General information only — not legal advice. First speak with your employer, then if unsuccessful contact Fair Work or an employment lawyer.
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Is My Cleaning Pay Rate Legal?

Last updated: April 2026 · Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000022

If you're earning between $24 and $26 per hour as a cleaner, you need to check whether that rate is actually legal. It depends on your employment type. For permanent (full-time or part-time) cleaners, the Level 1 base rate is approximately $25.85/hr. For casuals, the minimum is approximately $32.31/hr because of the 25% casual loading.

A rate of $25/hr is legal for a permanent cleaner but illegal for a casual — the casual minimum is $32.31/hr. Know which one you are.

Quick rate check

  • Full-time/part-time Level 1: ~$25.85/hr base
  • Full-time/part-time Level 2: ~$26.70/hr base
  • Full-time/part-time Level 3: ~$28.12/hr base
  • Casual Level 1: ~$32.31/hr (includes 25% loading)
  • Casual Level 2: ~$33.38/hr (includes 25% loading)
  • Casual Level 3: ~$35.15/hr (includes 25% loading)

These are base rates only. Weekday rates. If you work evenings, weekends, or public holidays, the rate must be higher. If your employer pays a flat rate regardless of when you work, they are almost certainly underpaying you.

Red flags

  • You're paid the same rate whether you work Tuesday or Sunday
  • Your rate hasn't changed since you started the job
  • You're a casual but your rate is below $32.31/hr
  • You clean specialised environments (medical, industrial) but get the same rate as general cleaning
  • Your employer deducts money for equipment, uniforms, or "insurance"

What to do

  1. Confirm your employment type. Are you casual, part-time, or full-time? Check your contract or payslip.
  2. Check your classification. Level 1 is general cleaning. Level 2 involves specialised equipment. Level 3 is supervisory work.
  3. Run the numbers. Use the calculator below to compare your actual pay to the legal minimum.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum hourly rate for a cleaner in Australia?

Under the Cleaning Services Award, the minimum base rate for an adult full-time or part-time cleaner (Level 1) is the rate set by the Fair Work Commission, updated each July. Casuals receive an additional 25% loading on top. If you earn less than these minimums, you are being underpaid.

Does my hourly rate change on weekends?

Yes. Saturday work attracts a 150% rate (time-and-a-half) for full-time and part-time workers. Sunday is 200% (double time). These penalty rates are not optional — they are part of the legal minimum. Casuals receive these penalties on top of their casual loading.

I earn $25/hr as a casual cleaner — is that legal?

Almost certainly not. The casual minimum for a Level 1 cleaner is the base rate plus 25% casual loading — well above $25/hr. You could be underpaid by several dollars per hour. Over a 20-hour week, the shortfall adds up to thousands per year in stolen wages.

Stop guessing. Enter your details and find out in 2 minutes.

Not sure if your Cleaning Award pay is right?

Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes. Free, instant, based on official Fair Work rates.

Check my pay now

No sign-up required

Rates sourced from the Fair Work Commission pay guide for the Cleaning Services Award 2020 (MA000022), effective 1 July 2025. General information only — not legal advice. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.