🧹 Cleaning Jobs in Australia
Stable work with flexible hours. Found through agencies and direct hire.
Types of Cleaning Work
Cleaning work is available in various settings across Australia.
🚨 Not Eligible for Visa Extension
Cleaning work does not count toward the 88 days of specified work required for a second or third year Working Holiday Visa. If you need to extend your visa, consider farm work or construction in regional areas instead.
Overview
Cleaning is one of the most accessible jobs for WHV holders in Australia. The work is straightforward, hours are flexible, and jobs are available in both cities and regional towns. Commercial cleaning often involves evening or night shifts in offices and shopping centres, while residential cleaning is typically during the day. Event cleaning is seasonal and casual, ideal if you want short-term work around festivals and concerts.
Salary
Cleaning jobs typically pay between $28 and $35 per hour. Penalty rates apply for evenings, weekends and public holidays, which can significantly increase your earnings. Night shift work and weekend rates can push pay to $35-45/hr.
- Standard weekday rate: $28-32/hr
- Saturday rate: $32-40/hr
- Sunday rate: $36-45/hr
- Public holidays: up to double time
How to Find Cleaning Work
Most cleaning jobs are found through agencies or direct applications. Major agencies that hire WHV holders for cleaning work include:
- Spotless - one of Australia's largest facility services companies
- ISS - global facility services provider with operations across Australia
- Cleanaway - major cleaning and waste management company
You can also find residential cleaning work through platforms like Airtasker, Gumtree and Facebook community groups. Many backpackers build a client base through word of mouth and earn more than agency rates.
What to Expect
Cleaning work is physically active but not as demanding as construction or farm work. You will spend most of your shift on your feet, vacuuming, mopping, wiping surfaces and emptying bins. Commercial cleaning shifts are typically 3-5 hours in the evening, while residential jobs can be 2-6 hours during the day. No special qualifications are required, though some employers prefer candidates with previous experience. Most agencies provide training and supply all cleaning products and equipment.