How Much Does a Crime Scene Cleaner Make an Hour?
When it comes to the crime scene cleaning industry, most people are curious about the hourly rate of these specialized professionals. Crime scene cleaners, also known as bio-hazard remediation technicians or forensic cleaners, play a crucial role in restoring contaminated areas to a safe and sanitary condition. In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth look at the hourly rates of crime scene cleaners and what factors affect their pay.
Hourly Rate of Crime Scene Cleaners
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers, which includes crime scene cleaners, was $48,390 in May 2020. However, this figure can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and company size.
Breaking Down the Hourly Rate
To give you a better idea of the hourly rate of crime scene cleaners, let’s break down the average annual salary and hourly rate:
- Median annual salary: $48,390
- Number of hours worked per week: 40 hours
- Number of weeks worked per year: 52 weeks
- Total number of hours worked per year: 2,080 hours
- Hourly rate: $48,390 ÷ 2,080 hours = $23.21 per hour
Factors Affecting Hourly Rate
Several factors can influence the hourly rate of crime scene cleaners, including:
• Location: Crime scene cleaners working in major cities or areas with a high cost of living may command higher hourly rates to compensate for the increased expense of living.
• Experience: More experienced cleaners may charge higher hourly rates due to their expertise and the value they bring to clients.
• Company size: Larger companies with more resources and a greater volume of work may pay higher hourly rates to attract and retain top talent.
• Type of cleaning: Cleaning up hazardous materials or biohazards, such as blood and bodily fluids, may require specialized training and equipment, leading to higher hourly rates.
• Certifications and licenses: Cleaners with specialized certifications, such as OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training, may command higher hourly rates due to their expertise and qualifications.
Hourly Rate Ranges
Here’s a rough estimate of hourly rate ranges for crime scene cleaners:
| Job Title | Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-level Crime Scene Cleaner | $15-$20 per hour |
| Experienced Crime Scene Cleaner | $20-$30 per hour |
| Senior Crime Scene Cleaner | $30-$40 per hour |
| Forensic Cleaner (highly specialized) | $40-$60 per hour |
Additional Benefits
In addition to their hourly rate, crime scene cleaners may receive additional benefits, such as:
• Bonuses: Some companies offer bonuses for completing challenging or high-priority cleanups.
• Vacation time: Crime scene cleaners may receive paid time off, including vacation days and holidays.
• Insurance: Many companies offer health, dental, and vision insurance to their employees.
• Equipment and training: Companies may provide cleaners with the necessary equipment and training to perform their job safely and effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the hourly rate of crime scene cleaners can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, company size, and type of cleaning. While the median annual salary for hazard removal workers is around $48,390, crime scene cleaners can earn an average hourly rate of $23.21. Factors such as certifications, licenses, and specialized training can also impact their hourly rate. If you’re considering a career as a crime scene cleaner, it’s essential to research the going rates in your area and factors that can affect your hourly rate.
