Working in Australia
Australia is one of the world's most popular destinations for working travellers. With high minimum wages, strong worker protections, and a massive demand for seasonal labour, it's a great place to earn while you explore. This guide covers the main job types, where to find work, and what you need to get started.
Visa requirements for working
You must hold a visa that permits work in Australia. Tourist visas (ETA, eVisitor, Subclass 600) do not allow work. The most common options for travellers are the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462).
Check our Australian Visa GuideTypes of Work
🌾Farm & Harvest Work
Fruit picking, pruning, planting, and packing — the most common way to qualify for a second or third year working holiday visa.
- Where
- Regional QLD, VIC, SA, WA, TAS, NSW
- Season
- Year-round (varies by crop and region)
- Typical pay
- AUD $25–35/hr or piece-rate
Check the National Harvest Labour Information Service for current demand by region. Piece-rate work can pay well once you build speed.
🍽️Hospitality & Tourism
Bar staff, waiters, kitchen hands, baristas, and hotel housekeeping. High demand in tourist hotspots and capital cities.
- Where
- Nationwide — especially Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Cairns, Byron Bay
- Season
- Year-round (peaks during school holidays and summer)
- Typical pay
- AUD $25–35/hr (casual rates, including loading)
Get your RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate — it takes a few hours online and is required for any role serving drinks. Many states also require a food safety certificate.
🏗️Construction & Trade Work
Labouring, traffic control, scaffolding, and trade assistant roles. High pay but physically demanding.
- Where
- Capital cities and regional infrastructure projects
- Season
- Year-round
- Typical pay
- AUD $30–50/hr
You need a White Card (general construction induction) — a one-day course costing around $80–120. Traffic control training is another well-paid option.
⛏️Mining & Resources
FIFO (fly-in fly-out) roles in mining operations — very high pay but remote locations with roster schedules.
- Where
- WA (Pilbara, Goldfields), QLD (Bowen Basin), NT
- Season
- Year-round
- Typical pay
- AUD $40–80/hr (entry-level labouring to skilled roles)
Entry-level roles include cleaning, kitchen hand, and labouring. Most require a medical and drug test. Agencies like Hays, Chandler Macleod, and Programmed recruit heavily.
👶Au Pair & Childcare
Live-in childcare in exchange for room, board, and a weekly stipend. Popular with working holiday makers.
- Where
- Nationwide
- Season
- Year-round
- Typical pay
- AUD $200–350/week plus accommodation and meals
Working With Children Check (WWCC) required — free in most states. Agencies like AIFS and Cultural Care match au pairs with families.
📦Retail & Warehouse
Shop assistants, shelf stacking, warehouse picking and packing. Flexible shifts suit travellers well.
- Where
- Capital cities and major regional centres
- Season
- Year-round (peaks at Christmas)
- Typical pay
- AUD $25–32/hr (casual rates)
Agencies like Adecco, Randstad, and Hays have constant warehouse demand. Forklift licence opens up higher-paid roles ($30–40/hr).
🏜️Regional & Outback Work
Station hand, cattle mustering, fencing, roadhouse staff — remote Australia offers unique experiences and visa extension eligibility.
- Where
- NT, outback QLD, WA, SA
- Season
- Dry season (April–October) is busiest
- Typical pay
- AUD $25–40/hr (often includes accommodation)
Many outback roles include free accommodation and meals. Check backpacker job boards and local Facebook groups. A manual driving licence is almost essential.
Getting Started — Essentials
Tax File Number (TFN)
Apply for free online through the ATO within 28 days of arriving. Required by all employers. Without one, you get taxed at the highest rate (45%).
Superannuation
Employers must pay 11.5% super on top of your wage. When you leave Australia, you can claim this back (Departing Australia Superannuation Payment — DASP). Keep your super fund details.
Australian Bank Account
Open within 6 weeks of arriving with just your passport. After 6 weeks you need 100 points of ID. Major banks: Commonwealth, Westpac, ANZ, NAB.
Fair Work Rights
Minimum casual wage is AUD $25.41/hr (2025–26). All workers have the same rights regardless of visa status. Report exploitation to the Fair Work Ombudsman — it will not affect your visa.
RSA Certificate
Required for serving alcohol. Each state has its own RSA — get the one for the state you are working in. Online courses cost $40–80 and take a few hours.
White Card
Required for any construction site work. One-day course ($80–120), nationally recognised. Complete before applying for construction roles.
Where to Find Jobs
Australia's largest job board — professional and skilled roles
Wide range of jobs including casual and entry-level
Job aggregator — good for casual and hospitality work
Specifically for working holiday makers — farm, hospitality, au pair
Australian Government harvest jobs — find fruit picking by region and season
Classifieds — good for local, casual, and cash-in-hand work
Regional Work for Visa Extensions
Working Holiday (417) and Work and Holiday (462) visa holders can qualify for a second year visa by completing 88 days of specified work in regional Australia. A third year requires 6 months of specified regional work during your second year. Eligible work includes agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, construction, and bushfire recovery. The Australian Government defines specific postcodes as "regional" — check the Department of Home Affairs website for the current list.
Worker Rights & Protections
All workers in Australia — including visa holders — have the same workplace rights under Australian law. The Fair Work Ombudsman protects against underpayment, unsafe conditions, and exploitation. If you experience issues, reporting to Fair Work will not affect your visa status. The government actively encourages visa holders to report exploitation. The national minimum wage for casual workers includes a 25% loading to compensate for lack of leave entitlements.