Some cleaners in Australia charge $30 an hour. Others want $70+. So what’s the minimum rate for cleaners — and what’s fair? Let’s cut through the fluff and look at what really matters when setting (or paying) for cleaning services in 2025.

What’s the minimum wage for cleaners in Australia?

As of 1 July 2024, the minimum wage for general cleaning staff in Australia is $24.10 per hour under the Cleaning Services Award 2020 (MA000022). This figure reflects base pay only — before penalties, allowances, or overtime.

But here’s the kicker: that’s just the legal minimum. In reality, almost no cleaner working in professional environments charges that low. Once you factor in:

• Superannuation

• Equipment and chemical costs

• Insurance

• Travel time

• GST for ABN holders

…the actual minimum rate charged to clients starts closer to $35–$40 per hour for domestic jobs, and $45–$55+ per hour for commercial or office cleaning gigs.

“Legal minimums aren’t the market norm — especially for high-trust services like office cleaning,” says Sam O’Neill, a small business owner who’s hired cleaners across Victoria.

Why do cleaner rates vary so much?

Cleaning is one of the few industries where pricing isn’t just about time — it’s about trust, timing, and type of mess.

Here are the key factors driving rate differences:

• Type of cleaning: End-of-lease and deep cleans cost more than regular tidies.

• Location: Rates are higher in metro areas like Sydney and Melbourne due to travel and demand.

• Timing: After-hours or weekend cleans attract penalty rates.

• Experience: Established, insured cleaners may charge more, but they bring peace of mind.

• Specialisation: Services like medical-grade sanitisation or post-construction cleans are priced higher.

Think of it like this: a high-rise window cleaner and a suburban Airbnb cleaner have very different risk profiles — and that reflects in the price.

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

For 2025, here’s what the Melbourne market typically looks like:

These figures are based on quotes from local providers, service platforms, and independent ABN-registered cleaners.

And yes — some outfits charge even more if you want same-day service, eco-friendly products, or background-checked staff.

Is cheaper cleaning always worse?

Not necessarily — but it’s risky.

Low prices can sometimes reflect:

• Inexperienced or uninsured workers

• Rushed jobs due to tight schedules

• No-shows or last-minute cancellations

• Lack of proper equipment or hygiene standards

And if you’re a business? Going for rock-bottom rates can backfire. Poor cleaning in an office can affect staff health, safety compliance, and even brand perception.

As behavioural science shows, people tend to anchor expectations around price. When you pay more, you expect more — and cleaners who charge higher rates often build in time for quality work, consistency, and client relationships.

What are the hidden costs if you underpay?

Here’s where Cialdini’s principle of Reciprocity quietly kicks in.

When a cleaner is paid fairly — or above average — they’re far more likely to:

• Show up reliably

• Go the extra mile (e.g., cleaning extras without being asked)

• Communicate openly about scheduling

• Stay long-term, reducing churn

Underpaying, on the other hand, increases your risk of:

• High turnover (which creates onboarding headaches)

• Resentment or disengagement

• Errors due to fatigue or rushing

• Potential legal issues (especially for businesses)

In short? Cutting corners on rates can end up costing more — emotionally, financially, and reputationally.

Do cleaners set their own rates?

Many do, especially if they work as independent contractors or through platforms like Airtasker or UrbanYou.

But even agency-employed cleaners have some room to negotiate. Savvy workers know their value, and with demand rising for commercial and NDIS-aligned services, cleaners now have more power than ever to walk away from low-paying jobs.

Behaviourally, this aligns with the Scarcity principle — when qualified, reliable cleaners are harder to find, they command higher prices.

How can you tell if a cleaner’s rate is fair?

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Is the rate above award wage (including super)?

• Do they bring their own products and equipment?

• Are they insured or police-checked?

• Do they invoice professionally and offer ABN receipts?

• Have they been reviewed or referred by others?

If you’re ticking all those boxes and the rate’s in the $45–$60/hr range, it’s likely a fair deal — both for you and the cleaner.

You can also check benchmarks via Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Calculator.

FAQ: Cleaner Rates in Australia

Q: Can I hire someone below award wage if they agree to it?
No. Even if someone agrees, it’s still unlawful to pay below the award minimum.

Q: What’s the difference between an ABN cleaner and an employed cleaner?
ABN cleaners set their own rates and are responsible for tax, insurance, and equipment. Employed cleaners get super, leave, and protections — but less flexibility.

Q: Are cleaning prices negotiable?
Sometimes, yes — especially for ongoing or bulk jobs. But lowballing isn’t a great move if you want reliable service.

Cleaners may start with a mop and a vacuum, but what you’re really paying for is trust, time, and consistency. And in busy city environments like Melbourne, there’s increasing demand for reliability over rock-bottom pricing. Businesses, in particular, are leaning into structured, repeatable cleaning systems — office cleaning Melbourne providers that know how to balance hygiene with workflow.

So while the legal minimum rate might sit around $24 an hour, the real-world minimum — where both sides feel respected — is closer to $40 and above. Anything less? You’re likely paying for it in other ways.