What Is the Hourly Rate for Cleaners in Australia?
Cleaning might not be flashy, but it’s one of the most quietly essential services across every workplace—from office buildings and retail stores to medical centres and schools. And if you’ve ever tried to figure out what you should actually be paying per hour, you’ve probably found yourself staring at a surprisingly wide range of numbers.
So, what’s the real hourly rate for cleaners in Australia? And why does it vary so much?
Quick Answer: What’s the Average Hourly Rate for Cleaners in Australia?
The average hourly rate for cleaners in Australia typically ranges from $35 to $60 per hour depending on the location, cleaning type, experience level, and whether it’s through an agency or private contractor. In metro areas like Melbourne and Sydney, commercial cleaning for offices often sits around $45–$55 per hour.
Why Do Cleaning Rates Vary So Much?
Not all cleaning jobs are created equal. The rate depends on more than just “how dirty the place is.” Here's what impacts the price:
1. Type of Cleaning
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Standard office cleaning is less intensive than deep cleaning or industrial cleaning.
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After-hours cleaning often costs more due to penalty rates.
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Specialty cleaning (like medical-grade sanitation or post-construction cleans) requires extra training and PPE, which adds to the cost.
2. Location
Prices are higher in big cities due to labour costs and higher demand. A cleaner in regional Victoria may charge $30–$40/hour, while in Melbourne CBD the same job could be $50+/hour.
3. Frequency & Contract Terms
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Ongoing contracts (daily or weekly) typically offer lower per-hour rates.
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One-off cleans or ad hoc jobs often come at a premium.
4. Team vs. Solo Cleaners
Hiring an agency or company may mean two cleaners work efficiently together, reducing hours but charging more per hour. Solo contractors may take longer but cost less per person.
What’s the Minimum Wage for Cleaners?
As of 2025, the award rate under the Cleaning Services Award (MA000022) sits around $27.68–$31.58 per hour depending on shift times, seniority, and duties.
But keep in mind—that’s base pay. Once you add on:
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Superannuation
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Insurance
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Equipment and supply costs
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Admin and travel time
…the rate charged to businesses increases significantly.
That’s why many professional cleaning companies in Australia price between $45 and $60 per hour to stay viable, compliant, and profitable.
Is It Cheaper to Hire a Cleaning Company or a Private Cleaner?
It depends on your needs.
| Private Cleaner | Cleaning Company |
|---|---|
| Often cheaper per hour | Higher hourly rate but more scalable |
| Flexible and personal | Structured processes and scheduling |
| May lack insurance or backup options | Fully insured, with trained staff |
| Harder to replace on short notice | Easier to get replacements or subs |
How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Office Cleaning in Melbourne?
If you're running a commercial space or managing a facility, here’s a guide to what’s considered standard for Office Cleaning in Melbourne:
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Small office (under 100 sqm):
$80–$120 per clean (1–2 hours @ $40–$60/hour) -
Medium office (100–300 sqm):
$150–$300 per clean (usually 2–4 hours) -
Large office (300–600+ sqm):
$350–$600+ depending on services included (bin removal, kitchen, windows, bathrooms, sanitising)
These prices may increase for:
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After-hours cleans
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High-risk environments
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Urgent/short-notice bookings
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Inclusion of supplies and consumables (e.g. toilet paper, soap, etc.)
What Should You Expect for the Price?
Whether you're paying $35/hour or $55/hour, a good cleaner should:
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Show up on time
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Complete agreed tasks thoroughly
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Use appropriate products and PPE
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Respect security and confidentiality
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Notify you of any issues (leaks, safety hazards, broken bins)
Better cleaning companies will also provide:
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Quality assurance systems or checklists
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Police-checked staff
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Equipment and chemical supply
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Compliance with Safe Work Australia standards
FAQ
Are cleaners responsible for supplying their own products?
Most professional cleaners do, unless you specify otherwise. That includes mops, vacuums, and chemicals.
Is it legal to pay less than $30/hour for cleaning?
Only if it complies with award wages. Paying under-the-table or below award rates can result in penalties under Fair Work legislation.
Should I choose a flat fee or hourly rate?
It depends. Flat fees offer simplicity, while hourly gives transparency—especially for one-off or variable jobs.
Final Thought
Cleaning isn’t a cut-and-dry service. Rates reflect not just what gets scrubbed or vacuumed, but also the reliability, trust, professionalism, and safety behind the work. The cheapest quote might cost you more in the long run—missed bins, damaged surfaces, or worse—non-compliance with work safety laws.
If you're comparing commercial cleaning rates or trying to understand why quotes in Melbourne range from budget to premium, this deep dive on Office Cleaning Melbourne offers the clarity you need to make the right call.
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