How much money do crime scene cleaners make?

How Much Money Do Crime Scene Cleaners Make?

Crime scene cleaners, also known as biohazard remediation technicians, are professionals who specialize in cleaning and disinfecting crime scenes, death scenes, and other areas contaminated by biological fluids, including blood, bodily fluids, and other hazardous materials. If you’re considering a career in this field, you’re likely wondering how much money crime scene cleaners make. In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed answer to this question.

Salary Range

The salary range for crime scene cleaners can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of employer. Here are some approximate salary ranges for crime scene cleaners in the United States:

• Entry-level: $30,000 – $40,000 per year
• Experienced: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
• Senior-level: $60,000 – $80,000 per year
• Owner/operator: $80,000 – $100,000 per year

Hourly Rate

Some crime scene cleaning companies pay their technicians an hourly rate, which can range from:

• $15 – $25 per hour: Entry-level and junior technicians
• $25 – $40 per hour: Experienced technicians
• $40 – $60 per hour: Senior-level technicians

Commission-based

Some crime scene cleaning companies offer a commission-based structure, where technicians earn a percentage of the total job revenue. This can range from:

• 5% – 15% of total job revenue: Typical commission rates
• 15% – 20% of total job revenue: Higher commission rates for experienced technicians

Additional Earnings

Crime scene cleaners can also earn additional income through:

• Overtime: Many companies pay overtime rates for extended hours or emergency calls
• Bonuses: Some companies offer bonuses for meeting performance targets or completing difficult jobs
• Insurance claims: Some technicians earn income by processing insurance claims for cleanup services

Factors Affecting Salary

Several factors can affect the salary of crime scene cleaners, including:

• Location: Crime scene cleaning companies in urban areas tend to pay higher salaries than those in rural areas
• Experience: More experienced technicians can command higher salaries
• Type of employer: Companies that specialize in biohazard remediation tend to pay higher salaries than those that offer general cleaning services
• Certifications: Technicians with specialized certifications, such as OSHA Hazmat Training or Bloodborne Pathogen Certification, may earn higher salaries

Certifications and Training

To become a crime scene cleaner, you’ll need to complete specialized training and obtain relevant certifications. Here are some common certifications and training programs:

• OSHA Hazmat Training: Provides training on handling hazardous materials
• Bloodborne Pathogen Certification: Trains technicians on proper handling and disposal of bloodborne pathogens
• Biohazard Remediation Certification: Provides comprehensive training on biohazard remediation techniques
• Crime Scene Cleanup Certification: Trains technicians on crime scene cleanup procedures and protocols

Conclusion

Crime scene cleaners play a critical role in ensuring public health and safety by cleaning and disinfecting crime scenes, death scenes, and other areas contaminated by biological fluids. While salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of employer, crime scene cleaners can earn a decent income, with experienced technicians earning upwards of $80,000 per year. With the right training and certifications, a career in crime scene cleaning can be a rewarding and lucrative one.

Table: Salary Ranges for Crime Scene Cleaners

Table: Hourly Rates for Crime Scene Cleaners

Table: Commission Rates for Crime Scene Cleaners

Note: The salary ranges and hourly rates provided are approximate and may vary depending on location, experience, and type of employer.