Jobs in Australia

While it may seem on the surface that Australia is only home to blonde surfer babes, it’s actually a great place to meet cultures from around the world, from it’s large Asian immigrant population to its indigenous Aboriginal peoples.

Sydney. The most populous city in Australia and one of the world’s most livable places lies on the east coast. The backdrop of skyscrapers, markets, and beaches make for the ideal setting on the job or off the job. The city is booming with tourism, as many visitors flock to this destination, so the most popular jobs in Sydney are in the hospitality industry.

Melbourne. You’ll find this coastal capital in southeastern Australia in the state of Victoria. With its hip, chic vibes of street arts, beating restaurants, historical museums, and hidden bars, this metropolis is worth the visit. As it’s home to many sporting events, government buildings, businesses, and financial centers, you’ll easily find jobs in those areas.

Perth. Perth’s easygoing and informal lifestyle complements its cosmopolitan scenes and outdoorsy activities. Due to its location, Perth is sprawling with hands-on jobs such as mining and agriculture.

Whether you’re looking for office work or outdoor work, the types of jobs for working abroad in Australia are ample. Most travelers get jobs in Australia in the service or hospitality industry (bars, restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses) or seek work through temp agencies that can find them short-term jobs in administrative office positions.

Au pair. If you like working with children and have some experience doing so, then au pairing sounds like a great job in Australia for you. Au pairs typically live with the family and share meals with them, which will cut down on living expenses and offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Australian culture. Not only that, but you can find programs that are short-term or long-term, and most programs allow you to travel in your free time.

Hospitality. From hostels to restaurants in the cities and coastal towns, Australia is a hot destination for adventurers and vacationers. If you have good customer service and some background in the service industry, you can find a job as a tour guide, bartender, housekeeper, front desk attendant, and more. While you’re learning some Aussie slang, you might even pick up some foreign phrases along the way.

Agriculture. Love animals, the land, and getting your hands dirty? The plethora of ranches, farms, and cattle stations throughout the outback are in need of people like you who aren’t afraid to work hard, drive tractors, mend fences, and ride horses or dirt bikes. In many placements with agriculture, the room and board are included or the program arranges your accommodation if they’re not.

Even though the minimum wage in Australia is around $17 an hour, and usually between $20 to $25 for foreign workers for some jobs in Sydney, most Australian cities are some of the most expensive places to live in the world. Expats’ salaries could range from $25,000 to $75,000 depending on the job, program, and placement.

While meat pies and coffee are fairly affordable, you’ll find that alcohol, entertainment, clothing, and rent can be quite pricey. You can minimize costs by sharing accommodation, making a budget, and being thrifty. Luckily, most program fees will help pay for the job search resources (resumes and interviews), cost of housing, food, excursions, and other benefits.

Finding housing while working abroad in Australia can pose a challenge, as there are many other foreigners in Australia also searching for living space. Several options from flats to hostels are available, however, and some work abroad Australia programs offer assistance and guidance to help you find the best for your needs, so you’ll feel right at home like a joey in a pouch.

Most people don’t realize that getting a visa to work in Australia is relatively easy. Filling out a simple online application and submitting some basic documents is usually all it takes to secure a one-year working visa in Australia — you can read more about visa requirements for your country via GoAbroad’s Embassy Directory. A standard work visa allows the holder to accept any sort of position for a maximum of six months during the year-long visa, and work up to 40 hours per week.

By working in Australia in small towns or large cities, you’ll have the chance to network with people all over the world. You’ll be able to expand your professional contacts, which could lead to future jobs in Australia or at home.

Although English is spoken here, don’t get too comfortable, English speakers: Aussie slang can seem like a foreign language! Aussies will often make up slang on the drop of the hat. Rolling with the punches and joining in on the fun of their dialogue will not only add to the experience, but will provide some great lingo to bring home!

Whether you’re trekking in the morning or bungee jumping in the afternoon, the laidback lifestyle will complement your work abroad in Australia.