This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a cleaning company.
Understanding labor costs is the foundation of running a profitable cleaning company.
Labor represents the largest operating expense in the cleaning industry, typically exceeding 60% of total costs. For entrepreneurs starting a cleaning business in Thailand, knowing exactly what you'll pay in wages, taxes, benefits, and indirect costs is critical for accurate pricing and sustainable growth.
If you want to dig deeper and learn more, you can download our business plan for a cleaning company. Also, before launching, get all the profit, revenue, and cost breakdowns you need for complete clarity with our cleaning company financial forecast.
Labor costs in Thailand's cleaning industry include direct wages, mandatory social security contributions, benefits, training, and indirect expenses.
Entry-level cleaners earn THB 82–113 per hour, while supervisors can make up to THB 218 per hour, with employers paying an additional 5% in social security capped at THB 750 monthly per employee.
| Cost Component | Details | Amount/Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage (Entry-Level) | Base pay for cleaners with minimal experience | THB 82–113/hour |
| Hourly Wage (Specialized) | Cleaners with certifications or specialized skills | 20–40% above entry-level |
| Hourly Wage (Supervisor) | Housekeeping or team supervisors | THB 218/hour |
| Minimum Daily Wage | Legal minimum varies by province (effective January 2025) | THB 337–400/day |
| Social Security Contribution | Employer mandatory contribution to Social Security Fund | 5% of wage (max THB 750/month) |
| Overtime Rate | Work beyond 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week | 1.5× regular hourly wage |
| Training & Certification | Safety protocols, equipment use, industry standards | THB 1,000+ per employee |
| Recruitment & Onboarding | Per hire costs including advertising, interviews, background checks | THB 5,000–10,000 |
| Staff Turnover Rate | Annual turnover in cleaning sector | 200% per year |
| Labor as % of Operating Costs | Proportion of total operating expenses dedicated to labor | >60% |
What is the average hourly wage for cleaners in Thailand?
The average hourly wage for cleaners in Thailand ranges from THB 82 to THB 113 per hour as of October 2025.
This translates to annual salaries between THB 196,800 and THB 339,100 for full-time cleaning staff, depending on their experience level and specific role within the cleaning company. Entry-level cleaners typically earn at the lower end of this range, while those with more experience or working for established companies can command higher rates.
Regional differences also play a role in wage variation across Thailand's provinces. Urban areas like Bangkok tend to offer higher wages due to the increased cost of living and higher demand for professional cleaning services. Companies operating in these markets need to budget accordingly to attract and retain qualified cleaning staff.
When starting a cleaning company, it's essential to research local wage expectations in your target market. This ensures your compensation package remains competitive while maintaining healthy profit margins for sustainable business growth.
What is the minimum wage requirement for cleaning staff under current labor laws?
The minimum daily wage for cleaning staff in Thailand ranges from THB 337 to THB 400 depending on the province, effective January 2025.
This minimum wage is legally mandated under Thai labor laws and varies by geographic location. Provinces with higher living costs typically have higher minimum wage thresholds, while rural areas may have lower requirements. Cleaning companies must comply with the minimum wage applicable to their operational province to avoid legal penalties.
For a standard 8-hour workday, this translates to approximately THB 42 to THB 50 per hour at the minimum wage level. However, most cleaning companies pay above this baseline to attract reliable workers and reduce turnover in what is already a high-turnover industry.
Understanding minimum wage requirements is critical for financial planning when launching a cleaning business. Budget projections must account for these legal minimums plus the competitive premiums needed to secure quality staff in your local market.
What are the typical employer payroll tax rates and social security contributions for cleaning staff?
Employers in Thailand must contribute 5% of each cleaning employee's wage to the Social Security Fund, with contributions capped at THB 750 per month per employee.
This social security contribution is mandatory and covers healthcare, disability insurance, unemployment benefits, and other social protections for cleaning staff. The cap means that even for higher-paid employees, the maximum monthly employer contribution remains THB 750, making it easier to predict payroll costs as your cleaning company scales.
Employees also contribute 5% of their wages to the Social Security Fund, which is deducted from their gross pay. The combined employer-employee contribution creates a safety net that helps protect workers while keeping employer costs predictable and relatively low compared to many other countries.
For a cleaning company with 10 full-time employees, maximum monthly social security costs would be THB 7,500 (10 employees × THB 750). This represents a manageable fixed cost that should be factored into your pricing structure and financial projections from day one.
What benefits are commonly offered to cleaning employees?
Common benefits for cleaning employees include mandatory Social Security coverage, paid public holidays, annual leave as specified by law, and contributions to Employee Welfare Funds.
The mandatory Social Security system provides basic healthcare coverage, maternity benefits, disability insurance, and old-age pensions for cleaning staff. Beyond these legal requirements, many cleaning companies offer additional benefits to improve retention and employee satisfaction, especially for direct employees versus agency contractors.
Larger cleaning companies and those serving international clients often provide enhanced benefits packages. These can include dental and outpatient medical coverage, transportation or meal allowances (typically THB 500–1,500 per month), and annual bonuses for long-serving employees. Some companies also offer uniform allowances, equipment subsidies, and performance-based incentives.
The benefit structure you choose for your cleaning company directly impacts both your labor costs and your ability to attract quality staff. Companies competing for skilled cleaners in urban markets typically need more robust benefit packages than those in rural areas with less competition.
You'll find detailed market insights in our cleaning company business plan, updated every quarter.
What is the average number of hours worked per week by full-time cleaning staff?
Most full-time cleaning staff work between 40 and 48 hours per week, with the legal maximum set at 48 hours under Thai labor law.
The standard work schedule is 8 hours per day for 6 days per week, totaling 48 hours. However, larger cleaning companies and those serving international corporations often adopt a 40-hour workweek (8 hours per day, 5 days per week) to align with global standards and improve employee work-life balance.
Work hours in cleaning companies can vary based on client contracts and service types. Residential cleaning services may require flexible scheduling around client availability, while commercial office cleaning often occurs during evening or early morning hours when facilities are unoccupied. This flexibility can affect total weekly hours and may require premium pay for unsociable hours.
When planning your cleaning company's staffing model, consider that longer work hours reduce the total number of employees needed but may increase fatigue-related errors and reduce service quality. Balancing productivity with employee wellbeing is key to building a sustainable cleaning operation.
What is the ratio of full-time to part-time workers in cleaning companies, and how does this affect labor cost?
Full-time workers typically outnumber part-time staff in most cleaning companies, as full-time employees provide more stability and lower unit labor costs.
The exact ratio varies by region, contract type, and company scale, but cleaning businesses generally prefer full-time staff for core operations. Full-time employees are more invested in the company, require less frequent training, and provide consistency that clients value. This reduces the hidden costs associated with high turnover and inconsistent service quality.
However, cleaning companies commonly use part-time or agency staff to handle peak demand periods, seasonal fluctuations, or short-term contracts. This flexible workforce allows companies to scale operations without committing to permanent overhead during slower periods. The trade-off is that part-time workers often have higher hourly rates when accounting for reduced productivity and increased training needs.
For a new cleaning company, starting with a core team of full-time staff and supplementing with part-time workers as needed typically offers the best balance. This approach minimizes fixed costs while maintaining service quality and flexibility to accommodate business growth.
What training or certification expenses are required for cleaning staff?
| Training Type | Description | Cost per Employee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Safety Protocols | Mandatory training on workplace safety, chemical handling, and hazard identification required for all cleaning staff | THB 1,000–2,000 |
| Equipment Operation | Hands-on training for professional cleaning equipment including floor scrubbers, carpet cleaners, and pressure washers | THB 1,500–3,000 |
| ISSA CIMS-GB Certification | International industry standard certification for cleaning management systems, typically for supervisors and managers | THB 15,000–25,000 |
| Specialized Cleaning Skills | Training for niche services like hospital-grade sanitation, green cleaning methods, or high-rise window cleaning | THB 3,000–8,000 |
| Customer Service Training | Soft skills training for professional interaction with clients, particularly for cleaning staff in occupied spaces | THB 500–1,500 |
| Refresher Courses | Annual or bi-annual updates on new techniques, products, and safety standards to maintain service quality | THB 500–1,000 |
| On-the-Job Training | Initial supervised work period for new hires to learn company-specific procedures and standards | THB 2,000–5,000 (opportunity cost) |
Larger cleaning companies often subsidize these training costs and allocate them as part of annual HR budgets. For smaller startups, the initial investment in training can be significant but pays dividends through improved service quality, reduced accidents, and better client retention.
What is the staff turnover rate in cleaning companies, and how much does recruitment and onboarding cost per hire?
The staff turnover rate in Thailand's cleaning sector averages 200% per year, making it one of the highest across all industries.
This exceptionally high turnover means that cleaning companies must replace their entire workforce twice annually on average. The reasons include physically demanding work, limited career advancement opportunities, irregular hours, and competition from other industries offering better conditions. High turnover significantly impacts operational costs and service consistency.
Recruitment and onboarding costs typically range from THB 5,000 to THB 10,000 per hire for cleaning companies. These costs include job advertising, initial screening and interviews, background verification, medical checks, uniform provision, and the first week of training before the employee becomes fully productive. For specialized or supervisory positions, costs can climb even higher.
With a 200% turnover rate, a cleaning company with 20 employees would need to hire 40 people annually just to maintain staffing levels. At THB 7,500 average cost per hire, that's THB 300,000 in annual recruitment expenses alone—before accounting for lost productivity during training periods and quality inconsistencies that affect client satisfaction.
This is one of the strategies explained in our cleaning company business plan.
What is the average overtime rate and how frequently is overtime used in cleaning companies?
Overtime rates for cleaning staff are typically 1.5 times the regular hourly wage for work performed beyond 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
Under Thai labor law, all overtime must be voluntary and properly documented, with strict limits of maximum 36 hours of overtime per week. For a cleaner earning THB 100 per hour in regular wages, overtime would be compensated at THB 150 per hour. This premium pay quickly adds to labor costs during busy periods.
Overtime is frequently used in cleaning companies during peak business periods, such as post-event cleanups, seasonal commercial contracts, or when regular staff call in sick. However, excessive reliance on overtime can lead to employee burnout, reduced cleaning quality, and increased accident risk due to fatigue.
Smart cleaning companies manage overtime through strategic workforce planning. This includes maintaining a small pool of reliable part-time workers who can cover peak periods, using flexible scheduling to spread work more evenly, and building buffer capacity into client contracts to avoid chronic understaffing that forces constant overtime.
What are the standard wage differences between entry-level cleaners, specialized cleaners, and supervisors?
| Position Level | Role Description | Typical Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Cleaner | Basic cleaning tasks with minimal experience, handling routine office or residential cleaning under supervision | THB 82–113/hour THB 196,800–253,400/year |
| Experienced Cleaner | 2+ years of experience, can work independently on standard cleaning contracts with consistent quality | THB 100–130/hour THB 240,000–312,000/year |
| Specialized Cleaner | Trained in specific techniques such as medical-grade sanitation, carpet care, or high-rise window cleaning | 20–40% above entry-level THB 120–158/hour |
| Team Leader | Manages small crews of 3-5 cleaners on site, ensures quality standards, handles basic client communication | THB 150–180/hour THB 360,000–432,000/year |
| Housekeeping Supervisor | Oversees multiple teams or facilities, manages schedules, conducts quality inspections, trains new staff | THB 218/hour THB 452,881/year average |
| Operations Manager | Senior role managing all cleaning operations, client relationships, staff recruitment, and P&L responsibility | THB 250–350/hour THB 600,000–840,000/year |
| Agency Contractor | Temporary staff hired through staffing agencies for short-term or peak-demand situations | THB 110–140/hour (includes agency markup) |
Understanding these wage tiers is essential for building an efficient organizational structure in your cleaning company. Most successful cleaning businesses maintain a pyramid structure with many entry-level cleaners, fewer specialized staff, and a small management team to control labor costs while maintaining service quality.
What are the indirect labor costs for cleaning staff?
Indirect labor costs for cleaning staff include uniforms, equipment use, and transportation allowances that add substantially to the base wage expenses.
Uniform costs typically range from THB 500 to THB 2,000 per employee annually, depending on the quality and number of sets provided. Most cleaning companies supply at least two complete uniform sets to allow for washing and rotation. Uniforms also serve as branding tools that project professionalism to clients, making them a worthwhile investment despite the added cost.
Equipment use represents another significant indirect cost, averaging THB 200 to THB 500 per employee monthly. This includes the amortized cost of cleaning machinery, supplies, and tools allocated to each worker. Larger cleaning companies benefit from economies of scale in equipment purchasing and maintenance, reducing per-employee costs compared to small startups.
Transportation allowances are commonly provided in urban areas and for staff traveling between multiple client sites. These allowances typically range from THB 500 to THB 1,500 per month in larger firms or for contracts requiring significant travel. Some cleaning companies provide company vehicles or reimburse mileage for supervisors who need to visit multiple locations daily.
When combined, these indirect costs can add 15–25% to the direct wage bill for cleaning companies. Accurate financial modeling must account for these expenses to avoid underpricing services and eroding profit margins as the business scales.
What is the typical overall labor cost percentage compared to total operating costs in cleaning companies?
Labor costs represent more than 60% of total operating costs in cleaning companies, making it by far the largest expense category.
This high labor intensity is inherent to the cleaning industry, where human effort is the core deliverable that clients purchase. Unlike product-based businesses that can reduce per-unit costs through automation or bulk purchasing, cleaning companies remain fundamentally dependent on human workers to deliver their services.
The remaining 40% of operating costs typically includes cleaning supplies and chemicals (10–15%), equipment depreciation and maintenance (5–10%), transportation and vehicle costs (5–8%), insurance and licensing (3–5%), marketing and administration (5–8%), and rent for storage or office space (2–5%). These percentages vary based on company size, service type, and operational efficiency.
For a cleaning company generating THB 1,000,000 in monthly revenue, labor costs would typically consume THB 600,000 or more. This tight margin structure means that small improvements in labor efficiency—such as reducing turnover, optimizing schedules, or improving training—can have outsized impacts on profitability. Successful cleaning companies obsessively manage their labor costs while maintaining quality standards that justify premium pricing.
It's a key part of what we outline in the cleaning company business plan.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
Understanding labor costs is essential for building a profitable cleaning company in Thailand.
The data presented here provides a realistic foundation for financial planning, but success requires ongoing attention to workforce management, training investment, and strategic pricing that accounts for the full cost of employing quality cleaning staff.
Sources
- World Salaries - Average Cleaner Salary in Thailand
- INLPS - Thailand HR Law Updates 2025
- ERI Economic Research Institute - Cleaner Salary Thailand
- Expat Den - Thailand Social Security
- ICE - Thailand Professional Cleaning Industry Report
- Playroll - Working Hours in Thailand
- LinkedIn - How Janitorial Turnover Impacts Your Business
- ERI Economic Research Institute - Housekeeping Supervisor Salary Thailand
- IFS Thailand - Impact of Minimum Wage Increases on Cleaning Services
- Sprout - Thai Labour Laws 2025