My Cleaning Pay Seems Too Low
Last updated: April 2026 · Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000022
If your cleaning pay feels too low, trust that instinct. The cleaning industry is the most underpaid sector in Australia. Fair Work Ombudsman investigations consistently find that cleaning companies underpay workers — sometimes by a few dollars an hour, sometimes by half the legal rate.
Use this checklist to figure out exactly where the gap is.
The underpayment checklist
- Base rate check: Is your hourly rate at least $25.85/hr (permanent) or $32.31/hr (casual) for Level 1? Higher for Level 2 and 3.
- Penalty rate check: Are you paid extra for Saturdays (1.5×), Sundays (2×), and public holidays (2.5×)?
- Overtime check: After 38 hours/week or 7.6 hours/day, are you paid at 1.5× then 2×?
- Superannuation check: Is your employer paying 12% super into a fund? Check your super statement.
- Payslip check: Do you receive a payslip within 1 business day of being paid?
- Classification check: Does your level match your actual duties, not just what you were hired for?
- Minimum hours check: Are you getting at least 3 hours per shift (casual) or your agreed hours (part-time)?
If you answered "no" to even one of these, you are being underpaid.
The most common gaps
- Missing penalty rates — cleaners who work weekends at weekday rates lose $50–$150 per weekend shift
- No casual loading — casual cleaners paid the same as permanent workers are underpaid by 25%
- No super — 12% of your pay that should be going into retirement, isn't
- Rate not updated — award rates increase every July; if yours didn't, you're behind
What to do next
- Run the calculator below with your actual hours and shifts
- Compare the result to what you actually receive
- If there's a gap, raise it with your employer or call Fair Work on 13 13 94
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.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know what classification level I should be?
Level 1 is general cleaning — mopping, vacuuming, emptying bins, basic bathroom cleaning. Level 2 involves operating specialised equipment like floor polishers, carpet extraction machines, or doing window cleaning above ground level. Level 3 is for supervisors or team leaders who direct the work of other cleaners.
My employer says rates went up but my pay didn't change — is that legal?
No. Award rates increase every 1 July. If your employer doesn't pass on the increase, they're paying you below the legal minimum from that date forward. This is one of the most common forms of underpayment in cleaning.
I only work 10 hours a week — do I still have award rights?
Yes. The Cleaning Services Award applies regardless of how many hours you work. Part-time and casual cleaners have the same base rate entitlements as full-time workers. Part-time workers also get pro-rata leave entitlements.
If something feels wrong, it probably is. Check it now.
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 nowNo 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.