Climb to the Top by Window Cleaning in Las Vegas If you visit the city of Las Vegas, window cleaning is a serious business. While there are your average jobs with the casinos, hospitality, travel and transportation, retail, law, clergy, and medicine, window cleaning has earned itself a spot in the community. Among the many buildings there, including over 202 high rises, and 10 of the world s largest hotels, they all have windows that need to be maintained as frequently as possible in order to keep up the glamorous appearance the city s decorative lights, structures, and billboards lining the streets. Some of the most challenging structures to clean are the Wynn Las Vegas, towering at over 50 stories high, the Las Vegas convention center, the Mirage, the MGM Grand Hotel Theme Park, and the famous Stratosphere Hotel and Tower, which is the fifth tallest building in the U.S. But aside from the sight-seeing attractions, there are also numerous churches and chapels, doctors offices, law firms, libraries, grocery stores, residences, and government buildings whose windows are all cleaned on a regular basis. This can be seasonally, or at least once or twice a year. Las Vegas window cleaning is in high demand, mainly because of the job security, large number of individuals seeking employment, and the ease of breaking into the industry. The only qualifications you must possess in order to apply are to be able to withstand heights, have a good work ethic, be of sound health, and be flexible to work varied hours. The average window cleaner earns anywhere from $10-$25 an hour, which varies by experience, hours, number of windows/buildings, and the employer. Cleaning might also extend to walls, floors, ceilings, and peeling paint from windows or cement from surfaces. Window cleaning supervisors have the potential to earn even more money, ranging from $20,000-$40,000 annually. Most cleaning professionals work for cleaning companies or government unions, but you can also choose to become a sole contractor and offer your services to businesses. Most cleaning companies will offer courses, or send you through training before you actually begin working. Another way for you to build your reputation is by becoming a member with the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA). Members may enroll in training and seminars, events, receive government recognition, and network with others. With a population of around 560,000 people, over 200,000 residences, and visitors totaling on average of 40 million people a year, the city that never sleeps prides itself in being appealing every day. And the more Las Vegas continues to grow, the future remains bright for Las Vegas window cleaners and new recruits looking for stable careers. Not only are local businesses obtaining for grants in order to renovate their buildings, but as of April 1, 2005, plans for expanding the World Market Center were announced. This will entail eight additional buildings to be used as showrooms connected by pedestrian sky bridges, and parking facilities, all of which are projected to be completed at some point in 2015. Later in 2006, there will be some new bars and restaurants opening, including Mickey Finnz Fish House and Bar, and Hennessey s Tavern. Also in the works is the addition of a grocery store set to be built in west Las Vegas. Aimed at attracting the locals, the area will also have adjoining shops, including retailers, a restaurant, and a caf. In downtown Las Vegas, there will eventually also be more hotels and casinos, space for a pro football team stadium, a brand new city hall building, more residential high rises, office buildings, a performing arts center, retail space, and the Lou Ruvo Alzheimer s Institute. |