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Reasons Why Cleaning Jobs Are Highly Sought After in Australia
Cleaning jobs in Australia have become more vital than ever due to increased health awareness, hygiene regulations, and the constant need for clean workspaces. From corporate offices and hospitals to childcare centres and construction sites, cleaners play a critical role in maintaining safety and sanitation standards across Australia.
As industries adapt to post-pandemic requirements, disinfection and deep-cleaning services have grown rapidly. Commercial cleaning services, office cleaning jobs, and hospital cleaning jobs now offer more career stability, variety, and flexibility than many people realize. The entry barrier is low, and opportunities exist in both cities and regional areas.
Whether you’re a newcomer to the workforce, looking for part-time work, or an international worker seeking your first job, cleaning jobs in Australia provide accessible entry points and the possibility of long-term career development.
Common Cleaning Roles and Key Responsibilities
Office Cleaner
Office cleaners are responsible for maintaining clean and safe environments in business settings. Their tasks often include:
- Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping floors
- Cleaning desks, door handles, and other touch points
- Emptying bins and managing waste removal
- Cleaning kitchenettes and breakrooms
- Disinfecting bathrooms
Most office cleaning jobs in Australia are performed after hours, offering flexible shifts for students or part-time workers.
Commercial Cleaner
These roles involve working in public or high-traffic areas such as shopping malls, clinics, banks, and airports. Tasks may include:
- Cleaning entranceways and common areas
- Sanitizing escalator rails and elevator buttons
- Maintaining restrooms and food court areas
- Handling hazardous or chemical products in line with WHS standards
Industrial Cleaner
Industrial cleaning jobs focus on warehouses, factories, and construction sites. Responsibilities may include:
- Pressure washing and degreasing equipment
- Managing hazardous waste
- Cleaning large floor surfaces
- Working in dusty or physically demanding environments
Hospital and Aged Care Cleaner
Cleaners in healthcare facilities must maintain strict hygiene standards. Their duties often include:
- Sterilizing patient rooms and equipment
- Handling biohazard waste
- Cleaning public and staff-only areas
- Adhering to strict health protocols and cleaning schedules
These are among the most important cleaning jobs in Australia due to their impact on public health.
Retail and Hospitality Cleaner
Cleaners working in retail shops, cafes, and hotels may be responsible for:
- Wiping down counters and shelves
- Polishing mirrors and display glass
- Sanitizing changing rooms and washrooms
- Replacing hygiene products like soap, paper towels, etc.
Skills Required for Cleaning Jobs in Australia
What Are the Core Skills for a Cleaner?
Successful cleaners demonstrate:
- Attention to detail for spotless results
- Time management to complete tasks within shift limits
- Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and when/how to use them
- Physical stamina for lifting, bending, and repetitive motion
- Communication skills to follow instructions and report issues
- Independence and responsibility when working unsupervised
Why Physical Fitness Matters in Cleaning Roles
Many cleaning jobs in Australia are physically demanding. Cleaners often:
- Walk several kilometers per shift
- Lift heavy cleaning equipment
- Perform repetitive motion (scrubbing, wiping, etc.)
- Stand for long hours
Being in good physical shape lowers the risk of injuries and enhances overall work performance.
Where Can You Work as a Cleaner in Australia?
Cleaning Job Opportunities by Sector
Cleaning jobs in Australia are available across every major industry. Common work environments include:
- Corporate Offices: Commercial cleaning and daily maintenance
- Hospitals & Clinics: Sterile cleaning and hygiene control
- Schools & Universities: Daily classroom and restroom cleaning
- Restaurants & Hotels: Kitchen sanitation, guestroom cleaning
- NDIS Clients’ Homes: Disability support and household assistance
- Construction Sites: Post-construction clean-up and debris removal
- Gyms and Fitness Centres: Disinfection of equipment and showers
- High-Rise Buildings: Exterior window cleaning, facade maintenance
Some cleaning roles are location-specific, such as hospital cleaning in Sydney or NDIS cleaning services in Melbourne.
Cleaning Schedules and Job Types
Cleaning shifts vary based on location and service agreements. For example:
Office Cleaning Jobs
Usually scheduled after business hours or early mornings. Roles may be:
- Full-time (corporate contracts)
- Part-time (evening office cleans)
- Casual (fill-in or peak demand work)
Hospital and Retail Cleaning
Operates on rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays. You may be required to:
- Work 8-hour shifts
- Cover emergency sanitization needs
- Operate under 24/7 facility requirements
House and Airbnb Cleaning
Often scheduled around:
- Guest check-ins and check-outs
- Real estate open inspections
- Spring cleaning or once-off deep cleans
Cleaners offering flexible schedules are highly preferred, especially for contract cleaning jobs or after-hours office cleaning.
How to Start a Cleaning Job in Australia
Do You Need Qualifications?
For most entry-level cleaning jobs in Australia, no formal qualifications are required. However, having the following improves your job prospects:
- Basic WHS (Work Health and Safety) training
- Infection control certification (especially for hospital or aged care)
- Green cleaning certification (for eco-conscious employers)
- Barista cleaning machine knowledge (for café or hospitality roles)
- Driver’s license for mobile cleaner jobs
Required Legal Documents
When applying for cleaning jobs, employers might request:
- An ABN (Australian Business Number) is required if you’re working as a self-employed contractor.
- Police clearance or background check
- Proof of work rights in Australia (visa, citizenship, etc.)
- Public liability insurance for subcontractors
Some employers assist with training or insurance setup during onboarding.
Where to Find Cleaning Jobs in Australia
Job Portals
Top sites include:
- Seek.com.au
- Indeed.com.au
- Jora Australia
- Gumtree (for local or one-off jobs)
Agencies Specializing in Cleaning Jobs
- ISS Facility Services
- Spotless Group
- Sodexo Australia
- Cleanworks Australia
- Commercial Clean Australia
These agencies often handle recruitment, training, and scheduling.
Other Ways to Find Work
- Join Facebook community groups (e.g., “Sydney Cleaners Jobs”)
- Ask tenants or building managers for referrals
- Partner with NDIS providers or Airbnb hosts
- List services on Airtasker or HiPages
Search using specific terms like “after-hours office cleaning jobs Sydney” or “school cleaning jobs Melbourne” for better results.
Career Growth and Business Opportunities in Cleaning Jobs in Australia
As cleaning demand rises across commercial and residential sectors, career paths in the industry are becoming more diverse and rewarding. Cleaning jobs in Australia are no longer just “gig work” – they’re a genuine profession with long-term prospects.
Career Pathways for Cleaners
You may start as a casual or part-time cleaner and move into roles such as:
- Cleaning team leader or supervisor
- Client relationship manager
- Health and hygiene compliance officer
- Business owner of a cleaning company
Many cleaners begin as subcontractors before setting up their own registered cleaning business. With the right planning and service quality, this leads to better rates, independent schedules, and more stability.
Staying Competitive in the Cleaning Industry
To grow professionally in the cleaning sector:
- Take short courses in WHS, eco-cleaning, and infection control
- Get certified in biohazard cleaning or aged care sanitization
- Keep up with new cleaning tools and non-toxic products
- Stay active on platforms like LinkedIn, HiPages, and Airtasker
Clients increasingly look for specialists – so developing a niche (e.g., Airbnb turnaround cleaning, commercial disinfection, or carpet shampooing) gives you an edge.
How much do cleaners get paid in Australia?
Pay rates vary based on experience, location, and job type. On average, cleaners in Australia earn:
- $26–$30/hour for general domestic cleaning
- $28–$34/hour for office and commercial cleaning
- $30–$40/hour for specialized services (NDIS, medical, or biohazard)
- $45+/hour for emergency or after-hours cleaning jobs
Casual cleaners receive a 25% loading but don’t get paid leave. Full-time workers receive superannuation, annual leave, and sick days. Cleaners who own their business may earn more depending on their client base and rates.
What qualifications do I need to be a cleaner in Australia?
Most cleaning jobs in Australia do not require formal qualifications, especially for entry-level work. However, the following improve your job prospects:
- WHS and infection control certification
- A police check or Working With Children clearance may be required, especially for roles in schools or hospitals.
- ABN registration (for contractors or self-employed cleaners)
- First Aid training
- Cert III in Cleaning Operations (for advanced or supervisory roles)
Having a valid driver’s license is also beneficial if the job requires mobility between client sites.
Are cleaners in demand in Australia?
Yes, cleaners are in very high demand in Australia, especially post-COVID. Key factors driving this include:
- Heightened hygiene expectations in workplaces and public spaces
- There has been a rise in funding for cleaning services within NDIS and aged care sectors.
- Commercial contracts with rotating cleaners
- A national shortage of skilled labor in health & sanitation roles
Cleaning jobs in Australia are available across all major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth) and regional locations, particularly in construction and aged care sectors.
Which cleaning jobs pay the most?
The highest-paying cleaning jobs in Australia are usually those that require specialist training, work irregular hours, or involve high-risk tasks. These include:
- Biohazard and trauma cleaning: $50–$80/hour
- Crime scene or forensic cleaning: $70+/hour
- Window cleaning on high-rise buildings: $40–$60/hour
- Commercial kitchen deep cleans: $35–$50/hour
- Emergency water/fire damage restoration: $45–$75/hour
Running your own cleaning company or being a contractor can also result in higher earnings, especially with large or recurring clients.
Emerging Trends in Cleaning Jobs in Australia
Eco-Friendly and Green Cleaning
There is rising demand for chemical-free cleaning services, especially in schools, child care, aged care, and pet-friendly homes. Offering non-toxic, biodegradable products can help cleaners win high-value contracts with environmentally conscious clients.
Disinfection and Infection Control
Following global health events, more clients request hospital-grade disinfection in office buildings and public venues. Cleaners trained in proper sanitization protocols are highly sought after.
Technology and Automation in Cleaning
Large facilities and modern companies are investing in:
- Robotic vacuum cleaners
- Time-tracking apps for cleaner productivity
- QR-code based inspection checklists
- App-based job booking platforms
Cleaners familiar with such tools are positioned for more tech-friendly workplaces and corporate contracts.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning jobs in Australia offer much more than people assume. With high demand, minimal barriers to entry, and strong pay for skilled workers, it is a sector full of growth, diversity, and flexibility. Whether you’re working nights in commercial offices, supporting vulnerable individuals through aged care cleaning, or running your own mobile cleaning business, the opportunities are real and expanding.
If you’re reliable, detail-oriented, and physically active, cleaning jobs in Australia provide job security and income potential –plus the satisfaction of creating healthier environments for others.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I work flexible hours as a cleaner?
Yes, many cleaning jobs in Australia are shift-based or part-time, including morning-only or after-hours work.
Do I need my own cleaning supplies to start?
Not always. Some companies provide full kits. However, independent contractors typically supply their own.
Is commercial cleaning more demanding than residential?
Yes, commercial spaces often involve larger areas, tighter deadlines, or specialized machinery.
Are there remote or regional cleaning jobs?
Yes. Remote mining sites, tourist towns, and agricultural hubs frequently advertise for cleaning staff with added benefits.
Can I start a cleaning business as a foreigner?
If you have legal work rights in Australia, you can register for an ABN and operate your own cleaning services.
