18 Year Old Cleaner Pay Rate 2026-27
$18.95/hr permanent, $23.69/hr casual — the Cleaning Award junior rate for an 18 year old cleaner, with weekly pay, penalty rates and the rise on your next birthday.
An 18 year old cleaner earns $18.95/hr minimum ($23.69/hr casual)
70% of the adult Cleaning Services Employee Level 1 rate of $27.08/hr under the Cleaning Services Award 2020 (MA000022), from 1 July 2026.
Award & classification
Cleaning Services Award 2020
MA000022
Cleaning Services Employee Level 1
70% of the adult rate
Cleaner pay rates by age — Cleaning Award
| Age | % of adult | Hourly rate | Casual rate | Per week (38 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | 45% | $12.18 | $15.23 | $463.01 |
| 16 | 50% | $13.54 | $16.93 | $514.45 |
| 17 | 60% | $16.25 | $20.31 | $617.34 |
| 18(you) | 70% | $18.95 | $23.69 | $720.23 |
| 19 | 80% | $21.66 | $27.08 | $823.12 |
| 20 | 90% | $24.37 | $30.46 | $926.01 |
| 21+ (adult rate) | 100% | $27.08 | $33.85 | $1,028.90 |
Penalty rates at age 18
| When | Multiplier | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (ordinary hours) | 1x | $18.95 |
| Saturday | 1.5x | $28.42 |
| Sunday | 2x | $37.90 |
| Public holiday | 2.5x | $47.38 |
| Evening (after 7pm) | 1.15x | $21.79 |
When I turn 19
When you turn 19, your minimum cleaner rate increases to $21.66/hr — that's a +$2.71/hr increase.
Your employer is legally required to increase your pay from your birthday. If they fail to do so, you can lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Weekly earnings examples
| Hours/week | Base pay | Casual pay |
|---|---|---|
| 10 hours | $189.50 | $236.90 |
| 15 hours | $284.25 | $355.35 |
| 20 hours | $379.00 | $473.80 |
| 25 hours | $473.75 | $592.25 |
| 30 hours | $568.50 | $710.70 |
| 38 hours | $720.10 | $900.22 |
Related resources
Cleaner rate by age
Frequently asked questions
How much should an 18 year old cleaner get paid?
A 18 year old cleaner should earn at least $18.95/hr ($23.69/hr casual). That is 70% of the adult Cleaning Services Employee Level 1 rate of $27.08/hr under the Cleaning Services Award 2020, from 1 July 2026.
What is the casual rate for an 18 year old cleaner?
The casual rate for an 18 year old cleaner is $23.69/hr — the junior base rate of $18.95/hr plus the 25% casual loading.
When will an 18 year old cleaner's pay go up?
When you turn 19, your minimum rate rises to $21.66/hr — a $2.71/hr increase. Your employer is legally required to increase your pay from your birthday.
Do 18 year old cleaners get penalty rates?
Yes. 18 year old cleaners receive penalty rates on their junior base rate. Saturdays: $28.42/hr (1.5x). Sundays: $37.90/hr (2x). Public holidays: $47.38/hr (2.5x).
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