California Custodial Roles Faced 20 Percent Vacancy
The Department of General Services struggles to staff 58 state buildings amid ongoing union contract negotiations.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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Should the state increase custodian pay to reduce high vacancy rates in public office buildings?
The California Department of General Services currently maintains a 20% vacancy rate across the 58 office buildings it manages. State agencies have been forced to rely on private contract workers to maintain properties when internal custodial requests are denied.
Why it matters
The staffing shortages have strained state building operations and led to increased reliance on external contractors. Meanwhile, SEIU Local 1000 is currently negotiating for 20% raises over three years to address compensation concerns.
The Department of General Services reports a 20% vacancy rate for custodial positions across 58 managed buildings. Custodian I roles offer an annual pay range of $39,900 to $50,000, while Custodian II roles range from $41,900 to $52,500.
The players
California Department of General Services
This agency serves as the business manager for the State of California, overseeing the procurement, real estate, and professional services required to run state government.
SEIU Local 1000
This labor organization represents a vast array of California state employees and is currently engaged in collective bargaining negotiations with the state.
The details
The state hiring process for these positions typically spans 60 days, involving advertising, medical clearance, and candidate interviews. Despite varying application volumes, such as 134 per position in Sacramento compared to 56 in the Bay Area, the agency plans to ramp up recruitment efforts following the adoption of a new online hiring platform.
Timeline
Average custodial salaries were $36,900 in fiscal year 2021-22.
The average salary for a custodian currently sits at $45,000 for the current fiscal year.
Market Landscape
This custodial staffing shortage reflects broader challenges in the public sector labor market, where state agencies must compete with private firms for talent. The current situation follows the pattern set by SEIU Local 1000 contract negotiations, which aim to address state-wide wage disparities and retention.
While the vacancy rate primarily affects facility maintenance, state residents may notice changes in building cleanliness or service availability at state offices. Relying on private contract workers may also influence future state operational budgets and service efficiency.
The takeaway
Staffing vacancies in state facilities highlight the ongoing tension between public sector compensation packages and market-rate labor costs. Implementing streamlined digital hiring processes remains the state's primary strategy for closing the gap between current staffing levels and operational needs.
Further reading
For broader information on state-level employment trends, visit California Nursing Jobs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sacramento Bee.
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Should the state increase custodian pay to reduce high vacancy rates in public office buildings?
