Key takeaways
- Compare the full cost of an employee, not just the hourly wage.
- Outsourcing includes supervision, supplies, equipment, insurance and backup coverage.
- The right answer depends on building size, hours and how much management time you can spare.
The wage on a job posting is not the cost of an in-house cleaner. Compare the full picture.
What an in-house cleaner really costs
- Wages and any overtime
- Employer payroll taxes
- Workers' compensation and general liability insurance
- Paid time off, holidays and any benefits you offer
- Supplies, chemicals and equipment, plus repairs and replacements
- Training and supervision time
- Hiring, onboarding and turnover costs
- Cover when someone is sick or leaves
What outsourcing includes
A commercial cleaning company's price usually covers labor, supervision, supplies, equipment, insurance and replacement staff. You pay one invoice, and the company carries the employer costs.
A worked example (illustrative only)
The numbers below are made-up round numbers to show the method, not a quote or market data. Replace them with your own.
| Item | In-house (per month) | Outsourced (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Wages for 80 hours | $1,600 | Included |
| Payroll taxes and insurance (about 15%) | $240 | Included |
| Supplies and equipment | $250 | Included |
| Supervision and admin time | $200 | Included |
| Coverage for absences | Often unplanned | Included |
| Total | $2,290 | Vendor price |
Ask for a quote and compare it with your own full number. See how much to pay for commercial cleaning and square footage vs. hourly pricing.
When in-house can make sense
- A large building that needs cleaning all day
- Specialized needs and a management team ready to supervise
- Strong internal HR and training
When outsourcing often fits better
- Small and mid-sized spaces
- Evening or weekend cleaning
- No time to manage staff or buy supplies
- A need for insurance, backup crews and documented checklists
How to decide
- Add up your true in-house cost using the list above.
- Get two or three written quotes with the same scope.
- Compare cost, risk and the time your own team would spend.
See small business cleaning: do you need a commercial service for a simpler decision guide.