I’m not a cleaning business owner or based in North Carolina, but I’ve seen posts asking similar questions online, and a few patterns keep showing up that might help!
- Hourly pay ranges - Many owners determine their starting range by looking at:
• What the larger local cleaning companies are offering (I'd suggest joining local business or cleaning business groups and network)
• The minimum they need to maintain margins after labor burden (taxes, workers comp, etc.)
• Whether the role is solo cleaning or team-based
- Travel time
• Pay travel time at a reduced hourly rate, or
• Use the standard IRS mileage rate (like you mentioned), especially when employees use their own vehicles.
- Compliance & clarity
Since W2 rules vary by state, I'd recommend checking NC’s specific guidelines on reimbursing travel and ensuring the rate doesn’t dip below minimum wage when accounting for drive time.
Hoping some NC-based cleaning owners can jump in with the exact ranges they’re using, but wanted to share what I’ve seen others do to give you a starting point!
