How much can you earn in Australia?
Find out the minimum wage in Australia and how much you can expect to earn when working in these popular jobs for working holiday makers.
Minimum wage in Australia
Riverlife, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism Australia
From swimming through turquoise waters to sipping wine amidst a sparking skyline, working holiday makers get to experience the best of Australia. While there are plenty of experiences that won’t cost you much, a job can mean extra money to fund your travels, experience in a range of industries and mingling with locals and other travellers.
The national minimum wage is currently AUD $21.38 per hour or AUD $812.60 per 38-hour week (before tax). Casual employees covered by the national minimum wage also get at least a 25 per cent casual loading added to their pay. Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for complete details on minimum wage and workers' rights.
Here’s what you can expect while working Down Under.
Jobs in tourism
Ocean Freedom, Cairns, Queensland © Tourism Australia
From working as a deckhand as you sail the Whitsundays to housekeeping at a quaint guest house on Magnetic Island, there are so many jobs in Australia that are perfect for the adventurous at heart. With these types of roles you typically don’t need any specific training or experience; just a good attitude and taste for adventure. In junior tourism roles, your salary will likely start around the minimum wage, but you may receive tips or discounted accommodation in addition to your pay.
Jobs in hospitality
La Buvette Drinkery, Adelaide, South Australia © Josie Withers Photography
Whether you want to spend mornings perfecting your latte art or evenings shaking cocktails, working in hospitality is great for finding a schedule that works for you. You'll get to learn about Australia's amazing food and drink scene while meeting locals and fellow travellers, and many venues pay above minimum wage if you have experience. Some will also throw in tips and discounted meals and you may also be eligible for ‘penalty rates’ when working on weekends or public holidays, which can bump up the figures.
Au pair
Dreamworld, Gold Coast, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Fruit picker
Oliver’s Taranga, McLaren Vale, South Australia © Meaghan Coles
Fruit picking on Australian farms is popular among working holiday makers. While you don’t need any specific training or certificates to work on a farm, you may be required to supply your own steel cap boots, gloves and hi-vis work shirts. Check with your employer before you head into the country, as it may be cheaper to purchase your equipment in a larger city.
One thing fruit picking will give you that many other jobs won’t is the ability to earn money per bin as opposed to per hour. This means your hourly rate is entirely up to how quickly you work. Learn more about how piece rates are calculated here.
Receptionist and administrative assistant
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Smithfield, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Living with a local family as an au pair is a great way to experience the Aussie lifestyle. You'll get to share meals, learn the local tips and tricks and maybe even join the family on exciting getaways. In Australia, au pairs usually earn a small weekly or monthly stipend in addition to free room, board and daily meals. Your employer may require a Working with Children check, which usually costs around AUD $80 to $125 and a first aid certificate, which will set you back between AUD $70 and $160.
If you’re looking for a job with a great schedule, reception is an ideal option. Hours usually fall between 9am and 5pm, leaving you plenty of time for a post-work surf in the summer months. Receptionist roles generally pay above the minimum wage depending on your experience. Your hostel might be an easy place to start your search – ask the manager if they could use someone to help out on the desk, or pay a visit to some of Australia's coolest hotels to try your luck.
Construction worker
Felons Brewing Co, Brisbane, Queensland © John Nguyen Photography
Construction worker
Australia’s cities and regional areas are always developing, which means there are plenty of construction jobs that are perfect for working holiday makers. In addition to plentiful work, construction allows you to move around the country and improve your skills.
Note: Tourism Australia is not the Australian government authority on pay rates or workers' rights.
The content on this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for complete details on minimum wage and workers' rights in Australia: https://www.fairwork.gov.au
