How Much Does Crime Scene Cleaning Pay?
Crime scene cleaning, also known as biohazard cleaning or forensic cleaning, is a specialized service that involves the cleanup and removal of hazardous materials from crime scenes, hoarding situations, and other environments contaminated with biohazards. As a niche industry, crime scene cleaning can be a lucrative business, but how much do crime scene cleaners actually make?
Initial Training and Certification
Before delving into the compensation, it’s essential to understand that crime scene cleaning requires specialized training and certification. The National Institute of Decontamination (NID) offers a Certified Biohazard Crime Scene Cleaner (CBCSC) certification, which is widely recognized in the industry. Initial training and certification can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the provider and the level of training.
Hourly Wage vs. Flat Rate
Crime scene cleaning companies often employ a combination of hourly wage and flat rate structures to compensate their cleaners. Hourly wages can range from $20 to $50 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and certification of the cleaner. Flat rates, on the other hand, are typically paid on a per-job basis and can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity and scope of the job.
Types of Crime Scene Cleaning Jobs
Crime scene cleaning companies offer various services, including:
• Crime scene cleanup: Cleaning and disinfecting crime scenes, including blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazards.
• Biohazard cleanup: Cleaning and removing biohazards from environments contaminated with infectious diseases, bodily fluids, or hazardous materials.
• Hoarding cleanup: Cleaning and organizing cluttered and hoarded living spaces.
• Mold remediation: Removing and cleaning mold and mildew from environments.
Average Salary Ranges
According to various sources, including the National Institute of Decontamination (NID) and crime scene cleaning companies, here are some average salary ranges for crime scene cleaners:
| Job Title | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Crime Scene Cleaner | $30,000 – $60,000 per year |
| Biohazard Technician | $40,000 – $80,000 per year |
| Crime Scene Cleanup Supervisor | $50,000 – $90,000 per year |
| Biohazard Project Manager | $60,000 – $120,000 per year |
Factors Affecting Compensation
Several factors can influence the compensation of crime scene cleaners, including:
• Location: Cities and metropolitan areas tend to pay higher rates than rural areas.
• Experience: More experienced cleaners can command higher rates.
• Certification: Cleaners with specialized certifications, such as CBCSC, can earn higher salaries.
• Job type: Biohazard cleanup jobs often pay more than crime scene cleanup jobs.
• Company size: Larger companies may offer higher salaries than smaller, independent operations.
Conclusion
Crime scene cleaning can be a rewarding and lucrative career for those who are passionate about biohazard cleanup and remediation. While compensation can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and certification, crime scene cleaners can earn an average salary range of $30,000 to $120,000 per year. If you’re considering a career in crime scene cleaning, be prepared to invest in specialized training and certification, and be prepared to work in a fast-paced and emotionally demanding environment.
