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.

SOC: 53-7061.00

Common Job Titles

  • Automotive Detailer (Auto Detailer)
  • Car Washer
  • Detailer
  • Reconditioner

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • Hands-onOperate pressure washers, steam cleaners, and specialized cleaning equipment following safety protocols and manufacturer guidelines to clean vehicles and machinery.
  • Hands-onPerform vehicle washing, polishing, and detailing procedures using brushes, cloths, cleaning agents, and power buffers to achieve quality standards.
  • KnowledgeAssess vehicle and equipment surfaces for cleaning requirements and potential damage inspecting materials and structures before and after cleaning operations.
  • Hands-onHandle cleaning materials, chemical agents, and detailing supplies following public safety and hazardous material handling procedures.
  • KnowledgeApply chemical knowledge and cleaning techniques selecting appropriate cleaning agents for different vehicle surfaces and material types.
  • KnowledgeDemonstrate time management and workflow prioritization organizing and scheduling multiple cleaning tasks to meet service deadlines.
  • MindsetEngage with customers and team members providing service-oriented communication and building interpersonal relationships.
  • Hands-onPerform equipment maintenance and minor repairs maintaining mechanical cleaning equipment and troubleshooting operational issues.
  • KnowledgeMonitor cleaning processes and quality outcomes conducting quality control analysis to ensure compliance with service standards.
  • KnowledgeOperate inventory tracking software and scheduling systems documenting work activities and managing material resources.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

373,960

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $26,740. 25th percentile: U.S. $29,790. 50th percentile: U.S. $35,270. 75th percentile: U.S. $39,630. 90th percentile: U.S. $47,150. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$26,740
10% of workers earn the following or more$47,150
Workers on average earn$36,290

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
  • English Language3.3/5
  • Transportation3.1/5
  • Administration and Management2.9/5
  • Public Safety and Security2.9/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Windows

Technology Skills

  • Bella FSM Auto Detailing Service Software
  • BookFresh
  • Green Cloud KleanTRAC
  • Inventory tracking software
  • Thoughtful Systems Scheduling Manager for Auto Detailing

Tools & Equipment

  • Air blowers
  • Car polishers
  • Car vacuums
  • Carpet dirt extractors
  • Cleaning scrapers
  • Dashboard brushes
  • Detail brushes
  • Digital tire pressure gauges
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment