How Much Does Commercial Cleaning Cost in Australia? [2026 Pricing Guide]

Commercial cleaning in Australia costs between $35 and $65 per hour for most office and business premises, with the national average sitting around $45 to $55 per hour in 2026. The exact price depends on your location, the size and type of facility, cleaning frequency, and whether your site requires specialist services such as medical-grade disinfection or industrial degreasing. This guide breaks down every factor that influences what you will pay, from the Cleaning Services Award 2020 base rates through to per-square-metre pricing and contract structures, so you can budget accurately and avoid overpaying for commercial cleaning services.

Average Commercial Cleaning Rates Per Hour in Australia

Hourly rates for commercial cleaning vary by state and territory due to differences in labour costs, demand, and operating expenses. Sydney and Melbourne sit at the premium end of the market, typically 10 to 20 per cent above the national average, while Adelaide and Hobart tend to fall slightly below it.

City / Region	Standard Office Cleaning (per hour)	Specialist Cleaning (per hour)
Sydney	$50 – $65	$60 – $80+
Melbourne	$48 – $62	$58 – $78
Brisbane	$45 – $55	$55 – $70
Perth	$45 – $58	$55 – $72
Adelaide	$40 – $50	$50 – $65
Canberra	$48 – $60	$58 – $75
Hobart	$38 – $48	$48 – $62

These rates reflect the charge-out price from a licensed, insured cleaning company — not the wage paid to an individual cleaner. The gap between the two covers workers compensation insurance, superannuation contributions under the Superannuation Guarantee (currently 11.5 per cent), public liability insurance, equipment, chemicals, transport, supervision, and the company’s margin.

Cleaning Rates Per Square Metre for Commercial Properties

Many commercial cleaning providers quote per square metre rather than per hour, particularly for larger sites where hourly pricing becomes difficult to estimate. Standard office cleaning typically costs $2 to $4 per square metre per clean, while high-specification environments such as medical centres, laboratories, and food processing facilities can reach $5 to $8 per square metre.

Facility Type	Rate Per Square Metre (per clean)
Standard office	$2.00 – $3.50
Retail showroom	$2.50 – $4.00
Strata common areas	$1.80 – $3.00
Medical / dental practice	$4.00 – $6.50
Warehouse / industrial	$1.50 – $3.00
Childcare centre	$4.50 – $7.00
Food processing / commercial kitchen	$5.00 – $8.00

Per-square-metre quoting gives both parties transparency. The cleaning company can scope the work precisely during a site inspection, and the client receives a fixed monthly cost regardless of how long the cleaners take. For sites over 500 square metres, this pricing model is almost always more economical than hourly rates.

Factors That Affect Commercial Cleaning Pricing

No two commercial cleaning quotes are identical because multiple variables compound to determine the final price. Understanding these factors helps you compare quotes accurately and negotiate from an informed position.

Size and Layout of the Premises

Larger floor areas generally reduce the per-square-metre rate because fixed costs (travel, setup, equipment) are spread across more billable area. However, complex layouts with multiple levels, narrow corridors, or restricted-access zones increase the time required per square metre and push the rate upward.

Cleaning Frequency

Daily cleaning contracts cost less per visit than weekly or fortnightly services because the cleaning company can roster the same cleaner consistently and the site stays relatively clean between visits. A five-day-per-week office cleaning contract typically costs 15 to 25 per cent less per visit than a once-weekly deep clean of the same premises.

Time of Service

After-hours cleaning attracts penalty rates under the Cleaning Services Award 2020 (MA000022). Evening shifts (after 6pm) carry a 15 per cent loading, Saturday work attracts time-and-a-half, and Sunday work attracts double time. Public holiday cleaning is paid at 250 per cent of the base rate. These loadings directly increase the charge-out rate to the client.

Scope of Work

A basic office clean covering vacuuming, mopping, bin emptying, kitchen wipe-down, and bathroom sanitisation costs significantly less than a comprehensive clean that includes window washing, carpet steam cleaning, high-touch point disinfection, and floor stripping and sealing. Always confirm the scope of work in writing before comparing quotes.

Industry Compliance Requirements

Certain industries mandate specific cleaning protocols that increase costs. Childcare centres must meet National Quality Standard (NQS) hygiene requirements set by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Medical practices must follow infection control standards outlined by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Food premises must comply with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) regulations and maintain Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) documentation.

The Cleaning Services Award 2020 and What It Means for Pricing

The Cleaning Services Award 2020 (MA000022), administered by the Fair Work Commission, sets the minimum employment conditions for the cleaning industry in Australia. Every cleaning company paying employees (not independent contractors) must meet or exceed these rates, which directly establishes a cost floor that no legitimate operator can undercut.

As of the most recent Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review, the base hourly rate for a Level 1 cleaner (general cleaning duties) is approximately $24.73 per hour. Higher classification levels attract progressively higher rates — a Level 3 cleaner performing specialised work earns over $26 per hour at minimum.

Pay Component	Rate / Percentage
Level 1 base rate	~$24.73/hr
Evening loading (after 6pm)	+15%
Saturday penalty	Time and a half (150%)
Sunday penalty	Double time (200%)
Public holiday penalty	250%
Superannuation Guarantee	11.5% of ordinary time earnings
Workers compensation insurance	~3–5% of payroll (varies by state)

When you add superannuation (11.5 per cent under the current Superannuation Guarantee rate), workers compensation insurance (compulsory in every state and territory under respective Workers Compensation Acts), payroll tax, leave entitlements, and training costs, the true cost of employing a cleaner is roughly 30 to 40 per cent above the base Award rate. This is why legitimate companies charge $35 to $65 per hour rather than the $24.73 Award minimum — the gap is consumed entirely by statutory obligations and overhead.

How to Price Cleaning Jobs: Hourly vs Flat-Rate vs Per Square Metre

Commercial cleaning in Australia is priced using three main models. Each has advantages depending on the site, scope, and relationship between client and provider.

Hourly pricing suits small offices under 200 square metres where the scope is straightforward and easy to estimate. The client pays for actual time worked, which provides flexibility but less cost certainty. Most providers charge in 15-minute increments with a minimum booking of two to three hours.

Flat-rate (per-visit) pricing is the most common model for regular commercial contracts. The provider inspects the site, calculates the labour hours required, and quotes a fixed price per clean. This gives the client budget certainty and incentivises the cleaning company to work efficiently.

Per-square-metre pricing works best for large or multi-site contracts where the scope is well defined. This model makes it easy to compare quotes from different providers on a like-for-like basis, provided the scope of work is identical.

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Cleaning Services

Choosing the cheapest cleaning quote almost always costs more in the long term. Operators who undercut the market typically do so by cutting corners that expose your business to financial, legal, and reputational risk.

Non-Compliance with Fair Work Obligations

A cleaning company charging $25 per hour cannot be paying cleaners the full Award rate, superannuation, and workers compensation while maintaining insurance and equipment. In many cases, these operators engage workers as sham contractors or pay cash in hand — both of which breach the Fair Work Act 2009 and can expose the client to accessorial liability. The Fair Work Ombudsman has prosecuted multiple cleaning companies and their clients for underpayment in the cleaning industry.

Inadequate Insurance Cover

Public liability insurance for commercial cleaning typically costs $400 to $1,200 per year for $10 to $20 million coverage. Budget operators may carry insufficient cover — or none at all. If an uninsured cleaner damages property or causes injury on your premises, your own insurance may not cover the claim if you failed to verify the contractor’s credentials.

Poor Cleaning Outcomes and Staff Health

Cutting corners on cleaning frequency, chemical quality, or staff training leads to higher rates of workplace illness. Safe Work Australia data shows that indoor air quality and surface hygiene directly affect absenteeism. The productivity cost of a single day of sick leave — lost output, replacement labour, disrupted workflows — often exceeds the savings from choosing a cheaper cleaner.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Cleaning Provider

Selecting a cleaning company based on price alone is the most common mistake businesses make. A structured evaluation process protects your investment and ensures consistent results.

Verify credentials before requesting a quote. Ask for current certificates of currency for public liability insurance (minimum $10 million for most commercial sites) and workers compensation insurance. Confirm the company holds an ABN registered through the Australian Business Register and, if their turnover exceeds $75,000, that they are registered for GST with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Insist on a site inspection. Any reputable provider will inspect your premises before quoting. A quote based solely on square metreage or a phone description will be inaccurate. During the inspection, the assessor should note floor types, fixture counts, high-traffic zones, restricted areas, and any compliance requirements specific to your industry.

Request a detailed scope of work. The quote should itemise every task, the frequency for each task, and any exclusions. Vague descriptions like “general office clean” are insufficient for holding a provider accountable.

Check references and staff retention. High cleaner turnover is a red flag. Companies that pay Award rates, invest in training, and treat staff well retain their teams longer, which means consistent quality for your site. Ask how long the company’s average cleaner has been with them.

Evaluate the contract terms. Look for a reasonable notice period (30 days is standard), clear performance benchmarks, a complaint resolution process, and transparency on whether the company uses subcontractors or direct employees.

Office Cleaning Cost Breakdown by Frequency

The frequency of cleaning directly affects both the per-visit cost and the monthly total. Below is a typical cost breakdown for a standard 300-square-metre office in Sydney with basic scope (vacuuming, mopping, bathrooms, kitchen, bin emptying, desk wipe-down).

Frequency	Estimated Cost Per Visit	Monthly Cost (approx.)
5 days per week	$120 – $160	$2,400 – $3,200
3 days per week	$140 – $180	$1,680 – $2,160
Weekly	$180 – $250	$720 – $1,000
Fortnightly	$220 – $300	$440 – $600
Monthly deep clean	$350 – $500	$350 – $500

Daily cleaning costs less per visit because the site stays cleaner between services, reducing the time required at each attendance. Monthly and fortnightly cleans cost more per visit because accumulated dirt, dust, and grime require significantly more labour to address.

Industry-Specific Cleaning Costs

Certain industries attract higher cleaning costs due to regulatory requirements, specialised equipment, and increased risk profiles.

Medical and Dental Practices

Medical cleaning requires compliance with NHMRC infection control guidelines and often involves the use of TGA-registered disinfectants listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Clinical waste must be segregated and disposed of in accordance with AS/NZS 3816. Expect to pay $55 to $80 per hour or $4 to $6.50 per square metre.

Strata and Body Corporate Properties

Strata cleaning covers common areas including lobbies, lifts, car parks, bin rooms, and shared amenities. Pricing depends on the number of levels, the presence of a pool or gym, and the frequency of service. Typical rates range from $1.80 to $3.00 per square metre of common area, with most mid-rise residential buildings paying $800 to $2,500 per month.

Industrial and Warehouse Facilities

Industrial cleaning often involves ride-on scrubbers, high-pressure washing, and degreasing agents. The large floor areas keep per-square-metre costs relatively low ($1.50 to $3.00), but the total monthly spend can be substantial for facilities over 2,000 square metres. WHS compliance under SafeWork regulations is critical, particularly for sites handling hazardous materials.

Childcare Centres

Childcare cleaning must meet the National Quality Standard (NQS) set by ACECQA, with specific hygiene requirements for nappy change areas, sleep rooms, food preparation zones, and outdoor play equipment. Only GECA-certified or TGA-listed products should be used in environments where children are present. Costs range from $4.50 to $7.00 per square metre due to the intensive scope and compliance documentation required.

How to Budget for Commercial Cleaning in Your Business

Commercial cleaning should be treated as a fixed operational expense, not a discretionary cost. A well-maintained workplace reduces sick leave, extends the life of flooring and fixtures, maintains professional presentation for clients and visitors, and supports compliance with WHS obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

As a rough budgeting guide, most Australian businesses allocate between $3 and $8 per square metre per month for regular commercial cleaning. A 500-square-metre office cleaned three times per week in Sydney would typically cost $1,800 to $2,800 per month.

To reduce costs without sacrificing quality, consider locking in a 12-month contract (most providers offer a 10 to 15 per cent discount for annual commitments), bundling services such as carpet cleaning and window washing into the regular contract, and scheduling deep cleans quarterly rather than monthly to spread the expense.

To compare your options and get an accurate quote for your specific premises, read our guide on what commercial cleaners charge per hour across Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to have an office cleaned in Australia?

Office cleaning in Australia costs between $35 and $65 per hour or $2 to $4 per square metre per clean. A standard 300-square-metre office cleaned five days per week typically costs $2,400 to $3,200 per month in Sydney. Costs are lower in regional areas and smaller capital cities. The price depends on frequency, scope of work, time of service, and whether the office has specialised areas such as server rooms or commercial kitchens.

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

The minimum base rate for a Level 1 cleaner under the Cleaning Services Award 2020 (MA000022) is approximately $24.73 per hour. This is the minimum wage the employer must pay the cleaner, not the rate a cleaning company charges a client. With superannuation (11.5 per cent), workers compensation insurance, leave entitlements, and payroll tax, the true employment cost rises to $32 to $35 per hour before any margin, equipment, or chemical costs are added.

How much should I pay a cleaner for 3 hours of work?

For three hours of commercial cleaning through a licensed company, expect to pay between $105 and $195 depending on the scope, location, and time of service. If the work is performed after 6pm, Saturday, or Sunday, penalty rate loadings under the Cleaning Services Award 2020 apply and will increase the charge. Always confirm the total cost upfront and ensure the quote includes GST if the provider’s annual turnover exceeds $75,000.

Are cleaning rates per square metre cheaper than hourly rates?

For sites over 500 square metres, per-square-metre pricing is generally more economical and predictable than hourly rates. It also makes comparing quotes from different providers straightforward. For smaller offices under 200 square metres, hourly pricing may be simpler because the fixed costs (minimum booking time, travel) represent a larger proportion of the total and a per-square-metre rate may not reflect these accurately.

Do I need an ABN and insurance to hire a commercial cleaner?

You do not need an ABN to hire a commercial cleaning company, but you should verify that the cleaning company holds a valid ABN (searchable on the Australian Business Register), current public liability insurance with a minimum of $10 million cover, and workers compensation insurance in the state where the work is performed. Request current certificates of currency before signing any contract. If the provider cannot produce these documents, do not engage them — you may be exposed to liability if an incident occurs on your premises.

About Clean Group

Clean Group is a leading commercial cleaning company operating across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. With over 20 years of industry experience, Clean Group provides office cleaning, strata cleaning, medical cleaning, industrial cleaning, and specialised services to businesses of all sizes. All cleaners are direct employees covered by the Cleaning Services Award 2020, fully insured, and police-checked. Clean Group holds $20 million public liability insurance and provides transparent, fixed-price quotes based on detailed site inspections.