2023 Apartment Caretaker Salaries in Turkey: How Much Do They Earn?

In 2023, janitor salaries are generally aligned with the minimum wage. Janitors—also referred to as building caretakers—are typically paid at or above the statutory minimum, though employers may choose to offer higher pay.

Janitors perform routine daily tasks for apartment buildings. Their employment is governed by the provisions of the Labor Law. Employers must also take the same precautions regarding workplace accidents and occupational diseases as in other sectors.

Apartment caretakers may work under site management or be employed directly by an individual building. For full-time positions, janitors must receive at least the minimum wage.

How Much Are Janitor Salaries in 2023?

The 2023 janitor salary is equal to the minimum wage, but building managers can decide to pay more. Janitors have legal rights, and employers have legal obligations; failure to meet those obligations may lead to legal action by the janitor.

Employment termination can occur for valid reasons such as just cause or lawful dismissal. Janitors cannot be required to perform tasks outside their agreed duties, and they are entitled to defined working hours.

2023 janitor salary overview:

Janitor gross salary 13.414,50 TL
Janitor net salary 11.402,32 TL
Retired janitor net salary 12.408,41 TL

What Are a Janitor’s Duties?

A janitor is responsible for managing heating systems, including starting and stopping the boiler as needed and setting appropriate temperatures. Other duties include:

  • Operating equipment such as pressure pumps (hydrofor)
  • Cleaning and maintaining fixtures and common property
  • Protecting and maintaining the accommodation provided to them
  • Ensuring building security and carrying out related administrative tasks
  • Maintaining gardens, handling deliveries, and overseeing waste collection
  • Implementing occupational health and safety measures
  • Performing tasks outlined in the employment contract

How Many Hours Does a Janitor Work per Day?

A janitor’s night shift can be at most 7.5 hours. Daily working time should not exceed 11 hours. Janitors are entitled to uninterrupted daily rest. They receive wages and overtime rights just like any other employee.

Working hours can be divided into up to four periods. Janitors are also entitled to short breaks: if a work period is up to 4 hours, a 15-minute break applies; for work between 4 and 7.5 hours, a 30-minute break; and for work exceeding 7.5 hours, a 1-hour break. Any violation of the Labor Law can be taken to labor courts.

How Many Buildings Can One Janitor Cover?

There is no strict legal limit on the number of apartments a janitor can serve, but in buildings where solid fuel is used or where apartment counts exceed 30, employing a janitor is generally required. For effective and safe operation, a janitor should ideally manage no more than 30 apartments.

When the number of apartments is much higher, it becomes difficult for a janitor to complete all tasks, so additional staff should be hired. Janitors may resign if working conditions become excessively burdensome.

Can a Janitor Work Another Job?

Janitors can work another job provided their employment contract does not prohibit it. A janitor may serve at two different buildings if permitted.

Full-time janitors generally cannot take on other employment that conflicts with their working hours, since they must be available for the building’s needs during scheduled time. Janitors who find the 2023 salaries insufficient may take on additional work outside their contracted hours.

Is There a Penalty for Employing an Uninsured Janitor?

Yes. Employers must insure janitors who perform full-time duties for a building. If an uninsured janitor is discovered, fines apply. The determined administrative fine for employing uninsured workers can be significant.

Janitors must be paid at least the minimum wage; paying below that is not permitted. Uninsured janitors can file a complaint with the Social Security Institution (SGK), which will investigate and, if the janitor’s employment is confirmed, apply penalties.

Complaints to the Social Security Institution are evaluated and acted upon. If an inspection confirms the janitor worked without insurance, penalties are imposed.

Can a Retired Person Work as a Janitor?

Yes, retired individuals can work as janitors. For retired janitors, the building management typically pays a social security support premium. Long-term insurance branches are not paid in the same way as for active workers, unless the retired person opts to have pension deductions to increase their long-term contributions and future pension.

General health insurance premiums are generally not paid on behalf of retired janitors, so retirees working as janitors often receive a higher net amount compared to active insured workers.

How Much Is the Retired Janitor Salary in 2023?

In 2023, retired janitor salaries are set slightly above the minimum wage. The payment breakdown for a retired janitor is approximately as follows:

Gross salary 13.314,50
SGK contribution (7.5%) 1.006,90
Net salary 12.408,41

How Is a Janitor’s Salary Paid?

Janitor salaries are paid via bank transfer. Payments can be made through the bank’s online banking portal. The payer must log in to the bank’s internet branch and enter the janitor’s IBAN and name details to complete the transfer.

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After entering the IBAN and the janitor’s full name, the payer proceeds by confirming the transaction and following any on-screen instructions. Payments can also be set up to occur automatically if authorized.

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Click the “Continue” or equivalent button to proceed; follow the subsequent prompts to finalize payment setup or execution.

How Much Is the Janitor’s SGK Premium in 2023?

In 2023, the employer’s SGK share for a janitor is approximately 2.079,25 TL. The unemployment insurance contribution is about 268,29 TL. The long-term insurance premium is 12.5% in total, of which 5% is the employee share and 7.5% is the employer share.

Janitors and employers can monitor premium payments via the e-Government portal. After logging into the portal, the 4A registration details show how many days of premiums have been paid. Detailed monthly breakdowns can be viewed to confirm payments.

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If contributions are missing or incomplete, a complaint may be filed with the Social Security Institution. As janitor salaries increase, contribution amounts rise accordingly, which can lead to higher future pensions.

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Gross wage 13.414,50 TL
Employer SGK share %15.5 2.079,25 TL
Employer unemployment insurance %2 268,29 TL
Total cost to employer 15.762,04 TL