How much do commercial cleaners charge per hour in Australia?
Most commercial cleaners in Australia charge between $35 and $65 per hour, depending on the service type, complexity, and location. But like most things, the devil’s in the detail. Hourly rates can skyrocket in high-risk environments or drop for basic recurring contracts. So how do you make sense of it all—and more importantly, avoid being overcharged?
Let’s break it down using real-world context, behavioural nudges, and insider tips.
What’s the average hourly rate for commercial cleaning in Australia?
Across the major metro cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth—you’ll typically see commercial cleaning rates in this range:
| Type of Cleaning | Average Hourly Rate (AUD) |
|---|---|
| General office cleaning | $35 – $45 |
| Medical or healthcare cleaning | $45 – $60 |
| Industrial cleaning | $50 – $65+ |
| After-hours/night cleaning | Add ~15–20% |
| Emergency/one-off cleans | $70+ |
These figures are broad indicators. Actual quotes may vary based on site size, surface types, required equipment, and frequency of service.
Why is there such a big range in pricing?
It’s not just about mopping floors. Commercial cleaning is a business expense—and like any service industry, pricing reflects risk, labour intensity, and regulation.
Here’s what drives up the hourly rate:
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Specialised environments: Factories, medical centres, and food prep sites require trained cleaners who understand compliance and infection control.
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Hazard pay: High dust zones, chemical exposure, or height-access areas need skilled professionals and insurances—hence higher fees.
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After-hours work: Cleaning outside business hours? You’re paying for the inconvenience and unsocial shift loadings.
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Short-term contracts: One-off or casual bookings typically come at a premium compared to long-term contracts.
This aligns with loss aversion bias—the tendency to pay more to avoid risk or regulatory breaches, especially in high-compliance sectors.
How do Australian businesses usually engage cleaners—hourly or fixed?
Most commercial contracts are hourly-based for transparency and flexibility, especially in the early stages. However, long-term agreements often shift to fixed-price models once the provider understands the site’s rhythm and scope.
A savvy move many Aussie businesses make? Requesting a trial clean before committing to a full contract. It taps into the principle of reciprocity: test the service, build trust, and lower perceived risk.
Is it cheaper to hire in-house cleaners?
On paper, maybe. But in reality?
Hiring a cleaner as a staff member means superannuation, sick leave, equipment, training, insurance, and admin overhead. Many SMEs underestimate the hidden costs.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| In-house staff | Direct control, staff loyalty | Payroll burden, scheduling headaches |
| Outsourced cleaners | Trained staff, gear included, scalable | Less day-to-day oversight |
Unless you’ve got a large site with consistent daily demand, outsourcing remains the more cost-efficient and flexible option for most Aussie businesses.
What’s a fair price for industrial cleaning in Melbourne?
Melbourne’s industrial sector—think warehouses, factories, logistics hubs—typically sees rates from $50 to $70 per hour, depending on complexity and frequency.
If you’re getting quotes wildly outside this bracket, question what’s being offered. Is equipment included? Are eco-friendly products being used? Is the team trained in safe work practices?
And for anyone digging deeper into this specific niche, this article on industrial cleaning in Melbourne offers a solid breakdown of typical costs and service scopes.
How can you avoid overpaying?
Here's how seasoned facility managers keep cleaning budgets tight without compromising standards:
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Get multiple quotes. Use them as anchor points—thanks to the anchoring bias, the first number you see can distort value perception.
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Ask for scope clarity. Some providers quote low hourly rates but charge extra for supplies, waste removal, or specialist services.
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Avoid long lock-in contracts upfront. Flexibility early on creates room to trial providers and ensures performance-based retention.
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Use audits. Site walkthroughs help clarify needs and prevent over-servicing—a common trick to pad invoices.
Social proof matters too. Look for Google reviews, LinkedIn testimonials, or case studies that reference similar businesses.
Real-world example: A warehouse in outer Melbourne
We spoke with a logistics coordinator managing a 10,000 sqm warehouse in Thomastown.
“We were quoted $42/hr by one mob, and $68/hr by another for the same scope. Turns out the cheaper one didn’t include chemicals or insurance cover. We went with a mid-tier provider at $58/hr. They’ve been solid—show up on time, no fuss.”
This kind of story reflects the consistency principle: when service meets expectations, clients stick.
FAQ
Is GST included in commercial cleaning quotes?
Usually, no. Always confirm whether GST is included, especially if comparing rates from different suppliers.
Do commercial cleaners bring their own equipment?
Yes—most reputable cleaners supply their own gear and consumables. But always check this is specified in the agreement.
Can I negotiate lower rates for regular contracts?
Absolutely. Weekly or daily cleans over 6–12 months often attract lower hourly rates or package deals.
At the end of the day, commercial cleaning is a precision business—one that balances compliance, cost, and consistency. If you're operating in Melbourne's industrial zones, it's worth reading more on industrial cleaning Melbourne to get a clearer sense of value versus cost.
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