Office Cleaning Jobs That Pay $30–$40 Per Hour: What You Need to Know
Think cleaning jobs are always minimum wage? Think again. A growing number of office cleaning positions now pay $30–$40 per hour — especially in commercial buildings, night-shift contracts, and specialized environments.
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a stable full-time gig, the office cleaning industry is evolving fast — and it offers real earning potential with low barriers to entry.
Why Office Cleaning Jobs Are Paying More
- Post-pandemic hygiene standards: Offices require more frequent, detailed cleaning than before.
- Labor shortages: Fewer applicants are available for early morning or late-night shifts.
- Shift to independent contractors: Many companies now pay higher hourly rates instead of offering benefits.
- Specialized demand: Financial firms, tech companies, and medical offices often pay a premium for reliable, discreet cleaners.
The result? More companies are offering top dollar to attract and retain high-quality cleaners who show up consistently and do thorough work.
Who’s Hiring at These Rates?
Not every cleaning job offers this pay — but here’s where to look:
- Corporate offices in major cities
- Private cleaning contractors who subcontract to other businesses
- Law firms, medical clinics, and financial institutions with privacy requirements
- Gig platforms like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, and Angi Services where clients hire directly
Pay tends to rise with experience, reliability, and availability for non-standard hours (like 6am–9am or 8pm–12am).
Pay Breakdown by Type of Office Cleaning
| Type of Cleaning Job | Average Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Office Cleaning (Employed) | $18–$25 | W-2 employees with fixed shifts |
| Freelance Office Cleaner (Contract) | $25–$35 | Self-scheduled, often paid per job |
| Night-Shift or Emergency Cleaning | $30–$40 | High-paying due to urgency or off-hours |
| Specialized Offices (Medical, Legal) | $35–$45 | Requires discretion, reliability, and thoroughness |
What Makes a Cleaner Worth $40/Hour?
To earn on the higher end of the pay range, cleaners need to go beyond the basics:
- Consistency: Showing up on time and doing a complete job — every time
- Discretion: Cleaning after-hours in sensitive environments (offices, clinics, law firms)
- Efficiency: Knowing how to clean quickly without sacrificing quality
- Reliability: Not calling out last-minute or missing scheduled jobs
If you can do these things and communicate well with clients, you’ll stand out — and command higher rates.
How Office Cleaning Compares to Other Gig Work
| Job Type | Pay Range | Schedule Flexibility | Client Interaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office Cleaning | $25–$40/hr | High (especially nights/weekends) | Low |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | $18–$30/hr | High | High |
| Food Delivery | $10–$25/hr | Very High | Medium |
| Handyman Work | $25–$50/hr | Medium | High |
Takeaway: Office cleaning offers a great balance of high pay and low client interaction — especially if you prefer solo work in quiet environments.
Pros and Cons of High-Paying Office Cleaning Jobs
Pros:
- Low barrier to entry — no degree or certification required
- Flexible hours (especially evenings and weekends)
- High earning potential with few expenses
- Stable demand — offices always need cleaning
Cons:
- Physically demanding — involves lifting, walking, and repetitive motions
- Some jobs require travel between multiple locations
- Night shifts can be tough on your sleep schedule
- Independent contractors must handle taxes and insurance
Where to Find These Jobs
- Job boards: Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Craigslist (search “commercial cleaner” or “office janitor”)
- Local franchises: Jani-King, JAN-PRO, Coverall
- Gig platforms: Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, Handy
- Direct outreach: Contact small offices in your area and offer evening/weekend cleaning
What You’ll Need to Get Started
- Basic cleaning supplies: Gloves, mop, microfiber cloths, sprays
- Reliable transportation: Especially for multi-site jobs
- Smartphone: For communication and gig platform apps
- Professional mindset: Dress neatly, communicate clearly, and be dependable
FAQs
Do I need a license or certification?
No license is typically required unless you plan to start your own cleaning business. Franchises or hospitals may offer on-the-job training.
How many hours can I expect per week?
It varies. Part-time evening jobs can range from 10–25 hours/week. Full-time roles or multiple contracts can go up to 40+ hours.
What’s the difference between residential and office cleaning?
Office cleaning is usually done after business hours and is more task-based. Residential cleaning often involves deeper, more personalized cleaning — and can involve more interaction with clients.
Final Thoughts: A Profitable, Overlooked Opportunity
If you’re looking for work that pays well, has low entry barriers, and doesn’t involve heavy client interaction, office cleaning can be a smart choice. It’s flexible, in demand, and underappreciated.
With reliability, professionalism, and a bit of hustle, you can land gigs that pay $30–$40 per hour — and build a steady income doing solo work on your own terms.