What Does a Caretaker Do? (With Salary and Skills)

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Updated April 28, 2024

A caretaker is critical in maintaining and managing properties, ensuring their functionality and safety. They may work primarily in a single location where they oversee the daily operations of one building or may visit several buildings as part of their job. Working for a company that manages multiple facilities at once may require travel between different properties to oversee the operations of various sites. Depending on the setting, a caretaker may perform multiple tasks, from housekeeping and minor repairs to managing bookings and supervising other staff members. By learning more about the role of a caretaker, you can determine if this suits your career aspirations and skill set.In this article, we answer the question, "What does a caretaker do?" and discuss how much they earn, similar careers, and the required skills to find a job.

What does a caretaker do?

A caretaker's role predominantly revolves around managing and maintaining residential, commercial, or public properties. The specific duties may vary based on the property type but generally include cleaning, minor repairs, and dealing with maintenance emergencies. Below is a list of typical responsibilities for a caretaker:

Housekeeping and maintenance

One of a caretaker's primary duties involves cleaning and housekeeping. These duties include daily cleaning, laundry, and ensuring the property is free of dust and waste.

Conducting minor repairs

Caretakers often handle minor fixes around the property, including repairing fixtures, changing light bulbs, or addressing simple plumbing issues.

Handling emergencies

Caretakers also act as the first line of response in case of emergencies, such as leaks, power outages, or security breaches. Their job is to address these issues immediately or escalate them to professional services if needed.

Where does a caretaker work?

A caretaker can find employment in a variety of settings. Here are a few places where caretakers commonly work:

residential buildings and complexes
hotels and resorts
schools and universities
office buildings
public parks and recreational facilities

Is it difficult to become a caretaker?

The path to becoming a caretaker can be relatively straightforward, depending on the employer's specific requirements. While a high school diploma is generally recommended, especially for full-time positions, many employers provide on-the-job training. Experience in hospitality, maintenance, or customer service can be beneficial and sometimes a prerequisite. It's important to note that every job and employer might have specific requirements, so always check the job description meticulously.

Skills for a caretaker

Caretakers harness a mix of hard skills relating to building maintenance and soft skills that involve interacting with residents, guests, or other staff. Below is a list of essential skills for a caretaker:

Manual dexterity and physical stamina

A caretaker may often perform physically demanding tasks such as heavy lifting, climbing, or bending for an extensive period. Good physical stamina and manual dexterity can improve work efficiency in this role.

Communication skills

Being a caretaker involves interacting with various people, such as residents, guests, or staff. Excellent communication skills can help them express problems clearly and help in effective problem resolution.Read more: How to Improve Communication Skills

Problem-solving skills

Caretakers often deal with unexpected issues, ranging from a sudden power outage to handling a security issue. The ability to think on their feet and solve problems effectively is very beneficial in this role.Read more: Problem-Solving Skills: Definitions and Examples

Organizational skills

Balancing numerous responsibilities, like cleaning, maintenance, and emergency response, requires strong organizational skills. Scheduling and prioritizing tasks can lead to efficient property management.Related: Developing Proficient Organizational Skills

Technical skills

Caretakers know basic technical tasks, like changing a light bulb or fixing a leaking pipe. Proficiency in using standard tools and understanding maintenance processes may also required.

Average salary and job outlook for a caretaker

The average salary for a caretaker varies and largely depends on the specific location, the type and size of the property, your experience and skills, and the number of hours you work. According to Indeed Canada, as of 2021, a caretaker's average salary was $68,052 annually. Each caretaker's specific compensation could be higher or lower based on the factors mentioned.The future of caretaking jobs looks promising as opportunities in this field are anticipated to grow in the coming years. According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, there is a consistent demand for caretakers, particularly those specializing in residential and janitorial services. Projections indicate a steady growth.

Jobs that are similar to a caretaker

Considering other roles related to a caretaker can help you fully understand your career options and potential in this field. Below is a list of jobs that are similar to a caretaker:

1. Building superintendent

National average salary: $40,927 per year
Primary duties: Building superintendents supervise the maintenance and repair of buildings, typically residential ones. Responsibilities may include minor fixes, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring the safety of residents.
Find building superintendent jobs

2. Janitor

National average salary: $42,789 per year
Primary duties: Janitors keep buildings clean and in an orderly condition. They perform heavy cleaning duties, such as washing walls and glass and removing waste.

3. Property manager

National average salary: $58,447 per year
Primary duties: Property managers oversee the operation of real estate properties, from dealing with tenants and coordinating maintenance to managing budgets and contracts.
Find property manager jobs

4. Facility manager

National average salary: $71,890 per year
Primary duties: Facility managers ensure the functionality of a building by ensuring adherence to procedural, safety, and legal protocols while providing guidance to employees to encourage maximum success. Facility managers are responsible for the operations and upkeep of a building or complex.
Find facility manager jobs Read more: What Is a Facility Manager? (With Duties and Skills)Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organization and a candidate's experience, academic background, and location.