As the cleaning industry continues to evolve, understanding pay rates is essential for business owners and casual cleaners alike. In this blog, we will cover the 2025 pay rates for casual cleaners, hidden costs associated with casual employment, and when it might be more prudent to hire part-time workers. By the end, you’ll be equipped to utilize our cleaning services pay calculator effectively, ensuring compliance and cost efficiency.
2025 Pay Rates by Cleaner Level
| Level | Description | Base Rate | Casual Rate (+25%) |
| 1 | Basic cleaning | $23.56 | $29.45 |
| 2 | Equipment operation | $24.30 | $30.38 |
| 3 | Hazardous materials | $25.20 | $31.50 |
| 4 | Supervision | $26.65 | $33.31 |
| 5 | Site management | $28.37 | $35.46 |
Projected rates include 3.5% wage increase (Fair Work 2025 adjustment).
For detailed wage rates, you can refer to resources like the Fair Work Pay Calculator.
How Loading & Penalties Stack
Casuals receive:
- Base wage + 25% loading
- Plus penalty multipliers
| Shift Type | Multiplier | Level 2 Casual Example |
| Weekday Night (After 6PM) | 115% | $30.38 → $34.94 |
| Saturday | 125% | $30.38 → $37.98 |
| Sunday | 150% | $30.38 → $45.57 |
| Public Holiday | 250% | $30.38 → $75.95 |
Common Mistake: Forgetting to apply penalties on top of casual loading.
Casual vs Part-Time: Which Costs Less?
Scenario: Hiring for 8 Months
| Cost Factor | Casual | Part-Time |
| Hourly Rate | $30.38 | $24.30 |
| Loading | +25% | None |
| Leave Costs | Risk of backpay | Built-in |
| Total 6-Month Cost | $28,200 | $25,100 |
How Workstem Helps Cleaning Services Award Businesses
Simplify award interpretation and payroll processing with Workstem, the all-in-one workforce management & payroll software designed for every industry. Our system supports 122+ modern awards & 34 EAs, including the Cleaning Services Award 2025, and keeps you up-to-date with changes in wage rates, penalty rates, and overtime rules.
Managing payroll under the Cleaning Services Award 2025 can be complex. Workstem’s workforce management software ensures:
- Our award interpretation software
- Auto-calculates penalties + casual loading
- Flags classification errors
- Generates Fair Work-compliant payslips
- Seamless integrations with Xero, NetSuite, and more
Choose from our Standard or Advanced plan to suit your business needs, and stay Fair Work compliant with confidence.
Book a free demo with our payroll experts and experience how Workstem can streamline your payroll and workforce operations.
FAQs About the Cleaning Services Award 2025
Q1: What’s new in the 2025 Cleaning Services Award?
A1: 3.5% minimum wage increase (projected) for all cleaner levels；Stronger record-keeping requirements for remote/work-from-home cleaners；Clarified overtime rules for mobile workers (travel time between sites now counts toward daily hours).
Q2: Are casual cleaners entitled to the same benefits as part-time or full-time employees?
A2: No, casual cleaners receive a casual loading but do not have access to paid leave benefits provided to part-time or full-time employees.
Q3: What are the common penalties for misclassifying cleaning staff?
A3: Employers can face fines and legal penalties if they incorrectly classify cleaning staff or fail to comply with the pay rates set forth in the Cleaning Services Award.
Q4: Do part-time cleaners get penalty rates?
A4: Yes! Part-timers receive the same penalties as full-timers:
- 125% Saturdays
- 150% Sundays
- 250% Public Holidays
Q5: Can Workstem help with casual employee management?
A5: Absolutely. Workstem supports casual loading, dynamic rosters, and real-time tracking to ensure casual workers are paid correctly and fairly under the award.
Q6: Is Workstem compliant with Fair Work and STP2?
A6: Yes, Workstem is fully compliant with Fair Work obligations and Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 (STP2), ensuring seamless reporting to the ATO.
Read More：
Cleaning Services Award Guide [MA000022]
Automate MA000022 compliance with Workstem’s payroll software. [Start Free Trial]
