Cleaner Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Cleaners in Sydney earn a median salary of $55,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $46,000 and $74,100. That sits 42% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 43 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 64th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +13 listings vs last month
💰 Cleaner · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$46,000 – $74,100
Median: $55,000
May $60k
Jun $55k
↓ Trending down

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $46,000 – $74,100
Overall $46k–$74k Mid $46k–$74k $44k $50k $57k $63k $69k $76k
Moderate confidence 43 listings (+13 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $46,000 Median  $55,000 $74,100  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Sydney cleaners face the widest gap to city median in this whole batch: at $55k the median sits 42% below the city's $95k all-roles figure. Both Brisbane and Melbourne pay their cleaners more (around $64k), so Sydney is the low-payer despite being the priciest place to live. Demand rose sharply (43 listings, up from 30) yet the median fell nearly $6k over the month, more jobs at lower pay. The range ($46k to $74.1k) is set by shift loading and contract type rather than skill, which caps how far individual effort can move the number.

Take Home Pay (based on median $55,000)

Weekly (net)
~$879
Monthly (net)
~$3,811
Annual (net)
~$45,733
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $61,325

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Cleaner in Sydney?
The band starts around $46k, near the cleaning award floor. What lifts a cleaner toward the $74.1k top is loading and specialisation: overnight and weekend penalty rates, a commercial or industrial contract, and specialised work like medical, high-rise or hazardous cleaning. Supervising a small crew or holding a security or white card also moves pay up.
Is $55,000 a good salary in Sydney?
No. At $55k the median runs 42% below Sydney's $95k all-roles figure and nets about $46k after tax, which is genuinely hard in the most expensive city in the country. This is the lowest-paid role in the batch relative to its city, and while cleaning is award-anchored, Sydney pays less than Brisbane or Melbourne do. The practical levers are penalty-rate shifts and specialised contracts rather than a straight base rise.
How much does a Senior Cleaner make in Sydney?
There is no senior cleaner band, pay caps around $74.1k for supervisors and specialised contract work. Progression means moving into a cleaning-supervisor or facilities role, coordinating crews and contracts rather than cleaning solo. Specialising in medical, industrial or high-access work, and taking on rostering and quality sign-off, is what pushes toward the top of the range.

Other roles in Sydney

Cleaner salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $55,000 —
Brisbane $64,360 +17%
Melbourne $64,220 +17%

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.