Crime-Scene Cleaner Careers: Job Duties and Salary

Kristi graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Human Development and Developmental Psychopathology of Children.

If you faint at the sight of blood or get weak in the knees when you see vomit or bodily fluids, becoming a crime-scene cleaner is not for you. Many people confuse crime-scene cleaning with crime-scene investigation and analysis, but the two fields are very distinct. While crime-scene investigation and specialty tasks like blood-spatter analysis are done by law enforcement professionals, cleanup and sterilization are usually performed by private companies.

What Do Crime-Scene Cleaners Do?

Crime-scene sterilization involves dealing with and removing bio-hazardous waste, including toxic waste, human remains, blood, vomit, excrement, urine, trash, drug paraphernalia, and all manner of other unpleasant smells and sights. The remediation of these factors is the primary job of a crime-scene cleaner. Cleanup and sterilization professionals are not allowed to enter a crime scene until the relevant investigation is complete, and they are not involved in the legal process or court proceedings at all.

When Did the Biorecovery Industry Emerge?

嗨storically, it was left to family or survivors to remove any remnants of violence, death, homicide, or suicide from their dwellings. In the 80s, however, murder rates began to rise, and so did the need for sanitation services. Over the years, the industry has grown into such a popular field that it has garnered television shows, documentaries, and its own cult following. Crime-scene cleaners go by various titles depending on where you are in the world. Other names for the field include:

• Biorecovery
• Bio cleaning
• Trauma cleaning
• Trauma and crime-scene decontamination
• Blood cleanup
• CTS Decon

What Does the Job Involve?

There are many different types of crime scenes and other messes that cleaners encounter regularly. AlthoughDextermakes it look easy, cleaning up a crime scene can be a very difficult and involved process. Cleaners are on call 24 hours a day, and they are expected to perform a very unique set of tasks depending on the nature of the environment they are hired to sanitize or decontaminate. The table below lists a few of the most common materials, scenarios, and situations that biorecovery professionals clean up after.

How Do Forensic Cleaners Deal With Hazardous Materials?

The most critical job of a cleaner is to ensure that an area is free of infectious materials and other hazards. Cleaners undergo extensive training to ensure that all regulations are followed in regard to bodily fluids and blood-borne pathogens.

The OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) sets forth strict requirements for the disposal of human blood, bodily fluids, body parts, and organs and requires cleaners to wear protective gear during all cleanup processes.

Cleaners must have a Hepatitis B vaccination, and many employers encourage or require regular blood tests to ensure employees have not been exposed during a cleanup. This is especially important after needle-heavy cleanups.

In almost all cleanup scenarios, cleaners are expected to remove any and all indication of the incident, do so in a timely fashion, and return the space to its original state as though nothing ever happened. They perform this arduous task with great risk, often dealing with long hours and sometimes extreme situations.

How Much Does Crime-Scene Cleaning Pay?

Starting salaries for crime-scene cleaners can range from around $35,000 to $80,000 a year. The high end of that range is for persons who are dealing with biohazard cleanup. If you don't mind working with anthrax on a daily basis, you may be well on your way to the bank. Realistically, however, there are not opportunities to work with biohazardous waste on a daily basis in most cities, so it's important to get excellent training and be hired by a reputable company.

What Do You Need to Succeed in This Career?

You don't have to have a college degree to be a crime-scene cleaner, but you need an iron-clad stomach and a willingness to do things that are thankless, exhausting, and often uncomfortable—literally (hazmat suits are hot and heavy).

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Comments

Kellieon September 05, 2020:

How old do you have to be to stary this job?

Paulon August 30, 2020:

Class A Professional Truck Driver

Max Edouard Duvalon August 23, 2020:

I want this, where do I apply

Lynethon August 04, 2020:

I need this job how could i apply im from Durban

minerva fariason July 17, 2020:

i live in Tucson Az. how could i get this job?

Van Daeleon May 19, 2020:

One of the most unfortunate parts about this industry is that many companies are in it just for the money. I’ve come across several Youtube videos where these business have taken advantage of families who have reached out to them in desperation...after the unexpected loss of a loved one. If you are in Texas, then I would recommendhttps://www.biotechsdfw.comandhttps://www.biotechsonline.comThis company truly puts the family’s needs first and it shows.

Darrell Abbotton May 18, 2020:

I found this companyhttp://www.shreveportcrimescenecleanup.com

Amandaon May 08, 2020:

How do I get a job like this Im in Indiana

Jonathan Mooreon May 03, 2020:

HOW DO I APPLY

Bryan McKnighton May 01, 2020:

How do i apply

Mariah c.on April 15, 2020:

I'd love to become a crime seen cleaner , are there classes i can take to study/ get training so im not completely new at the job?

Tracy Cormieron April 07, 2020:

How do i apply

Brittany Contrerason April 03, 2020:

How do I apply?

O. Michael Hollingsworthon March 17, 2020:

Thank you!

Zin Jon March 15, 2020:

Great, where do I start?

Sasha bellon March 13, 2020:

How do I get started?

effegegfeon March 06, 2020:

nice

Matriarch2015on February 23, 2020:

Are there links to required certifications?

Judith H Bardischewskion February 22, 2020:

How do I get I get started.I live in Jupiter,Florida.I‘m interested to apply for a job in bio clean up. Thanks,Judith

Dee Dee Reynosaon February 04, 2020:

I live in San Antonio Texas and I would like to apply for a job in bio clean up

理查德·黑on January 21, 2020:

在苏格兰生活我可以做这个s job

Alejandro Chantelleon January 16, 2020:

please how do I get started I'm interested

Haileyon January 12, 2020:

This looks fun

Erinon January 08, 2020:

I'm interested in becoming involved in this field of employment.

How do I get started

marciaon January 07, 2020:

how do i get started i live in south africa

Wendyon December 27, 2019:

How do i get started and i live in niceville fl

Beverly thompsonon December 05, 2019:

All the information is helpful. However how can people obtain the training? Where is it located etc

O Michael Hollingsworthon December 02, 2019:

I have a drug testings company. I would like to add crCrime scene clean up tom my services

Russell Ferreiraon November 23, 2019:

Can I get info on being a cleaning tech

Gabriela da silvaon November 16, 2019:

I need information on how to become a biohazard cleaner and forensics cleaner thanks

Edwardon November 15, 2019:

Please tell me how to get a job doing this kind of work.

Chelseyon November 13, 2019:

Hello, I’m very interested in learning how to get a job in this field.

Karen Umsteadon November 06, 2019:

Hello I'm Karen I would just love to learn how to do this can you please tell me how to do this please

Lynn Joneson October 25, 2019:

I am really interested in doing this line off work could i have more info on how i could get a job doing this please

Felicia Williamson October 21, 2019:

Would like more information

DIANA MONTOYAon October 21, 2019:

I WILL LIKE MORE INFO . IM VERY INTERESTED

Rosa Cruzon October 17, 2019:

I need information on how to become a biohazard cleaner. I am very interested in a career in forensics

Cosmin Daniel Predaon October 09, 2019:

嗨please tell me what steps I need to take to get the job to work like scene crime cleaner.

calebon September 27, 2019:

how can i do this

Charlie Palmeron September 20, 2019:

I cleaned up after the dead when working for Servpro. This was back around 2000. Very challenging but satisfying work.

SALENA BARTEEon September 14, 2019:

My name is Salena and I am trying to start my own forensic and hoarding cleanup service in NC and I need to know how do I found out the state's requirements and certifications to have a successful service and also what schooling will I need to obtain the correct information?

Thank You, in advance!

Nancy Ruizon September 05, 2019:

I’m looking for work and I’m interested in this particular job because for me it’s helping grieving families not having to endure anymore pain and that alone gives me satisfaction in what I’d be doing. I have a strong stomach and feel I can handle it.Information on getting started would be appreciated.

eugene karemaon August 29, 2019:

Am good to go, how do I apply

absolutely cleanfrom West Colorado & Utah on June 23, 2019:

great, i also provide Biohazard Cleanup services in Western Colorado & Eastern Utah. Visithttps://www.absolutelyclean.net/biohazard-cleanup/

Dennison June 19, 2019:

If i have a college degree?can it boost my salary ?

Douglas brahamon June 02, 2019:

What it do acquirement to become clean up I am already blood-borne certified clean up multiple blood a lot of it from people trying to Suicide herself so I've seen a lot of blood

Nayely maradiagaon May 16, 2019:

Im interested but i havent have any traing

Denise mcphersonon May 14, 2019:

嗨I live in Philly how can I apply for that type of job where do I go can anybody help me out there I need that job

Kennyon May 07, 2019:

Definitely some great insight in here. For more info on how to become a crime scene cleaner check outhttps://biorecovery.com/andhttps://www.crimescenecleanup.com/

Julia Routledgeon April 13, 2019:

How do i gain work in this industry please

Tina Staleyon March 01, 2019:

I work in surgery as an orderly done this job for almost 9 yrs looking for something different

Edwards24ton February 12, 2019:

你如何开始在这个领域?

Rachealon February 02, 2019:

Is there any certificates needed or i can get for forensic (crime scene ) clean up in new york?

How do i start? Do i go to police stations and leave info?

Kalion January 30, 2019:

Need more information about how to get started immediately with this.

Nila fouston January 29, 2019:

How old do you have to be to do this sort of thing?

Kyoon December 06, 2018:

I work in a hospital as a biohazard housekeeper. How do I start getting close to this job requirements?

Charlieon November 27, 2018:

I'm 34 with lots of war time clean up. I could clean up body parts guts blood and eat a sandwich. I have burned human feces with jp8 (shitter detail) in Iraq and dealt with many other gross situations. Its not a matter of if I can do it, my question is how do I get certified officially trained and hired in hot springs village, Arkansas? Any information would be greatly appreciated ...charlesmddx@yahoo.com

Katon October 16, 2018:

So I am a 24 year old female and 4’10 and physically weak. I’m interested but will I be able to get a job for this?

Blanca Mon October 16, 2018:

I am interested, i have experience doing regular cleaning and industrial cleaning, now I’m a truck driver and some times I got to used chemical protection and respirator but I hope it can help me to be little more comfortable to do this job

Nicoleon October 16, 2018:

I understand everything this says. BUT, what is the pathway to becoming a crime scene cleaner? What College/University qualifications do we need??

Paton October 12, 2018:

我相信有很多像我这样回应this article of 2017, and having done such we're all pointing out that even though we do appreciate your telling us in some detail what it takes to become one ... you've failed to give information on how to actually receive training -- Why? Is it a secret? Must we go to our local police stations to find out -- what?

Krystal Holleyon October 04, 2018:

Im very interested also. I Know the

sight of blood doesn't bother me. I watched my dog give birth and it didn't bother me lol. I know it can smell really bad but my stomach can handle it.

JRon September 12, 2018:

They are hiring for people in Denver. Check coloradojobnetwork.com and the company's name is called Aftermath. Good luck! "Crime Scene Cleanup Assistant Supervisor"

David Castilloon August 29, 2018:

would like more info ive been working in the OR for 29 yrs

Sweeperon August 20, 2018:

You know, human bodies arent that different than pigs bodies just dont accidentally spill the brains for some reason I'd rather eat diarrhea than smell human brains

Ashleyon July 18, 2018:

I am very very interested anything that pays the bills for my family

Antoinette Evangelistaon July 14, 2018:

How do I apply, very interested

Sandraon June 23, 2018:

I very interesting doing this job.

Daniel2018年6月6日:

The title is misleading. This blog post tells me "what one is", not "how to become one"

Stacy Crocketton April 11, 2018:

How do I apply

Crystalon April 05, 2018:

I don't know why but I love things like this I can take stuff like this Blood anything like that I could take it I want to try this but have one thing I have trouble reading I'm 25 years old I have two children but I want to go to school for this

Carlos Marmolon February 22, 2018:

How do I apply ?

Roberton February 08, 2018:

How do I apply

MICHELLEon November 08, 2017:

How heavy is the hazmat suit?

Robert Cekikjon November 01, 2017:

How can i apply for a crime scene cleaning job

Piomontufa@gmail.comon September 25, 2017:

Very informative. Ty

Tawana Sheltonon September 18, 2017:

Yes. I have a cast iron stomach and the willingness to do things that are thankless, exhausting and often uncomfortable - literally (hazmat suits can be worn for my safety to get the job done.

Patexisson July 27, 2017:

I am interested in this career but I could not take it if it involved rodents or animals

Mightgurlon July 23, 2017:

I'm a very curious person by nature... Dead bodies causes my mind to wonder about life... Now I am wondering if this is a feild for me... how would I go about finding out if this could be a job for me?

Irina Quengaon June 03, 2017:

I am really interested in this job. I do have the stomach for because I used to work in a crime scene team. I am doing more research on where to apply for the job. Thank you for your article.

Laurenon May 29, 2017:

I am interested in this field of work but have many questions. How can I get more info? Thanks.

Demetria Grieron May 22, 2017:

I am very interested in changing my career and the abundance of information I have found on the internet is overwhelming. I want to do this and know I can. Any info you can provide on where to start will be GREATLY appreciated.

Jennifer Williamson February 23, 2017:

Great read. It's unfortunate that one of the companies you accredit at the end is a horrible company. Aftermath, Inc, in our opinion, shouldn't be one of the top 2 you would recommend due to their unethical business practices.

But, the rest of your content is pretty spot on.

Thank you!

chrison February 05, 2017:

I had no idea what went into this job, thank you. What are the requirements to be a cleaner? Like experience?

Tiffanyon January 13, 2017:

This is something I could see myself doing... yes I know most don't wake up and think... well I'm going to do crime scene clean ups, but someone has to do it. I wonder how one would acquire this job...?

Chickpeaon January 12, 2017:

I called for their services to clean up a very small bathroom. They wanted $40,000 to clean up and sanitize the room. Just a cleanup (without sanitize), they wanted $10,000.

I did it myself.

Mark Skirvinon January 12, 2017:

Like the idea that there alot of jobs that people do not want. How do you go about finding and applying for these jobs? Is there alot of up front training required prior to landing One of these jobs. That's where the trouble lies.

Kristi Sharp (author)from Born in Missouri. Raised in Minnesota. on January 12, 2017:

sheldon, thank you for reading and for commenting. I don't know the answer to that but I would assume that in this day and age there is a way to clean them so they don't have to get a new one each time. Sorry I don't have a better answer but you can bet I'm going to find out. Best, -K

Kristi Sharp (author)from Born in Missouri. Raised in Minnesota. on January 12, 2017:

Visit your local community college websites and check if they offer Forensic Science degrees. I know that Kaplan offers a course online but I don't know that it's an accredited course. Best of luck, -K

Kristi Sharp (author)from Born in Missouri. Raised in Minnesota. on January 12, 2017:

Don, thank you for reading and commenting. I would love to receive anything you have about clean-up/remediation. I thank you very much for offering this to me. It's always good to have someone who is an expert give you some tips! Please email them to me. Best, -K

Kristi Sharp (author)from Born in Missouri. Raised in Minnesota. on January 12, 2017:

Helen, thank you for reading and commenting. I tried to find a company in the UK but was unsuccessful. I would google Forensic Science schooling and see what you get - I assume you are writing from the UK. :) Best of luck -K

Kristi Sharp (author)from Born in Missouri. Raised in Minnesota. on January 12, 2017:

Lorban, I would visit your local community colleges and see if they offer a degree in this field. Additionally, you can visit the govt. website to see if they have any job postings and what the requirements are. I would also visit a crime scene clean-up facility such as Aftermath -they place people everywhere. You can look at the link on this page. Best of luck, -K

Kristi Sharp (author)from Born in Missouri. Raised in Minnesota. on January 12, 2017:

Donna, thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. I agree with you, I would love the detective work but not the aftermath! I appreciate your input. Thanks again, -K

Kristi Sharp (author)from Born in Missouri. Raised in Minnesota. on December 21, 2016:

moniece, Thanks for reading and commenting. I would contact your local community colleges and find out which of them offer degrees in crime scene or forensics because most departments prefer a degree. Additionally, get on to the local police department website or city website and find out if they have any availability or openings. Some forensics programs offer placement which is something you should also check into. Best of luck, -K

monieceon December 21, 2016:

I have years of experience in hotel cleaning, environmental clean, healthcare cleaning. I would like to know how and where can I receive the training for crime scene cleanup in the Washington DC metro area. Please advise..

Mindyon November 13, 2016:

So I'm very interested how do I get my foot in the door to do this job. I want to do it.. Can u give me any suggestions I really appreciate it..

Don1on August 10, 2016:

Those two types have a beneficial factor by talking about they truely can be reduced by any person that cares enough to help others that speak with no words but will display with actions hoping tool notice before it's too late.......... The other types are top graphic and benefit Noone by mentioning.

Don1on August 10, 2016:

Suicide scenes are all uniquely diffetent. The ones successful will almost always display 1 of 4 paths leading to the end. Depression and Loss of All Hope are usually easiest. It's been thought about for a long time and attempt to control their mess being considerate knowing someone will have to clean up. If the court system could tell the difference between a dead beat father and a father pleading to have their children UN- STOLEN by a manipulative mother to just be a part of their life.. These type would be greatly reduced..... Seeking attention type find they messed up and went too fast for real.. Huddle to compress the wound scared alone 'till time is up... Seeking attention to not be alone but are all alone at the scariest time if their life... Teach the children early that all kids(wierd, shy, awkward, handicapped, and even mentally disabled all need a friend.. You can see the loneliness within the scene. These should never happen and can easily be reduced.

Don1on August 10, 2016:

Crime scene, suicide, and trauma remediation (clean - up) are all part of my many remediation responsibilities. Bio hazardous materials found on scene is unique in its aura. A wall is just a wall until that same wall has blood splater brain matter blasted into it. I've watched several individuals throw up inside of a full face respirator with a 100% sealed Hazmat suit sealed tight with it. Tightly sealed can feel clostriphobic knowing that when you are ready to take a break you have a 10 minute safety procedure to unsuit properly. Being surrounded outside your suit by the aura of the scene where tragedy took place.. And then filling your sealed respirator with your own bio hazard when even a drop can't escape from your face...eyes close naturally leaving you in the dark.. Clamping your mouth shut and unable to breath puke into your nose.... Your health, safety, sanity, and life is in your co-workers hands .. Even when I lead them outside and do an emergency decontamination, those 2 minutes of absolute helplessness can't ever be forgotten and most refuse any and all trauma projects ever lol. Those jobs are all about the detailed preparation for all of the hazardous issue that can arise in a second. I've prepared a collection of techniques that if followed correctly can make a Horrific scene safe, simple, and quickly completed properly per state standards. If interested I'll pass on a few of my personal trade secrets.

Helen salisburyon August 08, 2016:

嗨my name is helen am 32 and have allways wanted to do this type of job. Am a mum of 2 age 8 & 10. And have a very strong stomach, live on the wirral in the uk. I send respect and love to you all hopfully one day i can live my dream and join a uk based team.

Helen xxxx