With a dynamic economy and low unemployment, Australia offers plenty of opportunities for workers, whether they are skilled or unskilled. To find a job and work in Australia, the approach will be different if you decide to work in a city or in a farm (fruit picking). In general it is pretty easy to find a small job with a Working Holiday Visa, but it is still essential to know where to look and get the right approach.
In this guide, discover how to find work in Australia, what documents you need, what jobs are available, and how much you can earn.
Table of Contents
Find a job in Australia in 2025
Australia is a country that has long depended on foreign labor. Coming to work in Australia in 2025 can offer many opportunities and it can be easier to find a job in the sectors experiencing a shortage. And these sectors are very numerous!
Labor shortage sectors
- Agriculture
- Hotel and catering
- Tourism
- Health
- Engineers & IT
- Construction
Most-needed roles in Australia
Some profiles are more required than others in Australia. Depending on your qualifications and experience, you will more or less easily find work. Each year, the Australian government publishes a report in which the trends are listed with the areas and regions that are recruiting more. This report is also very useful to get an overview of salaries according to profile types.
You can consult this report : Jobs wanted in Australia.
Finally, for all those who wish to migrate to Australia on the long term, you will need to find a sponsor (family, company). To find out if your occupation is an in-demand one in Australia, you should consult the lists made available by the Australian government: Core Skills Occupation List or ANZSCO classification.
NB: If your profession is listed in one of these lists, you will be able to apply for a Visa with points (189 or 190).
Best Time to Find a Job in Australia
You can find work all year round and everywhere in Australia.
Of course some jobs will be subject to the seasons such as fruit picking, packing and agricultural jobs. Fruit and vegetables are not all harvested in the same season or even in the same regions. If this is the field you want to work in, then check our harvest calendar for guidance. But this is also true for areas such as tourism and hospitality. In all cases, it is important to be flexible and even willing to travel.
🌸 Spring (September to November) is a great time to arrive. Employers in tourism, hospitality, and retail start hiring ahead of the busy summer season — especially in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.
Beyond job opportunities, spring also means warmer weather, fewer crowds, and the chance to enjoy Australia’s beaches, hikes, and outdoor lifestyle as soon as you land.
Download our Free ebook to Work in Australia
Download our Complete Guide to Work in Australia
- Best jobs in cities & farms
- Certificates & training requirements
- Visa options for residency
- Farms & Mining contact listing
Tips for Finding a Job Quickly
Prepare a strong resume
Your resume (CV) is crucial. 📝 Make a short and clear Australian-style CV. Tailor it to the job you’re applying for, highlighting relevant skills and experience. Include your contact information, education, work history, and any certifications.
Check out all our tips on how to make a successful Australian-style Resume on our dedicated article.
Prefer face-to-face contact
If you are looking for a job with a direct contact with a clientele (hotel, restaurant, sales): present yourself directly to the company you are interested in. Australians appreciate direct contact. Also in construction and on farms, do not hesitate to go directly to the building sites or to the farms.
For jobs such as sales or catering, ask to put your resume directly in the hands of the manager. Otherwise, your application may not be passed on to the right person, or may be lost.
Browsing job sites
You should do some research on these platforms which regularly publish job offers: Seek, Jobsearch, Indeed, Mycareer, Gumtree: best for occasional jobs (construction, painting, babysitting) + Facebook.
These sites are generally well known to backpackers. The competition is tough, but you have every chance of standing out! It also allows you to have an overview of the offers, the employers’ expectations and the salaries offered.
Use word of mouth
Australians love to be helpful, so word of mouth can be a very effective method. Talk about your job search to people you meet: backpackers, locals, retailers… There is always someone, who knows someone, who is looking to recruit! Also, make contacts in the hostel and take advantage of the good tips from the other backpackers on site.
Register with a recruitment agency
Recruitment / job agencies are another way to find a job in Australia. They are often specialised by sector: catering, construction, sales… Go directly to them with your resume. Some agencies will interview you to find out what motivates you.
Contractors can also act as intermediaries between the employer and the employee. This system is widespread in Fruit Picking.
Avoid crowded backpacker areas
For farm work, areas such as Sheparton, Waikerie, Mildura and Bundarberg are popular with backpackers. The competition is tough and there are many scams.
Choose the West Coast or Tasmania over the East Coast for fruit picking. In the city, September, October and November are good times to look for work as summer approaches. Spread your search to the suburbs if you want to work in a shopping centre, a café, a shop… There are very good opportunities outside the city centres. Also be original in your search. Think about caravan parks, golf courses, factories, carwash etc.
Don’t wait until the last minute
Many backpackers find themselves trapped when they need money quickly and accept jobs that don’t suit them. Anticipating by starting your research in advance will allow you to avoid an emergency situation, while offering you the possibility to refuse a job that does not match your criteria. Don’t wait until your savings run out before looking for work. Always keep a minimum of your budget safe.
Prerequisites for working in Australia
Get a work Visa
Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will first need a work visa to work in the country. Here is a selection of the main temporary work visas:
- Working Holiday Visa (subclasses 417 & 462): it allows young people aged 18 to 35 (30 depending on your nationality) to be able to work to finance their stay in Australia. The WHV is valid for one year and renewable 2 times under conditions.
- Student Visa (subclass 500): for those studying in Australia (up to 5 years). The Student Visa allows students to work outside of class, up to 48 hours in a 15-day period.
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482): skilled workers in a field for which an Australian company cannot find a qualified Australian worker to fill the vacancy. The company is said to “sponsor” the worker.
Administrative tasks
Depending on the type of work you want to do and the length of time you want to work in Australia, you will have different needs. In any case, here are the essential steps before you can start the job search:
- Get your TFN (Australian Tax File number) to allow you to work
- Open a bank account in Australia to receive your salary
- Do your Resume in Australia (CV) to help you in your job hunt
- Get an Australian phone number
- And get an ABN (Australian Business Number) if you want to work as a freelancer.
Get your Certificates
To work some jobs, it is necessary and often compulsory to obtain certain certifications:
- RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) → to work in hospitality and to be able to serve alcohol.
- White Card → to work in the building and construction industry and also in mines. You can supplement it with other certificates such as:
- The Forklift license to drive a forklift
- Working at heights certificate for working at height
- Confined space certificate for working in confined spaces
- Traffic Controller training
- RCG / RSG (Responsible Service of Gambling) → to work in the gambling industry (pub, casinos, etc).
- WWC Check (Working With Children Check) → to work with children.
- First aid and CPR training → for all types of jobs
- Barista Course → to boost your chances in cafés.
All these courses and certificates have a cost but the investment may be worth it as you will have easier access to certain jobs. Plus the cost of these courses can be deducted from your tax return at the end of the financial year.
🍹 Get your RSA in Australia (with discounts)
Pay less for your RSA course (Responsible Service of Alcohol). With this certificate, you are allowed to work in all places where alcohol is served or sold.
A good level of English?
Being bilingual isn’t always necessary to find work in Australia. However, for most jobs, you’ll need to be able to understand people and interact with them in English. If English is not your mother tongue and learning English is one of your travel goals, put yourself in situations where you’re forced to speak English. In other words, distance yourself from people speaking the same language as you to make progress.
Working in an Australian City: Jobs & Salaries
Australia’s major cities — like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Cairns — offer plenty of job opportunities across various sectors. While some positions may require qualifications or experience, many backpackers find entry-level or casual jobs in industries like hospitality, tourism, and retail.
If proving your qualifications takes time, you can still find accessible jobs with minimal experience, especially if you’re motivated and flexible. Seasonal work is common in urban areas, making it easier to earn money while enjoying the city lifestyle.
👉 Below is a list of the most popular backpacker jobs in Australian cities.
Work in Hotels and Restaurants (Hospitality)
These jobs are generally well paid, from $24 to $28 / hr + tips, and hourly rates increase in the evening, on weekends and on public holidays.
You need a RSA certificate for all jobs that involve serving alcohol. The RSA certificate can be obtained through attending a one-day training course in class or online, that is required by Australian law. The cost of the course varies depending on the state you are taking the course. The regulations are also different in each state so be sure to get the RSA certificate for the state you intend to work in.
Housekeeping Jobs
Housekeeping involves the cleaning of various establishments, including residences, hotels, or office spaces. Typically, these positions are part-time and offer compensation ranging from $24 per hour and more on the weekends ($50 per hour). Cleaning companies may also have job opportunities in this field. However, they might seek candidates with prior experience in housekeeping, and you may need to commit to several months of employment with them.
Work as a driver or delivery person
If you are looking for a job with flexible hours, the jobs of drivers or deliverymen are a good opportunity to earn a little money. You just need to have an ABN, a smartphone, a bike / car and insurance.
If you have a car, you will be able to work as a driver for companies like Uber, Didi or Ola in Australia.
If you have a bike, motorbike, UberEats and Deliveroo also offer jobs to drivers cycling.
Read also : How to get an ABN
Work in sales, retail shops
Numerous job opportunities can be found in retail establishments such as clothing stores, shoe shops, and various small stores. Salaries typically range from $24 to $28 per hour, with higher rates paid on weekends and public holidays.
Supermarkets also offer potential employment, with pay rates averaging around $24 per hour for positions like checkout attendants and storekeepers. Major supermarket chains in Australia include Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, and IGA. If you’re seeking employment with these prominent brands, it’s often recommended to apply in smaller cities or rural areas, as they are more inclined to hire local candidates in larger cities.
Working with children in Australia
Working as an Au pair can be a good opportunity to combine work and life experience Australia. You will be paid around $300 / week + housed and fed by a family who asks you to take care of the children in exchange. A nanny job is another option, the difference being that you don’t live with the family.
If you have experience and references, also consider going to schools or daycare centres, which sometimes need supervisors or facilitators. For most of these jobs, you will need a WWCC (Working With Children Check) from the website of your state of residence as well as a First Aid Certificate. For Queensland, the WWCC is called the Blue Card.
Work in construction
If you have qualifications and/or experience in construction, labour is in high demand and wages are higher than in the hospitality industry. To work in the construction industry in Australia, you need to get a certificate (White Card), which you can easily obtain through an online course. This certificate is mandatory in Australia for all construction-related jobs. It is valid throughout the country. In cities, you can also apply for the position of Traffic Controller to manage traffic around construction sites.
👷 Get your White Card in Australia (with discounts)
Take advantage of special offers to obtain the white card and work in the construction industry.
Work in a call centre or in customer service
Telemarketing is a sector that often recruits temporary workers. Often you have to call customers on behalf of a company or an association. You may also need to provide customer service, in which case you will have to answer incoming calls.
In any case, even if the speech to be given is already written, you will need to have a good level of English and basic computer skills.
Work in a factory
Working in a factory is also a good way to earn money. These are usually food factories and working conditions can be difficult. English skills are not necessary. Salaries range from $25 per hour.
Find a qualified job
Depending on your qualifications and your visa, you can also find a qualified job. If you have a WHV, you will only be able to work for 6 months with the same employer, but if the job is in your field, this can be a good way to prove yourself and gain experience in Australia. Afterwards, the employer has to transfer you to another branch or offer you a sponsorship (Skills In Demand visa).
Starting a career in Australia can be very attractive, but to be successful you will need to adapt to the Australian market. Create a resume meeting the Australian standards.
Working on Farms or in the Mines in Australia
Farm Work in Rural Australia
Farm jobs are mostly located in rural and outback areas, far from big cities. Tasks can include fruit and vegetable picking, animal care, fishing, and grain or cotton farming.
Expect physical, repetitive work, often in hot or remote environments. Many farms offer on-site accommodation, either free or at a low cost.
👉 If you want to extend your Working Holiday Visa, you must complete 88 days (3 months) of specified regional work — and farm work is one of the most common ways to do it. UK passport holders are exempted (since July 2024).
Fruit Picking Jobs
Fruit Picking includes all work related to agriculture. These jobs appear to be the most suitable for those who wish to work for short or medium term to finance their travel. It requires no qualifications, is available year-round, and is perfect for those travelling with a vehicle.
Each state in Australia offers different fruits and vegetables by season. While the work can be tough and tiring, it’s a great way to fund your trip and meet people from all over the world.
🍓🍇 The Fruit Picking Map 🍏🥭
Are you looking for a job in Fruit Picking? Get free access to more than 400 farm contacts via our interactive map.
Other Agricultural Jobs
Besides picking, farms also hire for roles such as:
- Animal care (sheep, cattle, pigs, goats… even crocodiles!)
- Grain farming (tractors, harvesters, manual labour)
- General farmhands helping with day-to-day operations
If you’re comfortable with outdoor work and machinery, these jobs can be a great fit.
Working on Solar Farms in Australia
Australia is investing heavily in renewable energy, and solar farms are growing fast. Located in remote areas, these sites hire labourers, cleaners, and trade assistants for maintenance and installation.
💰 Wages start around $30/hour, often with bonuses, meals, and cheap accommodation included.
⚠️ You will need the White Card to work on a solar farm.
Mining Jobs in Australia
Mining is one of the highest-paid sectors in Australia. Mines are located in remote areas and operate on FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) rosters.
Entry-level workers earn between $30–$45 AUD/hour, with higher pay for specialised roles like:
- Machinery operators
- Engineers
- Site cooks
- Maintenance workers
While demanding, mining jobs offer excellent pay and long-term contract opportunities.
Can you work more than 6 months with the same employer?
Since January 2024, working holiday visa makers can work for the same employer in Australia for more than 6 months without asking permission to the government if your work is:
- in different locations and work in any one location does not exceed 6 months
- in plant and animal cultivation anywhere in Australia
- in certain industries (aged care and disability services, fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, construction and mining, in northern Australia only)
- natural disaster recovery work
- in critical sectors, including agriculture, food processing, health, aged and disability care and childcare, anywhere in Australia
- in the critical sector of tourism and hospitality anywhere in Australia.
For any other situations not covered above, you must ask for permission to work longer than 6 months with one employer.
Doing an Internship in Australia
An internship in Australia is a great way to gain international experience and discover the local job market — whether you’re finishing your studies or starting your career.
Unlike in Europe, internships in Australia are often seen as voluntary learning experiences, not professional roles. As a result, most internships are unpaid.
Still, interning in Australia can be a valuable opportunity to build your network, improve your English, and even land a job later on. It’s a smart move if you’re planning to stay longer or return on a working visa.
Volunteering in Australia
Volunteering is a common practice in Australia. Having one or more volunteering experiences in Australia can be helpful as it is often highly valued by recruiters. Many associations are looking for volunteers to lend a helping hand.
Wwoofing
The Wwoofing is a very popular practice in Australia. You are housed and fed in exchange for working at the farm. Your hosts provide you with accommodation (caravan, room, tent …) and meals. To join, you will need to register to the Wwoofing program: www.wwoof.com.au.
HelpX
The HelpExchange program is based on the same principle as the Wwoofing. Again, it is necessary to be a member to access and contact hosts directly. You can work on farms, ranches, properties in exchange for shelter and food. You can register here: www.helpx.net
⚠️ Following the recent flood, cyclone and severe weather events, the time spent volunteering in the disaster areas can count towards the 88 days required to obtain a second or third Working Holiday Visa (179 days in this case). For more information, see our dedicated article.
WorkAway
Whether it’s assisting on a farm, teaching language, or contributing to community projects, Workaway offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in local life while reducing your travel expenses. You can register here: www.workaway.info
Working as a freelancer in Australia
To work as a freelancer is to have the freedom to carry out your activity where you want or to have additional income. It is quite possible to work on your own with a temporary work visa. You just need to request an ABN (Australian Business Number). The procedure is quite simple and is done online. Once you have your ABN, you will be able to bill your customers, whether they are individuals or businesses.
You will have to follow a few rules to issue your invoices, such as having a TFN (Tax File Number) to declare your annual income to the ATO. Consider increasing your hourly rates in comparison to salaried work because you will have to save some income for your taxes (income taxes, retirement and insurance).
Taxation System in Australia
Australia levies taxes on your wages. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) takes care of this. The good news is that your employer pays the taxes, so the tax is withheld at source. It is therefore normal for your employer to ask you for your TFN when he offers you a job and you have 28 days to provide it after your hire.
Even if you have a temporary work visa (WHV, SID visa, etc.), you are subject to this tax. On top of your salary, your company must also contribute to your superannuation (11.5% of your salary) and for Medicare levy (2% of your salary).
At the end of the financial year (June 30), you will have to declare your income for the year to the ATO. Depending on the total amount of income received (from your salary bracket), your tax rate will be different, and in some cases, you may have to recover part of the taxes paid.
Working holiday makers tax rates 2024–25
| Taxable income | Tax on this income |
|---|---|
| 0 – $45,000 | 15c for each $1 |
| $45,001 – $135,000 | $6,750 plus 32.5c for each $1 over $45,000 |
| $135,001 – $190,000 | $3″1,1253,750 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000 |
| $190,001 and over | $54,100 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000 |
At the time of your tax declaration, you will also be able to request a reimbursement of the Medicare levy if you do not benefit from the Australian health system. As for the superannuation, you can ask to recover it when you leave Australia. Keep in mind that you will be taxed on the sum (65%).
Read also : Backpackers Tax Rates in Australia
Your rights as a worker
Some rights and responsibilities apply to all employees and employers in Australia. To avoid the abuse of unscrupulous employers against young foreign workers, let us recall some labour rights and rules in Australia:
- The legal working time in Australia is 38h per week.
- Annual paid leave is 4 weeks + 1 additional week for certain shift workers.
- Parental leave can go up to 12 months renewable once, unpaid.
- All employees working in Australia are entitled to a minimum wage
For most employees, this minimum wage is set by an agreement (an Award) which relates to their sector of activity or their profession. For each Award, there is, therefore, a minimum rate of remuneration and different rights. You can check the FairWork site for your Award. For employees not covered by an Award, the national minimum wage applies $24.10 per hour or $915.90 per week (for 38 hours work and before tax) (since July 1, 2024).
Depending on the type of contract, the rate of remuneration may vary. This is particularly the case for casual jobs. For this type of job, the number of hours you will work per week is not guaranteed. To compensate, you benefit from an increased hourly rate to cover job insecurity (absence of paid leave, sick leave, etc.).
For those who work in fruit picking and who work by piece. Since 2022, workers are guaranteed a minimum hourly wage. This change applies to full-time, part-time and casual employees. For the horticulture sector, for all full-time and part-time workers, the minimum wage is at least $23,45 (since July 2024).
Employers have to pay employees for all work they do. This includes for:
- training
- meetings
- mandatory work activities.
👷💰Backpackers Jobs and Salaries
What jobs can you get in Australia and for what salary? To give you authentic information, we asked other backpackers.
To learn more about your rights, visit the FairWork website.
Extend your stay in Australia
Many people seek to migrate to Australia. Indeed, life in Australia is very pleasant and it is possible to make a career there. Here are some possibilities to extend your stay.
Renew your WHV
If you come to Australia with a WHV (valid for one year), you can extend it for a second year if you work 88 days of regional work during the first year of your visa. You can do a third year of WHV with 6 months of regional work during your second year. You will have to apply for a new WHV and pay the fee ($650).
Turn your visa into a student visa or tourist visa
At the end of your temporary work visa, you can switch to a student visa by registering for a course. It can be a course in a school (university, TAFE, etc.) or simple language course. Costs of student visas start from $1600 (visa fee until July 2025).
You can also apply for a tourist visa (eVisitor). This is valid for 3 months but does not allow you to work legally. It can, however, give you the time you need to find a sponsor. There are several options available to you in this case. But be aware that your tourist visa will cost you much more if you apply for it from Australia.
Find a sponsor
If you found a job during your first stay in Australia and your employer wishes to keep you, he can sponsor you to stay in Australia for 4 years under a SID visa. This of course provided that your job is listed as an eligible occupation.
Get a partner visa
Finally, if during your stay you meet an Australian citizen or a permanent resident and if your relationship has been established for more than a year, you can apply for a partner visa.
FAQs
Yes, foreign workers need a work visa to legally work in Australia. This could be a Working Holiday Visa, student visa, Partner visa, TSS visa, etc.
You can search for jobs online, contact recruitment agencies, apply directly to employers, or use job listing websites such as Indeed, Seek, Gumtree, etc.
The minimum wage in Australia is set by the Fair Work Commission and is reviewed regularly. Since July 2024, it is set at $24.10 per hour. It will be increase in July 2025.
Yes, the Working Holiday Visa allows travelers to work in Australia in any field while traveling.
Updated on 17/04/2025
