deaths
• Accidents
• Biohazardous contamination (e.g., blood, bodily fluids, and other hazardous materials)

Crime scene cleaners follow strict protocols to handle and dispose of hazardous materials safely, often working in emotionally charged environments. It’s a physically and mentally demanding job, which is why compensation can be competitive depending on the experience, location, and specific responsibilities involved.

Average Salary for a Crime Scene Cleaner
According to data from various sources, the average annual salary for a crime scene cleaner in the United States typically ranges between $35,000 and $80,000. However, this figure can vary significantly based on several factors, such as location, experience, and whether the cleaner is self-employed or works for an established company.

Entry-Level Crime Scene Cleaner Salary
For those just starting out in the field, the salary tends to fall in the lower range of around $35,000 to $45,000 per year. At this level, cleaners are likely to be working for established companies, receiving on-the-job training and gaining hands-on experience.

Experienced Crime Scene Cleaner Salary
As cleaners gain more experience and certifications, their earning potential increases. Experienced crime scene cleaners can expect to earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually. Those who have earned additional certifications or work in high-demand areas may be on the higher end of the spectrum.

Salaries for Business Owners
For those who choose to start their own crime scene cleanup business, the potential earnings can be even higher. While starting a business requires a significant investment in training, equipment, and certifications, business owners can earn well over $80,000 per year, depending on the success of their company and the volume of work.

Factors That Affect Crime Scene Cleaner Salaries
The salary of a crime scene cleaner can be influenced by several factors, including:
1. Location
Geography plays a big role in determining salary. Crime scene cleaners in large metropolitan areas or states with a higher cost of living, such as California, New York, or Florida, may earn more than those in rural or less populated regions. For example, a crime scene cleaner in Los Angeles might make more than a cleaner in a smaller city in the Midwest.
2. Experience
Like most professions, experience counts. Crime scene cleaners who have been in the industry for several years, especially those who have completed advanced training and certifications, can command higher salaries. Additionally, those who have specialized in certain types of cleanups, such as meth lab decontamination or hoarding situations, may also see increased pay.
3. Certifications
Additional certifications can lead to higher pay. Earning certification from organizations such as the American BioRecovery Association (ABRA) or the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) demonstrates a higher level of expertise and can make you more valuable in the industry.
4. Type of Employment
Whether you’re working for a company or running your own business also impacts salary. Employees of biohazard cleanup companies often earn a stable salary, while business owners have the potential to earn more depending on the success and growth of their company.

Job Outlook and Demand

The demand for crime scene cleaners has been steadily increasing over the past few years. As awareness grows about the health risks involved in improper biohazard cleanup, more people are turning to professional services. Additionally, regulations from agencies like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) ensure that biohazardous materials are handled safely and legally, further driving the need for trained crime scene cleaners.

With the growing demand for these services, the job outlook for crime scene cleaners is positive. As more people retire or leave the field, there’s plenty of opportunity for new professionals to enter the industry and earn competitive salaries.

How to Increase Your Earning Potential
If you’re looking to boost your salary as a crime scene cleaner, consider the following strategies:

1. Get Certified: Earning advanced certifications in biohazard remediation, bloodborne pathogens, and hazardous waste disposal will increase your value in the job market.
2. Specialize: Consider specializing in niche areas such as hoarding cleanup, meth lab decontamination, or trauma and accident scenes. Specializing can set you apart from other cleaners and command higher fees.
3. Gain Experience: The more experience you have, the better your chances of securing higher-paying jobs. Consider working for an established company to gain experience before branching out on your own.
4. Start Your Own Business: If you’re entrepreneurial, starting your own crime scene cleanup business can be a lucrative career path. While it requires upfront investment, business owners often have greater earning potential.

Final Thoughts
​Crime scene cleaning is a challenging but rewarding career, both emotionally and financially. While the average salary for a crime scene cleaner in the U.S. varies depending on experience, location, and job type, there’s significant earning potential, especially for those who pursue advanced certifications or start their own business. If you’re interested in this line of work, there’s never been a better time to explore the opportunities available in the biohazard cleanup industry.