How Much Does a Cleaner Get Paid Per Hour in Australia? A Real-World Pay Breakdown

Ever tried scrubbing dried gum off a school floor at 6am while the lights flicker and your back screams in protest? Then you’ll know: cleaning work is anything but easy. It’s often solitary, physical, and undervalued—yet absolutely essential. And if you're wondering what that kind of work pays in Australia right now, you're not alone.

Quick Answer:

In 2025, cleaners in Australia typically earn between $24.41 and $40 per hour, depending on their award level, location, work hours, and whether they’re employed or contracted.

Let’s unpack what cleaners actually get paid across different roles—and why those doing Office Cleaning Melbourne-wide can command well above minimum wage.

What Is the Base Pay for Cleaners in Australia?

The minimum legal rate for cleaners falls under the Cleaning Services Award 2020 (MA000022). This award sets the baseline for wages, including for full-time, part-time, and casual cleaners.

Here’s the current rate (2025):

• Level 1 cleaner: $24.41/hour (base rate)
• Casual loading: +25% = $30.51/hour
• Penalty rates: 15%–150% extra for nights, weekends, or public holidays

So, a casual cleaner working on a Saturday night? They might earn $36 to $45/hour depending on the shift structure.

For up-to-date wages, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman wage guides.

How Much Do Cleaners Earn in Melbourne?

Let’s get specific. In major cities like Melbourne, cleaners—especially those working in the commercial sector—often earn $30 to $40+ per hour.

Factors pushing that rate up include:

• After-hours work: Most office cleaning happens post-5pm
• CBD or high-traffic zones: Workload increases with foot traffic
• Skill and experience: Cleaners handling chemicals, floor polishers, or sensitive environments (like medical) earn more
• Union presence: Melbourne has a strong base of regulated labour practices

For example, a night-shift office cleaner in Docklands or Southbank could be on $35/hour with super and paid breaks included.

Do Contractors and ABN Holders Get Paid More?

Yes—but it comes with caveats.

Cleaners who work as independent contractors under an ABN usually charge $40 to $60 per hour. That sounds like more, but they’re responsible for:

• Tax and GST
• Equipment and chemicals
• Insurance (public liability is essential)
• Travel and fuel
• No paid leave, super, or job security

The real risk? Sham contracting—where a business labels someone a “contractor” to avoid paying benefits, even if they treat them like an employee. It’s illegal, and Fair Work cracks down on it regularly.

What Affects a Cleaner’s Hourly Rate?

Here’s a breakdown of the main influencers:

1. Employment Type

• Casual: Highest base hourly rate due to no sick leave or holidays
• Part-time/full-time: Lower hourly but comes with benefits

2. Time of Day

• After-hours work attracts penalties
• Weekend shifts can mean +50% or more

3. Location

• Urban: Higher cost of living, higher wages
• Rural/regional: Often award minimum or just above

4. Site Type

• Offices and commercial spaces pay more than domestic
• Medical, aged care, or food production sites = specialised cleaning, higher pay

What Do Cleaners Say They Actually Earn?

Let’s ground this in real-life figures:

• Mina, a cleaner in Fitzroy, earns $33/hour for office cleaning. “Nights and weekends boost my pay. It’s tough, but the money’s better than hospitality.”
• Tom, an independent contractor in Frankston, charges $55/hour. “By the time I cover petrol, detergent, and GST, it’s closer to $35 net.”
• Elaine, working through a labour hire agency, gets $28/hour cleaning in a corporate high-rise. “There’s not much room to negotiate, but the hours are regular.”

This is where social proof matters: when good employers offer above-award rates, it sets the benchmark for others.

FAQ: Cleaner Pay in Australia

What’s the average hourly rate for a casual cleaner?

Around $30 to $35/hour, depending on location and time of day.

Are public holiday shifts paid extra?

Yes. Public holiday work attracts 150% of the base rate under most agreements.

Do cleaners get paid travel time?

Only if they're required to move between job sites during their shift. Commuting from home to site isn’t paid.

Final Reflection

Cleaning might be low on the glamour scale, but it's high on the “things would fall apart without it” list. Whether you're wiping down café tables at sunrise or disinfecting boardroom tables after hours, the work deserves more than just fair pay—it deserves recognition.

And in a place like Office Cleaning Melbourne, where standards are high and expectations higher, those who do it well are being paid accordingly.

If you're curious how those rates translate into actual quotes and contracts, you might find this practical guide on cleaner costs in Melbourne helpful. It breaks down real examples, pricing structures, and common benchmarks.

Sometimes, it’s the people behind the mop who keep the city moving.