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How much does a street cleaner earn in 2026? A project approved in the chamber sets a minimum wage of R$ 2,824, with an additional of up to 40% for unhealthy working conditions, and benefits that increase income, but may vary depending on the city.

Written by Ruth Rodrigues
Published on 27/04/2026 at 14:05
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Want to know how much a street cleaner earns? Check out the approved salary floor, regional averages, benefits such as hazardous duty pay, and the new credit rules for the category.

The financial reality of urban cleaning professionals in Brazil is undergoing a profound transformation in 2026. The Labor Commission of the Chamber of Deputies took a decisive step by approving Bill 4146/20, which regulates the career and projects a new salary level — effectively redefining how much a street cleaner earns in the country.

The proposal establishes a national minimum wage of two minimum salaries (R$ 2,824.00) for a 36-hour workweek. This measure aims to standardize the earnings of those who work in maintaining hygiene and public health in cities, combating the regional disparities that still mark the sector.

Benefits and protections that increase income

To understand the total amount of how much a street cleaner earns, one cannot look only at the base salary. Due to constant contact with waste and pathogenic agents, the legislation guarantees essential financial compensations.

The hazardous duty pay, for example, represents a 40% increase on the initial wages. In addition, the category has specific rights that ensure long-term security:

  • Special Retirement: Possibility of retiring after 25 years of contribution due to the risks of the occupation.
  • Hazard Pay: A bonus of 30% for functions that involve immediate risks, such as handling certain chemicals.
  • CLT Guarantees: Receipt of a 13th salary, paid vacation with an additional one-third, and a monthly deposit of 8% for FGTS.
  • Extra Benefits: Many municipalities and companies provide meal vouchers, basic food baskets, and health plans.

How much does a street cleaner earn in Brazil?

While the standardization brought by the new salary floor is not fully implemented, the worker’s paycheck continues to be strongly impacted by the region where they work.

According to indicators from the portal Salario.com.br, the average income in the country is R$ 1,595.98 for those who work 43 hours a week, but this amount takes on new contours in the metropolitan areas. In the capital city of São Paulo, for example, the average wages are R$ 1,654.48, although more experienced professionals can reach a ceiling of R$ 2,140.64.

Want to know how much a street cleaner earns? Check out the approved salary floor, regional averages, benefits such as hazardous duty pay, and the new credit rules for the category. (Illustrative image generated with AI)
Want to know how much a street cleaner earns? Check out the approved salary floor, regional averages, benefits such as hazardous duty pay, and the new credit rules for the category. (Illustrative image generated with AI)

On the other hand, Rio de Janeiro presents a differentiated earnings model, where a fixed salary of R$ 1,814.00 can jump to R$ 2,214.00 after the addition of bonuses and variable incentives. Thus, it becomes clear that the size of the employer and the demands of the local cost of living are the major pillars that define the financial health of these workers.

These amounts are averages/estimates of how much a street cleaner earns in Brazil in 2026.

Beyond the broom: the multifunctions of the category

Often confused only with manual sweeping, the routine of these professionals is extremely complex and requires a lot of physical vigor to handle various fronts of work.

According to the guidelines of regulatory bodies, essential tasks range from flood control, through the technical cleaning of drains and catch basins to ensure rainwater drainage, to the complete management of waste, which includes door-to-door collection and the separation of items for recycling.

Want to know how much a street sweeper earns? Check out the approved minimum wage, regional averages, benefits like hazardous duty pay, and new credit rules for the category. (Illustrative image generated with AI)
Want to know how much a street sweeper earns? Check out the approved minimum wage, regional averages, benefits like hazardous duty pay, and new credit rules for the category. (Illustrative image generated with AI)

Additionally, they work in post-crisis recovery, toiling diligently in areas affected by natural disasters or large festive events, and take care of the upkeep of public spaces, ensuring the maintenance and hygiene of beaches, parks, and bus stops. 

Source: Meu Tudo

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Ruth Rodrigues

Formada em Ciências Biológicas pela Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), atua como redatora e divulgadora científica.

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