Australia is clean, green, and full of opportunity. But behind every spotless office, hotel room, or shopping mall, there’s someone working hard to make it that way.
That’s where cleaners come in. And in 2025, there’s a serious demand for them across Australia — especially in big cities and tourist areas. The best part? Many employers are offering visa sponsorship for foreign workers, with pay starting at $29.27 per hour.
If you’re looking to work abroad, build a stable income, and live in one of the most peaceful countries on Earth, keep reading.
Contents
Why Australia Needs Foreign Cleaners
The cleaning industry in Australia is booming. From hospitals to hotels, airports to apartment complexes — everyone needs cleaning staff.
But here’s the catch: there aren’t enough local workers to fill all the jobs.
Australians often avoid these roles due to the physical nature of the work or lack of long-term interest. So, employers turn to skilled and unskilled workers from overseas who are ready to step in.
In 2025, several Australian cleaning companies and contractors have been approved to sponsor foreign workers under various visa categories. That means if you qualify, they can legally help you move to Australia and start working.
What Do Cleaning Jobs Involve?
Cleaning jobs vary depending on where you work, but the basics are the same: keeping places clean, safe, and presentable.
Common duties include:
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Dusting and wiping surfaces
- Vacuuming carpets
- Cleaning bathrooms and kitchens
- Emptying bins and replacing liners
- Sanitising high-touch areas (important in hospitals and offices)
- Refilling supplies (like soap, paper towels, etc.)
Some roles may also involve laundry work, window cleaning, or outdoor sweeping.
You don’t need to be highly educated to do these jobs — but you do need a strong work ethic, physical stamina, and attention to detail.
Who Can Apply?
These jobs are open to people from many countries, especially those with a history of working abroad or doing physical/labor roles.
To apply for cleaning jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship in 2025, you’ll generally need:
- To be 18 years or older
- A valid passport
- Basic English skills (speaking and understanding instructions)
- A clean background check
- Physically fit for long hours of standing and lifting
- Willingness to work flexible shifts (early mornings, late nights, weekends)
You don’t need a diploma or advanced education. Some employers may ask for previous cleaning experience, but many provide on-the-job training once you arrive.
Visa Sponsorship – How It Works
Visa sponsorship means an Australian employer invites and supports you to work for them legally. They handle the paperwork and submit your name to immigration.
The most common visa types for cleaning jobs include:
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) – for semi-skilled roles like hospital cleaning or aged care cleaning
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) – for workers willing to live in regional areas
- Working Holiday Visa – for young applicants (18–35) from eligible countries who want to work while traveling
- Student Visas (with work rights) – for those already studying in Australia but looking for cleaning work
Note: Not all cleaning companies can sponsor workers. So always check if the employer is a registered sponsor.
Salary and Work Conditions in 2025
The average cleaner in Australia earns around $29.27 per hour in 2025, with variations depending on your role, experience, and location.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Hourly wage: $28.50 – $32.00 (depending on location and type of work)
- Weekly earnings: $1,000 to $1,300 (for full-time workers)
- Overtime pay: Available for nights, weekends, or public holidays
- Part-time and casual roles: Often pay slightly more per hour but offer fewer hours
Some employers also provide:
- Free uniforms and safety gear
- Paid sick leave and annual leave (for full-time workers)
- Overtime bonuses
- Assistance with accommodation (especially in regional areas)
Where Are the Jobs Located?
Cleaning jobs are available across Australia, but visa sponsorship roles are more common in:
- Sydney – hotels, airports, corporate offices
- Melbourne – hospitals, commercial properties
- Brisbane – aged care and residential areas
- Perth & Adelaide – schools, public transport cleaning
- Regional towns – high demand with fewer local applicants
If you’re open to working in remote or rural areas, your chances of getting hired increase. These places often offer better support for visa applicants and even help with housing.
How to Apply for Cleaning Jobs in Australia (2025)
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare Your Documents
Have these ready:
- Valid passport
- Updated CV/resume (in English)
- Reference letters from past jobs (if any)
- Any training or certificate (not required, but helpful)
- Police clearance or background check
- Basic English language certificate (optional)
2. Search for Jobs on Reliable Platforms
Use trusted websites such as:
- SEEK Australia
- Indeed Australia
- Workforce Australia
- Jobactive
- Gumtree Jobs (for local and casual roles)
Search keywords like:
- “Visa sponsorship cleaning jobs 2025”
- “Hotel cleaner jobs Australia for foreigners”
- “Commercial cleaning companies hiring with sponsorship”
3. Apply Directly or Through Agencies
If you find an employer that offers visa sponsorship, apply directly through their site or use a recruitment agency that works with Australian clients.
Be wary of scams. Never pay money upfront to “secure a visa”. Legitimate employers and agents are registered and follow Australian laws.
4. Attend Interviews (Online)
Most interviews happen over Zoom or WhatsApp. Be polite, speak clearly, and ask questions if you’re unsure about work hours, accommodation, or location.
A Day in the Life of a Cleaner in Australia
You start early — maybe 5:30 or 6:00 AM. Grab a uniform, check your cleaning cart, and begin your assigned tasks.
If you’re in a hotel, you clean guest rooms. In an office, you sanitize desks and empty bins. At the end of the shift, you report back to your supervisor, sign out, and head home.
It’s simple, honest work. You might be tired at the end of the day, but it pays well, and you’ll be living in a country where the minimum wage actually supports a decent lifestyle.
And over time? Many workers switch into supervisor roles, move into aged care or hospitality, or even apply for permanent residency.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning jobs in Australia in 2025 are more than just mop-and-bucket roles. They’re a real opportunity for foreigners to earn, save, and live in one of the world’s safest and most stable countries.
With a starting pay of $29.27 per hour and growing demand across the country, this might be the moment to take the leap.
So, if you’re hardworking, reliable, and ready for something new — start applying online now.
Australia is hiring. And you might be next.