20 Year Old Cleaner Pay Rate 2026-27
$24.37/hr permanent, $30.46/hr casual — the Cleaning Award junior rate for a 20 year old cleaner, with weekly pay, penalty rates and the rise on your next birthday.
Last verified: 3 September 2026A 20 year old cleaner earns $24.37/hr minimum ($30.46/hr casual)
90% 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
90% 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 | 70% | $18.95 | $23.69 | $720.23 |
| 19 | 80% | $21.66 | $27.08 | $823.12 |
| 20(you) | 90% | $24.37 | $30.46 | $926.01 |
| 21+ (adult rate) | 100% | $27.08 | $33.85 | $1,028.90 |
Source: Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database (junior rate rows, current from 1 July 2026), operative from 1 July 2026; read 2026-09-03. Where an award publishes junior rates weekly, hourly = weekly ÷ 38. Casual = hourly × 1.25 (25% casual loading). Higher classification levels use the same percentages on a higher adult rate.
Penalty rates at age 20
| When | Multiplier | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (ordinary hours) | 1x | $24.37 |
| Saturday | 1.5x | $36.56 |
| Sunday | 2x | $48.74 |
| Public holiday | 2.5x | $60.93 |
| Evening (after 7pm) | 1.15x | $28.03 |
When I turn 21
When you turn 21, your minimum cleaner rate becomes the full adult rate of $27.08/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 | $243.70 | $304.60 |
| 15 hours | $365.55 | $456.90 |
| 20 hours | $487.40 | $609.20 |
| 25 hours | $609.25 | $761.50 |
| 30 hours | $731.10 | $913.80 |
| 38 hours | $926.06 | $1,157.48 |
Related resources
Cleaner rate by age
Frequently asked questions
How much should a 20 year old cleaner get paid?
A 20 year old cleaner should earn at least $24.37/hr ($30.46/hr casual). That is 90% 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 a 20 year old cleaner?
The casual rate for a 20 year old cleaner is $30.46/hr — the junior base rate of $24.37/hr plus the 25% casual loading.
When will a 20 year old cleaner's pay go up?
When you turn 21, you move to the full adult rate of $27.08/hr under the Cleaning Services Award 2020 — a $2.71/hr increase. Your employer must apply it from your birthday.
Do 20 year old cleaners get penalty rates?
Yes. 20 year old cleaners receive penalty rates on their junior base rate. Saturdays: $36.56/hr (1.5x). Sundays: $48.74/hr (2x). Public holidays: $60.93/hr (2.5x).
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.