Australia remains one of the most attractive destinations for skilled and unskilled workers worldwide. With its stable economy, high living standards, and open immigration system, the country offers thousands of job opportunities to foreign workers — including cleaning and maintenance roles that come with visa sponsorship.
If you are looking to work in Australia as a cleaner, this guide will help you understand the available opportunities, salary expectations, visa options, and how to apply successfully for cleaning jobs with visa sponsorship in 2025.
🌏 Why Cleaning Jobs Are in High Demand in Australia
The demand for cleaning services in Australia is driven by the growth of commercial and residential buildings, hospitals, schools, and aged-care facilities. Many Australian employers are facing labor shortages, especially in essential service roles like cleaning, housekeeping, and janitorial work.
Key reasons for the demand:
- Increasing population and urbanization
- Strict hygiene and sanitation standards (especially after COVID-19)
- Expanding hospitality and tourism industry
- Shortage of local labor in rural and regional areas
Because of these factors, many Australian employers are willing to sponsor foreign workers who are reliable, experienced, and eligible for work visas.
🧽 Types of Cleaning Jobs Available in Australia
Cleaning jobs vary across industries, each requiring specific skills and offering different pay scales. Here are some popular roles you can apply for:
| Cleaning Job Type | Typical Workplaces | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Cleaner | Homes, apartments | $45,000 – $55,000 |
| Commercial Cleaner | Offices, malls, schools | $48,000 – $60,000 |
| Industrial Cleaner | Factories, warehouses | $50,000 – $65,000 |
| Hotel Housekeeper | Hotels, resorts | $46,000 – $58,000 |
| Hospital Cleaner | Healthcare facilities | $50,000 – $65,000 |
| Aged Care Cleaner | Nursing homes, care centers | $48,000 – $62,000 |
💡 Pro tip: Many employers offer free accommodation or transport benefits for foreign cleaning staff, especially in regional areas.
💼 Visa Sponsorship Options for Cleaning Jobs in Australia
If you’re not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you’ll need a work visa to get employed. Luckily, many cleaning employers are willing to sponsor eligible foreigners.
1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
- The most common visa for cleaning and hospitality roles.
- Employer must be an approved sponsor.
- Allows you to work in Australia for up to 4 years.
- You can include family members in your application.
2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
- Designed for regional employers struggling to find local workers.
- Offers a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
- Ideal for cleaners willing to work in regional towns.
3. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462)
- For applicants aged 18–35 from eligible countries.
- Allows you to work and travel for up to 12 months (extendable).
- Great option for short-term or entry-level cleaning jobs.
4. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- For workers who have proven themselves under a 482 or 494 visa.
- Leads directly to permanent residency.
📋 Requirements for Cleaning Jobs in Australia
Most cleaning jobs in Australia do not require a university degree. However, employers look for the following qualifications and skills:
General Requirements:
- High school education or equivalent
- Basic English communication skills
- Valid passport
- Clean police record
- Ability to meet physical demands of the job
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certificate II or III in Cleaning Operations (optional but useful)
- Previous cleaning experience
- Knowledge of cleaning equipment and chemicals
- Attention to detail and time management
Health & Safety:
Cleaners must adhere to Australia’s strict Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, including using personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper waste disposal methods.
🏢 Top Australian Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship for Cleaning Jobs
Many reputable organizations and agencies actively recruit foreign cleaners. Some of them include:
- ISS Facility Services – One of the largest facility management companies in Australia offering cleaning, security, and maintenance jobs with visa sponsorship.
- Spotless Group – Provides cleaning services for hospitals, schools, and government offices.
- Compass Group Australia – Known for employing foreign workers in hospitality and maintenance roles.
- Sodexo Australia – Offers cleaning and catering jobs across mining sites and industrial sectors.
- Serco Australia – Recruits staff for healthcare and public service facilities.
🌐 Where to Find Cleaning Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Here are the best job portals to search for cleaning opportunities in Australia:
- Seek.com.au
- Indeed Australia
- JobSearch.gov.au
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Jora.com.au
- Cleaning Jobs Australia Facebook Groups
When applying, use keywords like:
“Cleaning jobs with visa sponsorship Australia”
“Housekeeping jobs Australia 482 visa”
“Regional cleaner jobs Australia PR pathway”
💰 Average Salary for Cleaners in Australia
The average hourly pay for cleaners in Australia ranges from AUD $23 to $32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Example:
- Entry-Level Cleaner: $22/hour (~$45,000/year)
- Experienced Cleaner: $28/hour (~$55,000/year)
- Supervisor/Team Leader: $32/hour (~$65,000/year)
Foreign workers sponsored under employer visas often receive extra benefits, including:
- Paid holidays and sick leave
- Overtime pay
- Health insurance contributions
- Free uniforms and training
✈️ How to Apply for Cleaning Jobs in Australia (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- Updated Resume (in Australian format)
- Cover Letter
- Certificates or training records
- Valid Passport and recent photo
- References from previous employers
Step 2: Search for Employers Offering Sponsorship
Target companies that mention “visa sponsorship” in their job postings. Avoid agencies that request payment — legitimate sponsors never charge recruitment fees.
Step 3: Apply Online
Submit applications directly through job portals or company career pages. Include a professional email and contact details.
Step 4: Attend Interviews
Interviews may be conducted via Zoom or phone. Demonstrate your reliability, work ethic, and readiness to relocate.
Step 5: Visa Application
Once you receive a job offer and sponsorship nomination, proceed with your visa application on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
🏠 Benefits of Working as a Cleaner in Australia
- Competitive wages and benefits
- Visa sponsorship leading to permanent residency
- Work-life balance with flexible schedules
- Access to world-class healthcare and safety standards
- Opportunity to bring dependents (on most visa types)
- Pathway to build a long-term career in facility management
⚠️ Important Tips Before You Apply
- Always verify your employer’s registration as an approved sponsor on the official Australian Government list.
- Avoid recruitment scams or fake visa offers.
- Apply early — visa processing can take 4–8 weeks.
- Keep copies of all correspondence and official documents.
Cleaning jobs in Australia offer stable employment, competitive pay, and visa sponsorship opportunities for foreigners seeking a better life abroad. Whether you are from Asia, Africa, or Europe, employers across Australia are searching for reliable workers to fill this growing labor gap.
If you have the right attitude and are ready to relocate, 2025 could be the perfect time to begin your cleaning career in Australia.