Cleaner Pay Rate NT 2026-27
Cleaners in Northern Territory earn at least $27.08/hr (Level 1), $33.85/hr casual — about $1,029 a week full-time — under the Cleaning Services Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026, junior rates by age below.
Last verified: 19 July 2026Cleaner — Minimum Pay Rate (NT)
Cleaning Services Award 2020 (MA000022)
$27.08
Base rate/hr
$33.85
Casual rate/hr
Cleaners perform cleaning duties in offices, commercial premises, schools, hospitals, and residential properties.
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Northern Territory Note
Northern Territory workers may receive remote area allowances and have specific public holidays including Show Day.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Cleaner
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $27.08/hr | $1,029.04 | $53,510.08 |
| Part-time (adult) | $27.08/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $33.85/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Cleaning Services Award 2020.
Junior Rates by Age — Cleaner
Junior rates apply to employees under 21. Under 16: 45% of the adult rate. 16 years: 50%. 17 years: 60%. 18 years: 70%. 19 years: 80%. 20 years: 90%.
| Age | % of adult | Hourly | Casual/hr | Weekly (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | 45% | $12.18/hr | $15.23/hr | $463.01 |
| 16 | 50% | $13.54/hr | $16.93/hr | $514.45 |
| 17 | 60% | $16.25/hr | $20.31/hr | $617.34 |
| 18 | 70% | $18.95/hr | $23.69/hr | $720.23 |
| 19 | 80% | $21.66/hr | $27.08/hr | $823.12 |
| 20 | 90% | $24.37/hr | $30.46/hr | $926.01 |
| 21+ (adult) | 100% | $27.08/hr | $33.85/hr | $1,028.90 |
Cleaning Services Employee Level 1. Source: Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database (junior rate rows, current from 1 July 2026), operative from 1 July 2026. Casual = hourly × 1.25.
Penalty Rates — Cleaner
Saturday
$40.62/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$54.16/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$67.70/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($27.08/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Cleaning Services Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Cleaning employee (general) | $27.08 | $33.85 | $53,510.08 |
| Level 2 | Experienced cleaner | $27.97 | $34.96 | $55,268.72 |
| Level 3 | Specialist cleaner | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Cleaner?
The cleaning industry is a high-risk sector for sham contracting, where employees are misclassified as independent contractors to avoid paying entitlements. If you work set hours and use the employer's equipment, you may be an employee entitled to award rates.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cleaner get paid per hour in Northern Territory?
The minimum hourly rate for a cleaner in Northern Territory is $27.08/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $33.85/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Cleaning Services Award 2020 (MA000022), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a cleaner?
The minimum wage for a cleaner is $27.08 per hour ($1,029.04 per week for a 38-hour week, or $53,510.08 per year). This is set by the Cleaning Services Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers cleaners?
Cleaners are covered by the Cleaning Services Award 2020 (MA000022). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do cleaners get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Cleaning Services Award 2020, cleaners receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($40.62/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($54.16/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($67.70/hr).
What is the casual rate for a cleaner?
The casual rate for a cleaner is $33.85/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $27.08/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old cleaner get paid?
A 17 year old cleaner gets at least $16.25/hr (60% of the adult Cleaning Services Employee Level 1 rate), or $20.31/hr casual, under the Cleaning Services Award 2020 from 1 July 2026. Junior rates apply to employees under 21. Under 16: 45% of the adult rate. 16 years: 50%. 17 years: 60%. 18 years: 70%. 19 years: 80%. 20 years: 90%.
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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.
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