Drone Window Cleaning Jobs
Cleaning high-rise windows has traditionally been a dangerous, time-consuming, and labour-intensive task. But a new era is emerging, led by technology: drone window cleaning jobs are revolutionising the way we keep skyscrapers and hard-to-reach residential glass surfaces spotless. With advancements in drone capability and automation, a specialised niche within the drone industry is rapidly gaining ground in Australia. Whether you’re an aspiring drone operator or an established pilot exploring new services, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about this innovative career path.
What does a Drone Window Cleaner do?
A drone window cleaner operates a drone designed specifically to clean windows, usually on tall buildings where traditional cleaning methods are risky or costly. These drones are fitted with water tanks, cleaning nozzles, brushes, and stabilisation systems that allow them to scrub, spray, and rinse windows. Tasks often include pre-flight checks, assessing weather conditions, coordinating with building management, and ensuring the cleaning drone completes its job safely and thoroughly. This role combines technical drone skills with practical cleaning outcomes, making it both high-tech and hands-on.
Operators are also responsible for planning the cleaning route, avoiding obstacles such as balconies and ledges, and working closely with building managers to minimise disruption to tenants. In some cases, drones are tethered to ground-based systems for a constant water supply and drainage, while others rely on onboard tanks for smaller jobs. The window cleaner drone must be precisely manoeuvred to avoid damaging the glass or building façade, which requires a high level of piloting finesse and concentration.
What skills and equipment do you need?
To succeed in drone window cleaning jobs, you need both flying expertise and a strong understanding of cleaning mechanics. Essential skills include:
- Excellent drone piloting abilities in tight urban spaces
- Familiarity with window cleaning systems and detergents
- Strong problem-solving and hazard assessment skills
- Technical knowledge of drone maintenance and calibration
- An understanding of aerodynamic stability and payload management
Typical drones used in this field include heavy-lift models with payload capacity for water tanks and cleaning attachments. These might include:
- Lucid Drone Technologies’ C1: Designed for commercial cleaning tasks
- DJI Matrice 300 RTK: A popular platform adapted with custom cleaning rigs
- Custom-built drones with hose attachments connected to ground-based water supplies
- Window washing drone prototypes from emerging tech start-ups
Additional accessories include gimbals for stabilisation, camera systems for real-time monitoring, and automated nozzles that adjust spray patterns for efficiency.
What qualifications are required in Australia?
In Australia, drone window cleaning operators must meet legal and regulatory requirements as outlined by CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority). These include:
- A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) for any commercial drone operation
- Operating under an Operator’s Certificate (OC) if conducting commercial work outside the excluded category
- Adhering to all regulations relating to flying near people, buildings, and in controlled airspace
- Ongoing record-keeping, including maintenance logs and safety audits
- Flight planning with respect to nearby helipads or airports using tools like AvPlan or CASA’s ‘Can I Fly There?’ app
Drone window cleaning typically occurs within close proximity to people and structures, which may fall under CASA’s “Operations Over or Near People” (OONP) requirements. Operators may also need to submit a risk assessment using the SORA methodology or apply for specific authorisations through CASA’s ReOC framework.
Where do you find work in this field?
Drone window cleaning jobs are typically offered by facilities management companies, commercial cleaning firms, drone service providers, and property maintenance contractors. Opportunities exist in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where there are large concentrations of high-rise buildings. Independent drone operators can also offer services to property developers, shopping centres, and strata management companies.
Some companies are beginning to subcontract window cleaning drones for once-off cleans during property staging or renovation completion, particularly in the luxury apartment market. Other job sources include:
- Government tenders for public infrastructure cleaning
- Corporate campuses and hospitals with glass atriums
- Hotels and casinos
- Universities and business parks
There’s also an emerging opportunity in drone window cleaning Australia-wide for solar panel farms, greenhouses, and other glass-based infrastructure located in remote or regional areas, where manual cleaning is unviable.
How much can you earn as a Drone Window Cleaner?
Earnings in drone window cleaning jobs vary based on experience, location, and the type of clients served. In Australia, average rates range from:
- $250–$500+ AUD per job for small commercial jobs
- $1,000+ AUD per day for high-rise or multi-site contracts
- $120,000+ AUD per year for full-time operators with ongoing contracts
Those offering specialised or emergency services – such as rapid-response drone cleaning for VIP events or glass structures affected by construction dust – can charge premium rates. Operating a fleet or subcontracting work can further scale your income.
Career progression & related paths
Drone window cleaning can lead to other high-demand drone careers such as:
- Drone inspections for infrastructure and utilities
- Facade mapping and photogrammetry
- Drone-based exterior building maintenance
- Urban drone deliveries and courier services
- Industrial drone cleaning including graffiti removal and solar panel washing
Experienced operators may also transition into consultancy, training others on operating window cleaning drones, or become dealers for the cleaning drone hardware itself. The market is still young, offering scope to innovate and lead.
Pros and cons of the job
Pros:
- Growing demand in urban centres
- Low physical risk compared to traditional abseiling methods
- High day rates and potential for recurring clients
- Technology-driven and innovative field
- Opportunity to scale into a business or franchise
Cons:
- Weather-dependent work – wind and rain can ground operations
- Complex airspace and CASA regulatory compliance can slow growth
- Requires significant upfront investment in training and equipment
- Market awareness is still developing – may need to educate clients on benefits
How to get started as a Drone Window Cleaner today
To break into the world of drone window cleaning jobs, follow these steps:
- Get certified: Get your RePL with Flying Glass
- Understand CASA regulations: Familiarise yourself with OONP and controlled airspace rules
- Choose your gear: Select a drone suitable for window washing, such as a heavy-lift custom drone or retrofit a commercial model
- Start networking: Reach out to facilities managers, developers, and property service firms
- Register your business: Set up your ABN, obtain public liability insurance, and draft your standard operating procedures
- Begin with demo projects: Offer discounted or free trial cleans to showcase value and generate testimonials
- Create a portfolio: Film your cleans, create before-and-after videos, and use them to attract larger contracts
Testimonials
“We used to hire rope access teams and shut off public access for days. Now we book a drone window cleaner, and the whole job is done in hours without any scaffolding. It’s changed the game.” – Property Manager, Brisbane CBD
“I added a window cleaning drone to my existing RPA business. Within three months, I’d landed two high-rise buildings on monthly retainers. It’s the most profitable service I offer now.” – Independent Operator, Melbourne
Part of our Drone Jobs Series
This article is part of our Drone Jobs Series, where we explore emerging opportunities for drone operators across Australia.