Breaking Barriers: New Career Horizons for Women 

The conversation around gender and career opportunity is shifting. While women have made strides in traditionally male-dominated industries like engineering and finance, one essential and growing sector deserves more attention: facility care and commercial cleaning. These careers are evolving—and with them, so are the opportunities for women seeking fulfilling, stable, and meaningful work. A great place to start exploring these opportunities is the Hygieia Network—a community dedicated to advancing women in this essential industry. 

If you’ve been exploring new careers for women, you might be surprised to find that this field is brimming with leadership potential, flexible pathways, and a clear sense of purpose. 

Why Now Is the Time for Women to Consider Facility Management 

The cleaning industry has changed dramatically over the last decade. Once seen as a low-skill, low-wage job category, it now includes strategic roles that combine public health, sustainability, and operational leadership. Key trends fueling this shift include: 

• Increased demand for sanitation and infection prevention in hospitals, schools, and airports. 

• Sustainability goals leading to innovations in green cleaning and resource management. 

• Smart buildings that use data to drive cleaning efficiency and staff performance. 

• Leadership roles emerging in training, operations, compliance, and diversity initiatives. 

These trends open the door to new careers for women—from hands-on technical work to executive leadership. 

Job Titles to Watch in the Facility Care Industry 

Some of today’s most promising roles for women in this field include: 

• Facility Manager: Oversees cleaning staff, manages budgets, and ensures facility compliance with health and safety regulations. Learn more about this role from the Occupational Outlook Handbook. 

• Director of Environmental Services: Common in healthcare settings; leads large teams and collaborates with hospital administrators. 

• Custodial Trainer or Coach: Provides new staff with onboarding and skills development—critical for improving cleaning quality and safety. 

• Sustainability Specialist: Implements green cleaning programs, audits resource use, and ensures compliance with environmental standards. 

• Quality Assurance Inspector: Evaluates cleaning outcomes and aligns them with standards and certifications. 

All of these roles are increasingly in demand, especially in large facilities such as universities, medical centers, and government buildings. 

What Makes These Careers Appealing to Women? 

Here’s why the facility care field is particularly well-suited for women looking to launch or transition careers: 

1. Career Mobility

This industry rewards reliability and leadership. Many women start in frontline roles and quickly advance to supervisory or management positions. It’s not uncommon to go from technician to territory manager within just a few years—with the right training and mentorship. 

2. Schedule Flexibility

Many organizations offer night shifts, split shifts, or weekend roles—ideal for women managing work-life balance or parenting responsibilities. 

3. Diverse Work Environments

You can choose to work in a hospital, school district, university, sports arena, commercial property, or manufacturing facility. This variety allows you to match your work environment to your interests and comfort level. 

4. Team-Oriented Culture

Cleaning and facility teams are often built around collaboration. For women who value working with others and helping teams thrive, the culture of this industry is a strong fit. 

How to Get Started: No Degree Required 

While some management roles may require a degree or industry certification, many entry- and mid-level roles are accessible without one. Most employers offer on-the-job training and look for qualities such as dependability, initiative, and a willingness to learn. 

If you’re just getting started: 

• Apply for entry-level jobs like custodian, floor technician, or porter. 

• Look for employers that provide internal advancement and professional development. 

• Ask about certifications such as ISSA CMI Certifications    that can fast-track your growth. 

And don’t underestimate the power of networking. A great place to start is the Hygieia Network, which offers mentorship, events, and leadership development programs specifically for women. 

Women Leading the Charge 

Across the country, more women are entering and leading in this space. Some own commercial cleaning businesses. Others have taken on executive roles in operations, logistics, or compliance for national janitorial companies. Still others are researchers and advocates helping to define new best practices for clean, safe, and inclusive environments. 

This momentum is backed by industry events like the ISSA Show North America , where emerging leaders connect with experts, attend workshops, and explore career-building tools and technologies. 

Industry Outlook: Growth and Demand 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment of janitors and building cleaners is projected to grow steadily, with over 300,000 new jobs expected by 2032. As more facilities invest in cleaning as a strategic priority, the demand for trained professionals—especially women who bring fresh perspectives to the field—will continue to rise. 

Key Takeaways 

If you’re looking for new careers for women, consider facility care as a smart, stable, and fulfilling option. It offers: 

• Competitive pay and advancement 

• Flexible schedules and varied work settings 

• Entry points for all experience levels 

• Growing recognition for leadership and innovation 

Whether you’re seeking a fresh start, a second career, or a way to make a difference in public health and safety, this industry is ready for you.