Hourly rate guesswork = undercharging
Personal service rates set without market data are almost always too low — especially for specialised or repeat-schedule work.
No travel fee = invisible cost centre
Not charging for significant travel time and kilometres turns profitable-looking jobs into break-even or loss-making ones.
No rate review = slow margin erosion
Rates that haven't been reviewed in 12+ months have already been eroded by cost increases you haven't passed on to clients.
Why personal service pricing needs benchmarks, not guesswork
For cleaners, gardeners, tutors, and domestic workers operating as sole traders, undercharging is the dominant pricing error. Without market benchmarks, most sole traders set rates based on what they feel comfortable charging — which is almost always below what the market will pay for quality, reliable service. This template gives you Australian market rate benchmarks for cleaning, gardening, tutoring, and domestic services; a formula to price in travel costs and materials; and guidance on when and how to add a travel fee without losing clients. Use the AI pricing benchmark prompt to check your current rate against market data for your specific service type, location, and experience level in under two minutes.
What You Get
Rate Benchmarks by Service Type
Australian market ranges: domestic cleaning ($40–$70/hr), commercial cleaning ($35–$65/hr), gardening ($45–$80/hr), private tutoring ($40–$90/hr), mobile pet grooming ($60–$120/hr), and delivery services ($1.20–$2.50/km). Includes notes on what affects rate positioning.
Travel & Materials Pricing Formula
A complete formula for pricing mobile personal service jobs: base rate × hours + materials at cost + travel (km × 88c) + specialty upcharge. Includes guidance on when to bundle travel into the hourly rate vs. charge separately.
AI Pricing Benchmark Prompt
A ready-to-use prompt to benchmark your current rates against Australian market data for your specific service, location, and client type. Includes follow-up questions for specialty or premium service positioning.
Who It’s For
Built for sole traders providing personal and domestic services across Australia.
House cleaners
Gardeners & lawn care
Private tutors
Mobile pet groomers
Delivery & courier
Domestic workers
A preview of what's inside
Here are the benchmark rate ranges included in the free template:
Domestic Cleaning
$40 – $70 / hr
Standard residential. End-of-lease and deep cleans typically command a higher flat rate.
Private Tutoring
$40 – $90 / hr
Rate depends on subject, level (primary through HSC/VCE), and experience or qualifications.
Gardening & Lawn Care
$45 – $80 / hr
Standard maintenance. Specialised landscaping or tree work commands significantly higher rates.
Delivery Services
$1.20 – $2.50 / km
Depending on vehicle type, urgency, and item size. Always add a base call-out fee.
Pricing Formula (Preview)
Job price = (hours × hourly rate) + materials cost + (km × $0.88 travel rate)
+ Full rate table across 8 service types, specialty upcharge guidance, rate increase script, and AI benchmark prompt all inside the free download.
ATO & Compliance Note
Important
The ATO's motor vehicle rate for sole traders in 2025–26 is 88 cents per kilometre for business travel. Materials purchased specifically for client jobs are deductible as a cost of doing business. GST registration is required once your annual turnover reaches $75,000 — check your current position with a registered tax agent.
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Frequently asked questions
Common questions
How do I work out whether to bundle travel into my hourly rate or charge it separately?
If most of your clients are within a small local area (under 15km from home), bundling a small travel component into your hourly rate is cleaner and avoids invoicing friction. If you’re regularly travelling 20km+ or taking on clients in outlying suburbs, a separate travel fee ($15–$30 call-out or km-based charge) protects your margin on longer-distance jobs. State it clearly upfront in your quote and on your Sole invoice.
When should I charge more than the benchmark rate?
You can charge above benchmark rates when you have specialist skills, certifications, or qualifications; when you provide a consistently superior service that earns repeat bookings and referrals; when you’re working in a premium suburb or high-demand time slot; or when the job involves specialist equipment, hazardous materials, or significantly more preparation time. Document your differentiators in your Sole quote and client communications.
How much notice should I give clients when I increase my rates?
30 days is the standard minimum for rate increases with existing clients. Send a written notice via email or message through Sole, explain the reason briefly (e.g. cost increases, annual review), and state the new rate and the effective date. Avoid apologising for the increase — state it professionally and matter-of-factly. Loyal clients who value your service will almost always stay.
Should I charge GST on top of my rates?
GST registration is mandatory once your annual business turnover reaches $75,000 (the GST threshold). Below that threshold, registration is optional. If registered, add 10% GST to all invoices and remit it to the ATO quarterly via your BAS. Sole makes GST tracking automatic once your settings are configured. Check your current turnover position before the end of each financial year.
What materials costs can I include in my job price?
Materials purchased specifically for a client job can be included in the invoice at cost or at a small markup. Common examples include cleaning products, fertiliser and mulch, tutor workbooks, grooming products, and packaging materials for delivery. Track all materials costs in Sole’s expense feature so you have a record for both invoicing accuracy and tax deduction claims at the end of the year.