For anyone sizing up work in the cleaning industry, especially in big Aussie cities like Melbourne, one question rises fast: What does a cleaner earn per hour in Australia? Whether you’re chasing your first gig or sizing up competitors’ pay rates, the short answer is this—most cleaners in Australia earn between $25 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, industry, and location. But the story’s never that simple, is it?

Let’s unpack the numbers, the quirks, and the quiet truths behind cleaning wages—because the floor might be spotless, but the pay scale isn’t always as clear.

What’s the average hourly rate for cleaners in Australia?

Most general cleaners working in homes, offices, and public spaces earn between $28 and $34 per hour. This range sits slightly above the national minimum wage, which as of July 2025 hovers around $24.10 per hour for full-time adult workers.

However, here’s the kicker: that base rate doesn’t always reflect the full picture. Casuals, for example, receive a loading (typically an extra 25%) to compensate for lack of leave entitlements. That alone can bump a cleaner’s take-home hourly pay to over $30 even in entry-level roles.

Meanwhile, specialist cleaners—those handling biohazards, post-construction debris, or gym cleaning contracts—tend to earn more. Some push past $40 per hour, particularly in inner-city zones where demand for rapid, reliable service is high.

Do cleaning wages vary by city or region?

Absolutely. Like housing prices and coffee quality, cleaning wages swing wildly between the capital cities and regional towns.

• Sydney and Melbourne tend to pay at the higher end—cleaners there might make $32–$38/hour depending on the job.

• Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide hover in the mid-$30s for well-rated, insured cleaners.

• Regional NSW and rural Queensland can dip closer to the $25/hour mark, although that often comes with lower cost of living.

Of course, big contracts in niche areas—like aged care facilities or factory sanitation—can break this pattern. Some of the highest hourly rates turn up in the most unexpected places, especially when few are willing (or trained) to do the job.

How does experience affect a cleaner’s hourly pay?

Here’s where Cialdini’s principle of Authority kicks in. Cleaners with a track record—especially those with insurance, ABNs, and specialist certifications—hold more sway in negotiating rates. Years on the job, customer testimonials, and even Google Reviews can tip pay scales fast.

Here’s a rough guide based on experience:

Some cleaners who’ve carved a niche (say, cleaning boutique gyms or heritage buildings) can negotiate higher rates thanks to their unique know-how and risk management skills.

Are some cleaning jobs paid higher than others?

You bet. Not all scrubbing is created equal.

Here’s a quick peek at where the pay climbs:

• Gym cleaning: High-traffic, high-expectation spaces—especially in big cities like Melbourne—often require off-peak hours, deep sanitation, and attention to detail. Pay tends to be generous, often $35+ per hour, especially when bundled with weekend or overnight bonuses.

• Medical and aged care facilities: Requires infection control knowledge. Often pays upwards of $36/hour.

• Construction or post-reno cleaning: Dust, debris, hazards. Pay can exceed $40/hour for short-term jobs.

• Luxury residential cleaning: Boutique clients, high expectations. Rates vary wildly—some freelancers report $50+ per hour.

Interestingly, the more “invisible” the work (like early-morning gym resets), the higher the trust required—and trust, in this industry, often equals pay.

What qualifications or extras boost a cleaner’s pay?

While you don’t need formal qualifications to start, having certain extras can give you the upper hand:

• Police Check – Essential for residential and school contracts.

• White Card – For construction sites.

• Infection Control Training – Required for medical facilities.

• ABN and liability insurance – Signals professionalism, helps you win better gigs.

• Niche equipment knowledge – Think: steam cleaners, floor polishers, or ozone machines.

Being reliable, communicative, and safety-conscious consistently gets cleaners invited back—and, in time, paid more.

Do freelancers and contract cleaners earn more?

They can, but it’s not guaranteed. Going solo means:

• You can set your own rate (some charge $45+/hour).

• You foot your own super, insurance, and gear.

• You wear all the hats—marketing, scheduling, quoting, and sometimes… chasing payments.

Many cleaners eventually go freelance to escape the hourly cap placed by agencies. Others prefer the steady shifts and admin-free life that comes with working under a company. There’s no right or wrong—just what fits your season of life.

How are commercial cleaning jobs different?

Commercial cleaning roles often involve consistent hours, team environments, and long-term contracts—think retail strips, office blocks, or gyms.

For example, a cleaner working in a Melbourne gym might clean early mornings and evenings, six days a week. Because it involves equipment hygiene, sweat zones, and heavy foot traffic, this type of cleaning often comes with stricter checklists—and better pay.

Some companies even offer “per square metre” rates, which can benefit fast, efficient workers who clean large areas quickly. Others stick to hourly models. Either way, if you’re quick, consistent, and quiet—you’re gold.

FAQ: Cleaner Pay in Australia

Do cleaners in Australia get paid weekly or fortnightly?
Depends on the employer. Many agencies pay fortnightly. Freelancers can invoice weekly.

Can I earn more by working weekends or nights?
Yes—penalty rates often apply, especially in award-covered jobs or those with union support.

Is cleaning considered a stable job in 2025?
Absolutely. Demand remains high in urban areas, and with health-conscious clients, specialist niches like gym and medical cleaning are only growing.

Just like how different surfaces need different solutions, cleaner pay in Australia isn’t one-size-fits-all. Factors like experience, city, client type, and cleaning niche all shape the rate. And for those considering specialised sectors—gym cleaning in Melbourne, for instance—there’s clear potential for higher hourly earnings with the right setup.

For a more detailed breakdown of rates across the city, this hourly cleaner pay guide for Melbourne paints a helpful picture.

And if you’re curious how Aussie wages compare globally, here’s an international wage comparison from the ILO to explore.