What’s the average hourly rate for housekeepers?

 Across Australia, housekeepers typically charge between $30 and $50 per hour. However, several factors can push that rate up or down:

  • Location: Expect higher rates in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne

  • Experience: Seasoned housekeepers may charge more for speed and attention to detail

  • Type of service: Basic tidying costs less than deep cleaning or organising

  • Frequency: Ongoing clients may receive lower rates than one-off jobs

In general, here’s a rough guide:

Type of CleanAverage Hourly Rate
Light/basic clean$30–$40/hr
Deep clean$40–$55/hr
Move-in/move-out$45–$60/hr
Specialised tasks (e.g. oven, windows)May incur extra charges

Some cleaners also quote per job rather than hourly — especially for end-of-lease cleans.

Are housekeepers different from regular cleaners?

Yes, and it can affect the price. While a cleaner focuses on hygiene (dusting, mopping, disinfecting), a housekeeper often handles broader tasks like:

  • Making beds

  • Laundry and ironing

  • Organising pantries or wardrobes

  • Pet care

  • Running errands

Because of this, housekeepers may charge a little more per hour — especially for premium services or live-in roles.

What about agency vs. independent rates?

  • Agencies often charge higher hourly rates ($50–$70/hr) to cover insurance, background checks, and admin.

  • Independent cleaners tend to be cheaper but may not provide formal contracts or liability cover.

If peace of mind matters (especially with keys and valuables involved), an agency might be worth the premium.

Are rates higher for short-notice or weekend jobs?

Yes. Many housekeepers apply after-hours surcharges for:

  • Weekend or public holiday bookings

  • Last-minute callouts

  • End-of-lease cleans with tight deadlines

Expect to pay $10–$20 more per hour for these services.

FAQ

Do housekeepers bring their own supplies?
It depends. Some include products in their rate, while others use your equipment or charge extra.

Should I tip my housekeeper?
Tipping isn’t expected in Australia, but regular clients often offer a bonus around the holidays or after a big job.

Is insurance included in the rate?
If you hire through an agency, yes. If you hire privately, ask whether the housekeeper carries public liability insurance.

While rates vary, you can expect to pay around $35 to $50 per hour for professional housekeeping in Australia — with prices rising for more complex or urgent jobs. And while housekeepers and industrial cleaning crews operate in very different worlds, they share one truth: the best work is worth paying for.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Can You Keep an Office Clean with Short Daily Sessions?

 Keeping an office clean with just short daily sessions? Absolutely — if you’re strategic about it. This method, often overlooked in favour of full-blown weekly cleans, can not only maintain tidiness but also subtly boost morale and productivity. Think of it like brushing your teeth: quick, consistent upkeep prevents bigger problems down the track. Let’s unpack how this can work, what the benefits are, and when short bursts just won’t cut it. Can You Really Maintain a Clean Office in Just 15–20 Minutes a Day? Yes — but it hinges on consistency, staff habits, and smart task distribution. Short daily cleaning sessions, typically 15 to 30 minutes, are enough to stay on top of visible mess, prevent clutter from building up, and nip hygiene issues in the bud. In small to medium-sized offices, especially those with low foot traffic, this approach can keep things looking sharp throughout the week. But — and here’s the catch — these sessions need to be systemised. Think of them as mi...
Read more

What does a “standard” commercial clean include?

A standard commercial cleaning service usually covers daily or weekly hygiene tasks that keep your workspace fresh, presentable, and compliant with safety standards. In Dandenong South, where many businesses operate in industrial zones, commercial cleaning adapts to a range of conditions. Common inclusions: Dusting and wiping of all horizontal surfaces like desks, counters, shelves, and ledges Vacuuming and mopping floors, including hard floors and carpeted areas Rubbish removal from bins, with liners replaced Sanitising high-touch points , such as door handles, light switches, elevator buttons Toilet and washroom cleaning , including restocking consumables like toilet paper and soap Kitchenette cleaning , from benches to microwaves and fridges Glass and window spot-cleaning , mainly internal and reachable areas Some providers might also include light maintenance tasks, such as replacing lightbulbs or air freshener refills, especially in high-traffic buildin...
Read more

How much does general cleaning cost per hour in Australia?

 Here’s a snapshot of what Aussies are typically paying in 2025: Cleaning Type Average Hourly Rate Domestic Cleaning $35 – $50 Commercial Cleaning $45 – $75 Deep/Specialist Jobs $60 – $90 Domestic cleaning usually covers your basics—kitchen, bathroom, vacuuming—while commercial services handle offices, retail spaces, or large facilities, often with industrial-grade gear and OH&S protocols baked in. Why is commercial cleaning more expensive? Commercial cleaning isn't just about wiping down desks. It often involves: Disinfecting high-touch zones like door handles, lift buttons, and shared equipment Complying with health codes or industry-specific requirements After-hours access (cleaners working late so your business isn’t disrupted) More comprehensive insurance and trained personnel For instance, a professional team cleaning a 250sqm open-plan office in Melbourne’s inner suburbs might charge $60/hr , while a smaller workspace in regional Queensland might fall ...
Read more