Despite the nature of the work, many companies are willing to hire individuals without prior experience, provided you’re willing to learn, take proper training and adhere to safety protocols.

In this guide, we’ll cover what the job entails, how to get started with no experience, typical salary expectations, where to find openings (including “crime scene cleaning jobs near me”), career growth paths, and FAQs to help you decide if it’s right for you.

What Are Crime Scene Cleaning Jobs?

Crime scene cleaning (also called trauma cleaning or bio-hazard remediation) refers to the professional cleaning and sanitising of locations where bodily fluids, trauma, decomposition or other hazardous materials are present.

Workers in this field deal with:

• Blood, bodily fluids, decomposition, bio-hazards.
• Cleaning up and sanitising rooms, homes, or commercial premises after homicides, suicides, accidents, unattended deaths, and sometimes industrial or infectious contamination.
• Following strict protocols for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), bio-hazard waste disposal, cross-contamination control, and safety regulations.

Why This Work Matters

• It restores safety and hygiene to locations that would pose health risks if left untreated.
• It provides a critical service to grieving families, businesses, and communities.
• It’s a regulated and professional field, not simply “cleaning” in the ordinary sense — you are dealing with bio-hazards, legal and regulatory issues.

Can You Do It With No Experience?

Yes — you can get into crime scene cleaning jobs with no experience, although you will need to demonstrate certain attributes and often complete training. Here’s what you need to know:

What Employers Look For

• Physical stamina and willingness to work in challenging environments (sometimes emotionally difficult).
• Attention to safety, ability to follow strict protocols, and willingness to wear PPE.
• Compassion, discretion and professionalism — you’re often working in private homes or sensitive situations. I
• Some basic cleaning or janitorial experience helps, but is not always required.
• A clean background check may be required (depending on company/region).

Types of Crime Scene Cleaning Jobs

1. Homicide and Violent Crime Cleanup

• Description: Involves cleaning areas where violent crimes (murders, assaults, shootings, stabbings) have occurred.

• Tasks: Removal of blood, bodily fluids, and tissue; sanitising and restoring affected areas.

• Skills Needed: Biohazard handling, use of PPE (personal protective equipment), and emotional resilience.

2. Suicide Cleanup

• Description: Focuses on restoring properties where suicides have taken place.

• Tasks: Removal of blood and other biohazards; deodorisation; sensitive communication with families.

• Notes: Requires compassion and confidentiality due to emotional impact.

3. Unattended Death / Decomposition Cleanup

• Description: Handles cleanup after a person has died and remained undiscovered for days or weeks.

• Tasks: Odour control, disinfection, and structural restoration due to decomposition.

• Demand: High — one of the most common cleanup categories in the industry.

4. Accident Cleanup (Industrial or Residential)

• Description: Cleans after fatal or nonfatal workplace or home accidents (machinery, falls, etc.).

• Tasks: Removal of blood, tissue, and fluids; sanitisation of work or living areas; compliance with OSHA standards.

5. Biohazard / Infectious Disease Cleanup

• Description: Decontamination after exposure to pathogens (e.g., COVID-19, MRSA, hepatitis).

• Tasks: Deep sanitisation, disinfectant fogging, waste disposal according to CDC/OSHA guidelines.

• Workplaces: Hospitals, schools, public facilities, and vehicles.

6. Vehicle Biohazard Cleanup

• Description: Focuses on cleaning vehicles affected by trauma, accidents, or biohazard spills.

• Tasks: Interior decontamination, odour removal, waste disposal, upholstery restoration.

• Typical Clients: Law enforcement agencies, tow companies, or insurance clients.

7. Hoarding and Filth Cleanup

• Description: Cleans homes with extreme clutter, animal waste, mould, or human waste accumulation.

• Tasks: Sorting, disposal, and sanitation.

• Note: While not always “crime-related,” it often overlaps with trauma cleanup due to safety hazards.

8. Tear Gas and Chemical Cleanup

• Description: Specialized cleaning of buildings or vehicles contaminated by tear gas, pepper spray, or chemical agents after law enforcement incidents.

• Tasks: Chemical neutralisation, surface removal, air purification.

• Hazard Level: High — requires special respirators and protective gear.

9. Fire and Water Damage with Biohazard Involvement

• Description: Combined restoration where fire/water damage has also exposed biohazards (e.g., body fluids, chemicals).

• Tasks: Mould removal, structural drying, and biohazard remediation.

• Common Employers: Restoration companies certified in both IICRC and biohazard control.

10. Meth Lab and Drug Residue Cleanup

• Description: Cleanup of illegal drug labs or overdose sites contaminated with toxic residues.

• Tasks: Removal of hazardous chemicals, neutralisation of contaminants, and ventilation restoration.

• Regulations: Must comply with local and federal environmental safety standards (EPA, OSHA).

Typical Entry Steps

1. Search for “crime scene cleaning jobs near me” (or your region) and apply to companies that hire entry-level or trainees.
2. Complete any required training the employer offers: e.g., bio-hazard safety, PPE use, HAZWOPER, blood-borne pathogens, cross-contamination procedures.
3. Obtain certifications (if required) — in some jurisdictions, companies may prefer or require certification in trauma scene waste management or bio-hazard remediation.
4. Prepare a resume emphasising your reliability, physical capacity, willingness to learn, and any related experience (cleaning, janitorial work, health & safety).
5. Be willing to work variable hours, sometimes evenings or on call — many incidents happen at unpredictable times.
6. As you gain experience, you may specialise (e.g., hoarding cleanup, meth lab decontamination, infectious disease response) and earn higher rates.

Salary Expectations & Earning Potential

U.S. Data (as a reference)

• According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a “Crime Scene Cleanup” worker in the U.S. is approximately $60,392 or about $29/hour.
• According to PayScale, the average hourly pay is about $22.88/hour for a crime scene cleaner.
• According to Glassdoor data, the average annual salary is around $60,602/year, though entry-level may be lower.

What That Means for Entry Level (No Experience)

• Entry-level roles will often start at lower pay than the averages above. For example, PayScale notes that entry-level employees may earn around $23.26/hour.
• Location, employer, shift, call-out premium, and specialisation matter. Urban/metropolitan areas or hazardous specialisations can pay more.
• Certification, extra training, or supervisory roles can increase earnings.

How to Find & Apply for Crime Scene Cleaning Jobs

1. Search Smart Keywords

Use combinations of your ranking keywords:

• “crime scene cleaning jobs”
• “crime scene cleaning jobs near me”
• “crime scene cleaner job”
• “crime scene cleaning jobs with no experience”
• “cleaning crime scene jobs trainee”
• “crime scene cleanup careers”

2. Where to Look

• Job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter in your target country.
• Company websites of bio-hazard remediation firms (look for “trauma scene cleanup”, “crime scene cleaning services”).
• Local cleaning/restoration companies that list “bio-hazard cleanup technician” roles.
• LinkedIn, especially useful for roles requiring minimal experience but physical aptitude.

3. What to Include in Your Application

• A concise, professional résumé showing reliability, ability to work in sensitive or high-stress environments, and willingness to follow safety protocols.
• Cover letter emphasising your interest in “crime scene cleaning jobs with no experience”, your availability (including nights/on-call), physical fitness, and any previous cleaning/maintenance roles.
• Willingness to complete training or certifications.
• References or willingness to provide them.

4. Interview & Selection Tips

• Be prepared to answer questions about: comfort working in challenging environments, how you handle stress, how you ensure safety, and your willingness to learn.
• Ask about training, certification costs (if any), on-call duties, hours, pay rate, and PPE provided by the employer.
• Visit the company if possible, or request a tour, to see the equipment and working conditions.
• Ensure you fully understand the job description — sometimes “trauma cleaning” may include hazardous waste removal, which may require extra licensing.

5. Training & Certification (Optional but Beneficial)

• Seek out courses in blood-borne pathogen cleanup, HAZWOPER, PPE use, and bio-hazard remediation.
• Some employers provide on-the-job training; others expect certification in advance.
• Even if not required by the employer, listing relevant training can increase your chances of hire or pay.
• Consider specialising later (hoarding cleanup, meth lab remediation, infectious disease clean-up) for higher earning potential.

Career Path & Growth Opportunities

Entry Level

You begin as a trainee/technician handling standard cleanups, learning on the job, under supervision. You may earn shift premiums for nights/on-call.

Mid Level / Specialisation

After some years of experience and completed training, you may move into:

• Specialist cleanup roles (e.g., chemical or infectious disease remediation)
• Supervisory positions, overseeing teams
• Emergency response teams (24/7)
• Starting your own cleaning/remediation business

Business Owner / Entrepreneur

Many companies in this field are owner-operated. With significant experience and investment in equipment and training, you could launch a firm offering trauma/bioremediation services. Earnings in this role can exceed those of a technician.

How to Apply

If you’re based in Africa and are considering applying to crime scene cleaning jobs abroad (USA, UK, Canada) or for companies working internationally, here are extra pointers:

• Research visa/ work permit requirements for the target country and check whether employers will sponsor or accept foreign applicants.
• Emphasise in your CV your willingness to relocate, any international experience, adaptability, and physical/health clearances.
• Reach out to remediation companies that advertise globally or have international branches — ask about eligibility for international candidates.
• Be prepared for local certifications/training courses to be accepted by foreign employers.
• Consider building up local experience or certification (even if in a related cleaning/hazard role) to strengthen your application.
• Factor in the cost of relocation, licensing, medical/health checks, and whether pay and conditions justify these costs.

Summary Table

FAQs

Do I need a degree to get a job in crime scene cleaning?

No. Most entry-level roles do not require a college degree. They often require good physical fitness, willingness to do on-the-job training, and an aptitude for following safety protocols.

Can I really get a job with no experience?

Yes, many companies hire people willing to start as trainees or cleaning technicians. Use keywords like “crime scene cleaning jobs with no experience” or “entry level crime scene cleaner” when searching.

How much do entry-level crime scene cleaner jobs pay?

While average wages in the U.S. can be around USD $20-30 per hour (or USD ~$40,000-60,000/year) for experienced technicians, entry-level pay is lower. For example, PayScale shows around USD $22.88/hour for the average. Always check local job ads for exact rates.

What kind of training or certification do I need?

Basic training in PPE use, bloodborne pathogen handling, biohazard cleanup, and cross-contamination protocols is often required or beneficial. Some companies offer training in-house.

Are jobs available near me?

Use local job boards and search “crime scene cleaning jobs near me” to find opportunities in your region. If you’re in Nigeria and looking abroad, search global job boards or companies that accept international applicants.

Is this safe work?

Yes — provided you follow proper protocols. The job requires the use of proper PPE, biohazard disposal, and adherence to safety guidelines to protect you from exposure and contamination.

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