Factors Driving Higher Pay in 2026
Several developments influence the change:
- The National Minimum Wage increases again in March 2026, lifting the baseline for all sectors.
- The Contract Cleaning Sectoral Determination updates deliver higher minimum rates for general cleaners, supervisors, and specialised roles.
- Ongoing staffing shortages in hospitals, clinics, schools, malls, and municipal services force employers to offer competitive wages to fill vacancies.
- Overtime and weekend/public holiday rates stay generous, often at 1.5× or 2× the base hourly rate.
Average hourly pay for cleaners in 2026 typically falls between R27 and R42, depending on role, location, shift type, and employer. Full-time monthly earnings commonly range from R5,500 to R11,000 before overtime, with many cleaners reaching R9,000–R15,000 when night shifts, weekends, and public holidays are included.
Common Cleaning Roles and Pay Ranges in 2026
Different positions offer varying schedules and compensation:
- Domestic / House Cleaning
Private home cleaning, deep cleaning, laundry assistance, and general household maintenance. Day shifts (usually 07:00–15:00 or flexible hours) suit many who prefer regular routines. Pay often ranges from R28 to R38 per hour in urban areas, with weekly or monthly contracts common. - Office and Commercial Cleaning
Night or early-morning shifts in office blocks, banks, corporate parks, and government buildings. Vacuuming, dusting, sanitising, floor care, and waste removal. Rates typically R28–R40 per hour, with higher pay for night work. - Hospital and Clinic Cleaning
High-hygiene areas, wards, theatres, waiting rooms, and public zones in public and private healthcare facilities. Strict protocols and PPE required. Pay frequently R32–R45 per hour due to infection control demands and shift premiums. - Retail and Shopping Centre Cleaning
Floor care, window cleaning, food court sanitation, and public area maintenance in malls and retail parks. Early-morning or late-night shifts common. Rates usually R28–R42 per hour, with overtime during peak trading periods. - Municipal and Public Facility Cleaning
Street sweeping, public toilets, parks, bus stations, Rea Vaya bus routes, and municipal buildings in cities like Tshwane, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Nelson Mandela Bay. Day or split shifts, often through EPWP or contracted companies. Pay typically R27–R38 per hour.
Many roles require no prior experience, with on-site training provided. Basic literacy, reliability, and a clean criminal record are usually the main requirements.
Where Opportunities Concentrate in 2026
Job postings appear most often in:
- Gauteng (Johannesburg, Tshwane/Pretoria, Ekurhuleni) – malls, offices, hospitals, government buildings, and residential estates
- Western Cape (Cape Town, Stellenbosch, George) – tourist sites, hotels, hospitals, and office complexes
- KwaZulu-Natal (Durban, Pietermaritzburg) – ports, malls, clinics, and municipal services
- Eastern Cape (Gqeberha, East London) – hospitals, schools, and public facilities
- Free State and North West – mining support, retail centres, and municipal contracts
Smaller towns and rural areas also see demand at local clinics, schools, retirement homes, agricultural packhouses, and municipal cleaning contracts.
Getting Started in Cleaning Work
The entry path stays relatively straightforward:
- Prepare a short CV highlighting reliability, any prior cleaning, domestic, or physical work experience
- Search local listings using phrases like cleaning jobs near me or house cleaning jobs near me
- Apply through company websites, job boards, local Facebook groups, or WhatsApp numbers listed in ads
- Attend interviews that usually focus on availability, punctuality, and willingness to follow instructions
- Complete basic checks (ID, criminal clearance, health questionnaire) required by most employers
Many employers hire year-round and train new cleaners on-site. Day shifts and part-time options exist in residential homes, schools, and office buildings.
Practical Advantages of Cleaning Roles
These positions deliver:
- Structured shifts with clear start and end times
- Overtime opportunities during peak periods or special cleaning projects
- Clear progression to supervisor, quality controller, or specialised cleaning roles
- Contribution to safer, cleaner public and private spaces
- Steady employment with less seasonal fluctuation than some fields
In towns and cities nationwide, cleaning work supports local hygiene and provides dependable jobs for people seeking hands-on roles with predictable pay.
Looking Ahead in 2026
February 2026 brings stronger earnings in many cleaning positions across South Africa. Demand remains consistent in healthcare, retail, hospitality, municipal services, residential estates, and office cleaning.
Checking local job postings, company pages, community Facebook groups, and WhatsApp job channels reveals current openings. For those looking for reliable work with solid pay, cleaning roles offer practical pathways in familiar areas.