Cleaner

A Cleaner performs various cleaning tasks for clients in a range of settings. You might work in private homes, for commercial offices or in other settings such as schools or hospitals. Cleaners may specialise in a particular type of cleaning such as exterior cleans or carpet cleaning or you may provide more generalised services including vacuuming or mopping floors, wiping down surface areas and disposing of rubbish.

Cleaners should be able to manage their time and work to a cleaning schedule. You may have to prioritise your tasks and work well in a team environment. Cleaners should have excellent attention to detail and a strong focus on customer service. Depending on your role, you may have to work irregular hours including nights and weekends.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $52,000
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a cleaner?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
CPP30321

Certificate III in Cleaning Operations
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 months
$2,880 - $4,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cleaner Commercial Cleaner Housekeeper
Street Cleaner Laundry Worker
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cleaner Commercial Cleaner Housekeeper Street Cleaner Laundry Worker + 2 more
HLTWHS005

Conduct Manual Tasks Safely
On Campus
5 hours
$125
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cleaner Furniture Removalist Landscaper
Gardener Construction Labourer
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cleaner Furniture Removalist Landscaper Gardener Construction Labourer + 2 more
FSK20119

Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
4 - 18 months
$0 - $4,848
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Retail Assistant Warehouse Assistant General Labourer
Office Assistant Cleaner
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Retail Assistant Warehouse Assistant General Labourer Office Assistant Cleaner + 2 more
FSK10219

Certificate I in Skills for Vocational Pathways
Blended, On Campus, Online
2 - 12 months
$0 - $4,040
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Retail Assistant Cleaner Warehouse Assistant
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Retail Assistant Cleaner Warehouse Assistant
22476VIC

Certificate I in General Education for Adults (Introductory)
Blended, On Campus
4 - 12 months
$0 - $4,720
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cleaner Housekeeper Factory Worker
Process Worker Warehouse Assistant Pick Packer Groundsperson General Labourer Retail Assistant
+ 6 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cleaner Housekeeper Factory Worker Process Worker Warehouse Assistant Pick Packer Groundsperson General Labourer Retail Assistant + 6 more
22473VIC

Certificate II in General Education for Adults
Blended, On Campus, Online
4 - 24 months
$0 - $5,470
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Retail Assistant Cleaner Catering Assistant
Housekeeper Warehouse Assistant General Hand General Labourer Groundsperson Factory Worker
+ 6 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Retail Assistant Cleaner Catering Assistant Housekeeper Warehouse Assistant General Hand General Labourer Groundsperson Factory Worker + 6 more
11139NAT

Certificate I in Skills for Education and Training Pathways
On Campus
12 months
$4,745
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cleaner Housekeeper Retail Assistant
Catering Assistant Warehouse Assistant Process Worker Groundsperson Garden Labourer
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cleaner Housekeeper Retail Assistant Catering Assistant Warehouse Assistant Process Worker Groundsperson Garden Labourer + 5 more
52875WA

Certificate I in Gaining Access to Training and Employment (GATE)
Blended, On Campus
6 - 12 months
$0 - $333
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cleaner Housekeeper Factory Worker
Process Worker Warehouse Assistant Retail Assistant Groundsperson
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cleaner Housekeeper Factory Worker Process Worker Warehouse Assistant Retail Assistant Groundsperson + 4 more
22472VIC

Certificate I in General Education for Adults
Blended, On Campus, Online
4 - 24 months
$0 - $4,848
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cleaner Housekeeper Factory Worker
Process Worker Warehouse Assistant Groundsperson Retail Assistant
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cleaner Housekeeper Factory Worker Process Worker Warehouse Assistant Groundsperson Retail Assistant + 4 more
SIT10222

Certificate I in Hospitality
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 12 months
$0 - $1,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Catering Assistant Kitchen Attendant Cafe Attendant
Food Services Assistant Housekeeper Cleaner
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Catering Assistant Kitchen Attendant Cafe Attendant Food Services Assistant Housekeeper Cleaner + 3 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Housekeeper

A Housekeeper is responsible for cleaning and maintaining guest rooms in hotels, ensuring high standards of service and attention to detail.

Avg yearly income $65,000
Skill level Beginner

Commercial Cleaner

A Commercial Cleaner provides various cleaning services for businesses and homes, requiring strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

Executive Housekeeper

An Executive Housekeeper supervises housekeeping services, managing staff, schedules, and training while ensuring high standards of customer service.

Avg yearly income $85,020
Skill level Beginner

Cleaning Supervisor

A Cleaning Supervisor manages a cleaning team, ensures standards are met, schedules jobs, and prioritises customer service while solving issues.

Avg yearly income $67,600
Skill level Advanced

Laundry Worker

A Laundry Worker sorts, washes, and finishes laundry for clients, handling stains and repairs while ensuring excellent customer service and teamwork.

Avg yearly income $52,000
Skill level Beginner

Dry Cleaner

A Dry Cleaner uses specialised techniques to clean garments and fabric products, ensuring attention to detail and strong customer service skills.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

Common questions

How much does a Cleaner earn?

In Australia, a full time Cleaner generally earns $1,000 per week ($52,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for a Cleaner?

There has been a moderate increase in employment numbers in this industry in recent years. There are currently 156,700 people working as a Cleaner in Australia, compared to 149,200 five years ago. Cleaners may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Cleaner?

If you’d like to work as a Cleaner, consider enrolling in a Certificate II in Cleaning. You’ll learn to clean carpets, hard floors, furniture and glass surfaces. This course explores topics including chemical safety, maintaining stores and using cleaning equipment. A Certificate III in Cleaning Operations or a Certificate III in Health Support Services may also be appropriate.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

What can you do with a Certificate III in Cleaning Operations?

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10th November 2023

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2nd December 2021

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