Cleaning jobs in South Africa that pay more than you’d think

The cleaning and general services sector plays a vital role in the smooth running of hospitals, companies, gyms, industries, and public spaces. Even though these jobs are often overlooked, they are essential for ensuring quality of life, hygiene, and overall workplace safety.

These roles provide stability, consistent job opportunities, and accessibility for people with different levels of education. They also reward practical skills, responsibility, and commitment, while offering growth potential in companies that invest in training and recognise the importance of these professionals.

1. Cleaner – Healthcare (Tsebo Group, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal)

Working as a cleaner in a healthcare environment requires strict compliance with hygiene and infection control protocols. At Tsebo Group, cleaners play a direct role in the wellbeing of patients and medical staff, ensuring clean, disinfected, and safe spaces in clinics and hospitals.

Responsibilities include cleaning consultation rooms, restrooms, and common areas, while correctly handling medical waste. The role demands attention to detail, physical stamina, and a strong sense of responsibility. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution in one of society’s most critical environments.

2. Cleaner – Housekeeping Department (Brights Hardware, Western Cape)

At Brights Hardware, cleaners in the housekeeping department maintain tidy and welcoming spaces in stores and offices. Daily tasks include sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, and maintaining common areas, as well as ensuring cleaning supplies are available and equipment remains in good condition.

The job requires proactivity, discipline, and teamwork. Cleaners also assist with additional tasks, such as preparing tea for staff and reporting faulty equipment. It is a stable position that values collaboration and highlights the importance of a supportive work culture.

3. Permanent Part-time Aerosol Cleaner (AVI Limited, Cape Town, Western Cape)

At AVI Limited, a leader in cosmetics and personal care, part-time aerosol cleaners provide essential support in production facilities. Their duties include cleaning machinery, drains, utensils, and industrial areas to meet international quality and safety standards.

The role requires prior experience in industrial settings and the ability to follow strict processes. In addition to cleaning, employees are encouraged to suggest improvements to workflows, strengthening the company’s culture of innovation. It is a dynamic role with potential for career growth in a fast-paced sector.

4. Cleaner Supervisor (AFMS Group, Cape Town, Western Cape)

At AFMS Group, the Cleaner Supervisor leads and supports a cleaning team, ensuring high standards of hygiene, safety, and client satisfaction. Responsibilities include task planning, inspections, stock control, and team training, with a strong focus on leadership, accountability, and service quality.

The position requires previous supervisory experience, solid knowledge of cleaning methods, and strong organisational skills. Candidates must also hold a valid Code 8 (B) driver’s licence, as the role involves daily travel across sites. This opportunity combines stability with leadership responsibilities in a dynamic service environment.

5. Male Cleaner (Zone Fitness Clubs, Kraaifontein, Western Cape)

In the fitness industry, hygiene is crucial to ensure customer satisfaction and safety. At Zone Fitness Clubs, male cleaners maintain changing rooms, saunas, studios, gym floors, and equipment, following strict daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules.

The role demands high energy levels, organisation, and discipline, given the high foot traffic in gyms. In addition to job stability, the company offers benefits such as medical aid and a pension fund. This is an ideal position for those seeking steady employment in a dynamic, health-focused environment.

The importance of these jobs in the labour market in South Africa

Cleaning and general services roles form the foundation of infrastructure in any organisation. They ensure not only clean environments but also productivity, safety, and public trust. Without these workers, hospitals, gyms, and businesses could not operate at the same level of efficiency.

The social impact of these jobs is significant. In hospitals, poor cleaning can put lives at risk. In gyms or offices, a lack of hygiene can lead to customer dissatisfaction, accidents, or even financial loss. These roles sustain an institution’s reputation and long-term success.

Demand for cleaners remains constant regardless of economic shifts. Clean environments are always essential, guaranteeing steady opportunities across sectors and regions. This makes cleaning one of the most resilient professions in the labour market.

Moreover, many companies invest in training and development. This allows cleaners to move into supervisory or management roles, creating career paths that go beyond entry-level work and provide long-term professional recognition.

How to qualify for these jobs

Basic qualifications often start with secondary education, but the most valued qualities are responsibility, organisation, and attention to detail. Previous experience in cleaning, whether in healthcare, industrial, or commercial environments, is an advantage but not always required.

Short training courses in hospital hygiene, occupational safety, or cleaning techniques can significantly boost employability. Affordable and accessible, these courses make candidates stand out in competitive job markets.

Professionalism is key. Many cleaning roles involve direct contact with clients, patients, or gym members, making communication skills, courtesy, and a neat appearance important factors for success.

Finally, a willingness to learn and grow within the company is essential. Many organisations promote from within, giving committed employees opportunities to move up into supervisory or team leadership roles.

How to apply

Applying for cleaning and general services jobs is simple through Indeed, one of South Africa’s most widely used job platforms. Job seekers can create a free profile, upload a CV, and access new opportunities daily across different industries and locations.

Once vacancies are identified, candidates can apply directly via the platform, following the employer’s instructions. Many companies manage their recruitment processes entirely on Indeed, making applications and updates straightforward and accessible.

Job alerts are another valuable tool. By activating them, candidates receive immediate notifications when new positions are posted that match their profile, ensuring they don’t miss deadlines or opportunities.

This practicality makes Indeed an essential tool for entering the cleaning and services sector quickly, offering transparency, speed, and access to reputable employers nationwide.

Average salary for cleaning professionals in South Africa

According to recent data from Indeed, the average monthly salary for a Cleaner in South Africa is around R5,544. This figure serves as a national benchmark but may vary depending on location, experience, and type of employer.

In cities such as Cape Town, cleaners earn an average of about R6,656 per month, while in Durban the figure rises to roughly R6,734 per month. Higher demand in urban areas often results in better pay.

For House Cleaners (residential cleaning), the average salary is lower, at about R5,015 per month, reflecting the different standards and demands between residential and healthcare or corporate environments.

These figures show that even in entry-level positions, cleaning jobs provide reliable income with the potential for wage growth based on experience, sector, and responsibility.

Advantages of these jobs

Working in cleaning and general services comes with a number of real benefits:

• Constant demand across industries and regions
• Entry opportunities with minimal educational requirements
• Training and upskilling offered by employers
• Stability even during economic downturns
• Career progression into supervisory roles
• Recognition for direct contributions to quality of life

These benefits make cleaning and services jobs appealing for those seeking steady work or a long-term career. They are roles that remain in high demand and provide opportunities for growth and stability.

Future of cleaning jobs in South Africa

The cleaning industry in South Africa is evolving with new technologies, stricter hygiene standards, and growing demand across healthcare, retail, and fitness sectors. This ensures cleaners will remain essential in both urban and rural environments.

Employers are increasingly investing in eco-friendly products and advanced equipment, creating safer and more efficient workplaces. These changes not only improve results but also open opportunities for workers to gain specialised skills.

As the sector expands, supervisory and management roles are becoming more common. Dedicated professionals who start in entry-level positions can build long-term careers with real prospects for advancement.

The future looks promising: cleaning jobs will continue offering stability, growth, and recognition. For many South Africans, this sector represents not just a job, but a pathway to sustainable career development.

Did you enjoy learning about these jobs in South Africa?

Cleaning and general services jobs provide more than just employment—they create careers with real impact. Every role ensures safe, hygienic, and organised spaces that benefit both individuals and society as a whole.

Read more: Health sector job openings: explore growing demand

If you are seeking accessible opportunities with room to grow, this sector is a strong choice. The market continues to expand, and committed professionals will always be needed to maintain environments where people can thrive.