As the cleaning industry evolves, staying informed about casual cleaner pay rates is imperative for both employers and employees. This blog will delve into the 2025 pay rates, the implications of loading, and the hidden costs of employing casual cleaners. We’ll also explore scenarios of underpayment and discuss when it might be more beneficial to hire part-time cleaners instead.
2025 Casual Cleaner Pay Rates (MA000022)
Base Rates + 25% Loading
| Level | Description | 2024 Base Rate | 2025 Projected (+3.5%) | Casual Rate (Base + 25%) |
| 1 | Basic cleaning | $22.76 | $23.56 | $29.45 |
| 2 | Equipment operation | $23.48 | $24.30 | $30.38 |
| 3 | Hazardous waste | $24.35 | $25.20 | $31.50 |
| 4 | Supervision | $25.75 | $26.65 | $33.31 |
| 5 | Site management | $27.41 | $28.37 |
$35.46 |
Example: A Level 2 casual earns $30.38/hr ($24.30 base + $6.08 loading).
The True Cost of Casual Employment
Hidden Risk: Casual Conversion Claims
After 12 months, long-term casuals may claim:
- Paid annual/sick leave
- Notice periods
- Unfair dismissal protection
Industry Data: 40% of cleaning underpayments involve misclassified casuals
When to Choose Part-Time?
| Scenario | Better Option | Why |
| <6 months | Casual | Avoid leave liabilities |
| 6+ months | Part-time | Cheaper long-term (no 25% loading) |
Penalty Rates for Casual Cleaners
How Loading & Penalties Stack
| Shift Type | Multiplier | Level 2 Casual Example |
| Weekday Evening (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 |
Key Rule: Casual loading is included before applying penalties.
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]
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