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Cleaner jobs in South Africa cover a wide range of sectors, employers, and environments from entry-level domestic and commercial cleaning to specialist healthcare, mining, and industrial cleaning roles. Pay rates are determined by a combination of the statutory Cleaning, Hygiene and Pest Control sectoral determination, collective bargaining agreements, employer type, sector, location, and years of experience.
This guide provides an overview of how much cleaner jobs pay in South Africa, covering salary ranges by sector, employer, and experience level, the legal minimum wage for cleaners, allowances and benefits, and how to find the highest-paying cleaning jobs.
Legal Minimum Wage for Cleaners in South Africa
Cleaner salaries in South Africa are governed by the Cleaning, Hygiene and Pest Control Sectoral Determination issued under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) by the Department of Employment and Labour. As of 2026:
| Area Type | Minimum Hourly Rate | Minimum Monthly Rate (160 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan and urban areas (Area A) | ZAR 28.00–32.00 per hour | ZAR 4,480–5,120 per month |
| Smaller towns and peri-urban areas (Area B) | ZAR 25.00–29.00 per hour | ZAR 4,000–4,640 per month |
| Rural areas (Area C) | ZAR 23.00–27.00 per hour | ZAR 3,680–4,320 per month |
Note: The National Minimum Wage (NMW) sets an absolute floor across all sectors. Employers in the cleaning sector may not pay below the NMW or the applicable sectoral determination rate, whichever is higher. Always verify the current rates at www.labour.gov.za.
Cleaner Salary Ranges by Sector (2026)
Domestic and Household Cleaning
- Entry-level domestic cleaner – ZAR 3,500–5,000 per month
- Experienced domestic cleaner or housekeeper – ZAR 5,000–8,000 per month
- Domestic worker wages are governed by the Domestic Worker Sectoral Determination, which sets separate minimum rates for part-time and full-time household employees.
Commercial and Office Cleaning
- Entry-level commercial or office cleaner – ZAR 4,500–6,000 per month
- Experienced commercial or office cleaner – ZAR 6,000–8,500 per month
- Commercial cleaning team leader – ZAR 9,000–13,000 per month
- Commercial cleaning supervisor – ZAR 13,000–18,000 per month
Retail and Shopping Centre Cleaning
- Entry-level retail cleaner – ZAR 4,500–6,500 per month
- Experienced retail cleaner – ZAR 6,500–9,000 per month
- Retail cleaning supervisor – ZAR 13,000–17,500 per month
Healthcare and Hospital Cleaning
- Entry-level hospital or clinic cleaner – ZAR 5,500–7,000 per month
- Experienced hospital cleaner – ZAR 7,000–9,500 per month
- Theatre and ICU support cleaner – ZAR 7,500–10,500 per month
- Healthcare cleaning supervisor – ZAR 14,000–19,000 per month
- Healthcare cleaning commands a premium above commercial rates due to infection-control requirements, clinical hygiene protocols, and the regulated environments in which cleaners operate.
Government and Public Sector Cleaning
- Entry-level government cleaner (Salary Level 2) – ZAR 4,500–6,000 per month
- Experienced government cleaner (Salary Level 3) – ZAR 6,000–8,000 per month
- Government cleaning supervisor – ZAR 12,000–16,500 per month
- Government cleaning roles offer additional non-cash benefits including GEPF pension, GEMS medical aid, and housing allowances that meaningfully supplement base salary.
Industrial and Warehouse Cleaning
- Entry-level industrial or warehouse cleaner – ZAR 4,500–6,500 per month
- Experienced industrial cleaner – ZAR 6,500–9,500 per month
- Industrial cleaning supervisor – ZAR 13,000–17,000 per month
Mining and Remote Site Cleaning
- Entry-level mining or remote site cleaner – ZAR 6,000–8,000 per month
- Experienced mining or remote site cleaner – ZAR 8,000–11,000 per month
- Mining site cleaning supervisor – ZAR 14,000–19,500 per month
- Mining and remote site cleaning roles attract the highest base rates in the sector due to site allowances, live-in accommodation and meals benefits, and the remote and physically demanding nature of the work environment.
Specialised and Deep Cleaning
- Specialised cleaning technician (carpet, hard floor, high-level) – ZAR 6,500–10,000 per month
- Rope access and high-level cleaning specialist – ZAR 9,000–14,000 per month
- Deep cleaning team leader – ZAR 11,000–15,000 per month
Where to Find the Highest-Paying Cleaner Jobs in South Africa
Search and apply for cleaning jobs across all sectors and employers on:
- www.za.jobservicehub.com — search “cleaner jobs South Africa” for the latest vacancies across all sectors
- www.pnet.co.za — search “cleaner” or “cleaning jobs South Africa”