Imagine a job where you’re valued, needed, and paid fairly—without needing a fancy degree. Cleaning jobs in Australia offer just that. Whether you’re mopping floors in a cozy home, sanitizing a hospital ward, or tidying a luxury hotel, you’re part of an essential workforce.
These roles come with competitive salaries (AUD $23–$35/hour, or up to AUD $4,800/month), visa sponsorship opportunities for foreign workers, and benefits like free accommodation or training. All you need is a strong work ethic, basic English, and a clean record. Ready to start? This guide covers everything—job types, visa options, requirements, benefits, and where to find opportunities.
Why Cleaning Jobs?
Cleaning jobs in Australia are a solid entry point for many, especially for foreign workers, due to their unique position in the labor market and regulatory framework. Here’s a breakdown of why cleaning jobs stand out:
- High Demand, Low Local Supply: Cleaning roles, whether in domestic, commercial, or institutional settings (like hospitals or schools), are essential but often shunned by locals due to perceptions of low prestige or physical demands. This creates a consistent demand for workers, particularly in regional or remote areas where labor shortages are more pronounced.
- Regulated Industry with Protections: Australia’s cleaning industry is governed by strict regulations, including the Cleaning Services Award 2020, which sets minimum wages, overtime rates, and working conditions. Cleaners are entitled to fair pay (often starting at AUD 25-30/hour for casual roles), penalty rates for weekends or nights, and protections like superannuation and leave entitlements. This structure ensures respect and stability for workers.
- Visa Pathways for Foreign Workers: The shortage of local workers makes cleaning an attractive option for migrants. Programs like the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, Working Holiday Visa (417/462), or Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa often include cleaning roles, especially in regional areas. Employers may sponsor workers for roles like commercial or industrial cleaning, particularly in sectors like hospitality or healthcare.
- Diverse Opportunities: Cleaning isn’t monolithic. Roles range from domestic house cleaning to specialized tasks like hospital sterilization, high-rise window cleaning, or industrial site maintenance. Some require training or certifications (e.g., infection control for healthcare settings), offering pathways to skill development and career progression.
- Flexibility and Accessibility: Many cleaning jobs offer flexible hours (part-time, casual, or shift work), making them ideal for students, migrants, or those balancing other commitments. Entry barriers are low—no formal education is typically required, though reliability and attention to detail are key.
- Economic Stability: Cleaning is recession-resistant. Homes, offices, and public spaces always need maintenance, ensuring job security even during economic downturns.
Read Also: Housekeeping Staff Jobs In Australia with Sponsorship
Types of Cleaning Jobs in Australia
Here are the main cleaning roles available:
- Domestic Cleaning
- Housekeeping, apartment cleaning, end-of-lease deep cleans.
- Commercial Cleaning
- Office buildings, retail spaces, government facilities.
- Healthcare & Aged Care Cleaning
- Hospitals, aged care homes, disability centers (special hygiene training often provided).
- Hotel & Resort Cleaning
- Room attendants, public area cleaners, laundry support.
- Construction Site Cleaning
- Post-build clean-up, rubbish removal, site sanitizing.
Visa Sponsorship for Cleaning Jobs
Yes, you can secure a visa through cleaning jobs! While most roles are considered semi-skilled or low-skilled, several visa pathways exist:
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
- Requires a job offer, proof of experience, and basic English (IELTS 5 or equivalent).
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
- Ideal for regional Australia, where labor shortages are common.
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)
- For those under 35 from eligible countries, a great way to start and seek sponsorship.
- Labour Agreement Stream
- Some cleaning companies have direct agreements with the government to sponsor overseas workers.
Salary and Benefits
Cleaning jobs in Australia pay well for the skill level required:
- Entry-level: AUD $23–$26/hour
- Experienced: AUD $27–$30/hour
- Night/weekend shifts: Up to AUD $35+/hour
That translates to AUD $900–$1,200/week or AUD $3,500–$4,800/month.
Additional perks may include:
- Free accommodation (especially in regional areas)
- Work uniforms and transportation support
- On-the-job training and certifications (e.g., Infection Control, First Aid)
Job Requirements
To land a cleaning job, you’ll typically need:
- Valid passport
- Australian-style resume (CV)
- Basic English skills
- Physical fitness
- Clean police record
- References or prior cleaning experience (even informal)
Bonus qualifications:
- Driver’s license
- Cleaning certifications (e.g., Infection Control)
- First Aid or CPR certification
Don’t worry—many employers provide training, especially for healthcare or aged-care roles.
Where to Find Cleaning Jobs
Jobs are available nationwide, but visa sponsorship is more likely in regional areas like Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, or regional Queensland and Western Australia.
Top job portals:
- Seek.com.au (search “cleaner + visa sponsorship”)
- Indeed.com.au
- Jora.com.au
- JobSearch.gov.au
- BackpackerJobBoard.com.au (for working holiday visa holders)
Companies that may sponsor:
- ISS Facility Services Australia
- Spotless Group
- Broad-spectrum
- Compass Group Australia
- O’Shea’s Cleaning (regional focus)
- Regional hospitals and aged care homes
Conclusion
Cleaning jobs in Australia are more than just manual labor—they’re a gateway to opportunity. With salaries up to AUD $4,800/month, visa sponsorship options, and benefits like free accommodation, these roles offer stability and respect. Whether you’re a local or an international worker, cleaning provides a low-barrier entry into Australia’s workforce, with the chance to grow and thrive in a country that values your contribution. Start your journey today—your mop could be your ticket to a brighter future!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cleaning job in Australia without experience?
Yes! Many employers value enthusiasm and reliability over formal experience. Informal cleaning (e.g., at home) can count as experience.
Are cleaning jobs in Australia safe?
Yes, cleaning is a regulated industry with strict workplace safety standards. Employers provide training and equipment to ensure your safety.
