Australia is a country full of natural beauty, big cities, friendly locals, and great opportunities. If
you’re coming here with a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) or Student Visa, you can work and
travel at the same time.We know that arriving in a new country and finding work can feel
stressful or confusing. That’s why we’ve created this full, easy-to-read guide. Let’s jump into
everything you need to know about working in Australia.
This guide will help you:
● Understand the best jobs for travelers
● Know what documents and training you need
● Learn how and where to apply
● Avoid scams and illegal work
● Earn good money and enjoy your stay in Australia
A. Hospitality Jobs (Bars, Cafes, Restaurants, Hotels)
A.1 What kind of jobs?
Hospitality is one of the most popular industries for WHV and student visa holders. You can find
jobs such as:
● Waiter/Waitress – Taking orders, bringing food and drinks, setting and cleaning tables
● Runner – Bringing food from the kitchen to the tables
● Bartender – Making and serving drinks, preparing the bar, and cleaning
● Barista – Making coffee and hot drinks (latte art skills can be a plus)
● Host/Hostess – Greeting customers and managing reservations
● Kitchen Hand – Helping prepare food, peeling vegetables, washing dishes
● Dishwasher – Cleaning plates and kitchen tools
● Delivery Driver – Delivering food from restaurants to customers
A.2 What do you need to get hired?
● RSA Certificate – This is required if you want to work in a place that serves alcohol.
RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) Certificate
● You can complete it online or in a classroom.
● Price depends on the state (e.g. VIC from $80, NSW $125 online / $180 in class).
● Valid for 5 years or more, depending on the state.
💡Tips: In Victoria, RSA training is now allowed online since COVID. In NSW, you need a specific RSA for that state. We can help you to get a discount for RSA or
any course, feel free to contact us!
● Barista Course (optional but recommended): Learn to make espresso, froth milk, and clean the coffee machine. Courses start from $119.
● Bartender Course (optional): Learn how to make cocktails, mix drinks, and understand bar service.
A.3 Skills Employers Like
● Good English (especially for front-of-house roles)
● Friendly attitude
● Ability to work under pressure
● Availability on evenings and weekends
A.4 How to find a hospitality job?
● Walk-in with your resume – Go door-to-door in busy areas
● Online platforms – Seek, Gumtree, Indeed, Jora
● Facebook groups – Search “Jobs in Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane…”
● Employment agencies – Like SkillHire, Jobaroo, Sidekicker
A.5 Salary and Conditions
● Minimum wage in hospitality (as of July 2025): $24.10/hour
● Casual workers usually get 25% more (around $30/hour)
● Higher pay on weekends and public holidays
● Max 38 hours/week (unless you agree to more)
A.6 Trial shifts
It’s common to do a trial shift before being hired. Some employers offer short unpaid trials (1–2 hours), but anything longer must be paid.
💡Tips:
● Wear comfortable black clothes and closed shoes
● Look clean and friendly
● Always ask, “Will I be paid for the trial?” If not, be careful. It’s illegal to make someone work a full shift without pay.
B. Farm Work and Fruit Picking
Farm work is one of the most popular jobs for people on a Working Holiday Visa. It’s physical, outdoors, and sometimes in remote areas—but it helps you save money and even extend your visa.
B.1 Why Do Farm Work?
● You can earn money quickly
● Free or cheap accommodation is often available
● You can meet other backpackers
● You can complete 88 days of regional work to apply for your 2nd-year visa
B.2 Common Jobs on Farms
● Fruit picking – e.g. strawberries, apples, oranges, grapes, cherries
● Vegetable harvesting
● Packing – Sorting and boxing fruit or veggies
● General farm labor – Helping with planting, weeding, or animal care
B.3 What to Expect
● Hard physical work (lifting, bending, sun exposure)
● Long hours, often starting early (6am)
● Work can depend on the weather
● Piece rate or hourly pay
● Average wage: $20–$28/hour
Note: Piece rates are legal but must be fair. You must be able to earn at least the minimum wage if working efficiently.
B.4 Locations and Seasons
Farm work is available all year, but each region has different harvest seasons:
💡Tips: for farm work
● Avoid Northern Territory (Darwin) during the wet season (Nov–March)
● Wear long sleeves, hat, sunscreen, and good shoes
● Bring water and snacks for long days
● Ask about accommodation and transport options
● Some farms provide transport from town
● Shop for gear at Kmart, BigW, or second-hand stores like Vinnies or Salvos
B.6 How to Find Farm Work
● Facebook groups – e.g. “Fruit Picking Australia”
● Gumtree, Seek, Backpacker Job Board
● Jobaroo, Harvest Trail, AgriLabour Australiacole
● Ask other travelers and hostel managers
B.7 Save Your Visa Days!
To apply for your 2nd or 3rd WHV, you must:
● Work in a regional area
● Do 88 days of approved farm or regional work
● Check the postcode and work type is valid
You can find the official list on the Australian Government immigration website.
C. Construction Jobs (High Pay for Hard Work!)
Construction is a popular option for those who want to make good money and don’t mind physical work. In 2025, there is a big demand for workers, and you can earn $30–$45 per hour depending on your job.
C.1 Types of Construction Jobs
● Labourer – Carrying materials, cleaning the site, supporting tradespeople
● Traffic Controller – Directing vehicles and pedestrians around worksites
● Painter – Painting inside or outside buildings
● Skilled Trades – Electricians, plumbers, carpenters (experience required)
● Site Cleaner – Sweeping, picking up rubbish, helping keep the area safe
💡Tips: Most jobs don’t require experience, but you do need to be reliable and physically fit.
C.2 Required Certificate: White Card
To work on any construction site in Australia, you must have a White Card.
● The White Card proves you understand worksite safety rules
● You can do the course online or in-person
● Cost: Around $40–$100 depending on the provider
● Valid in all states and territories
💡Tips: If you don’t work in construction for 2 years, you may need to refresh the card
C.3 What Equipment You Need (PPE)
You’ll need basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
● Safety boots
● High-visibility vest
● Hard hat
● Gloves
● Safety glasses or hearing protection (for some jobs)
💡Tips: You can buy cheap PPE at Kmart, Bunnings, or second-hand stores like Vinnies
C.4 Level of English
A basic level of English is usually needed for construction. You must understand safety instructions and communicate with supervisors.
C.5 Other Useful Licenses
● Traffic Controller License – Around $200–$500, valid for 3 years
● Forklift License – From $500, valid for 5 years
● Scaffolding Permit – For building and removing scaffolding (basic to advanced levels)
💡Tips: These licenses increase your job options and salary!
C.6 Pay and Working Conditions
● Casual Labourers – $30–$40/hour
● Traffic Controllers – $35–$45/hour
● Skilled Workers – $40–$60/hour
● Casual workers earn 25% more but have no paid leave
● You can work up to 38 hours/week or more with agreement
💡Tips: Evening, weekend, or public holiday shifts can earn you 50% more!
C.7 How to Find Construction Work
● Agencies – Register with Hays, SkillHire, FT Workforce, Labour Solutions Australia
● Online – Search on Seek, Indeed, or Gumtree
● Word of Mouth – Ask around in hostels, job sites, or even at pubs
● Facebook Groups – Try “Construction Jobs in Australia” or city-specific groups
C.8 Does Construction Count for 2nd or 3rd Year WHV?
Yes – some construction jobs in regional areas count toward your second or third-year Working Holiday Visa. Check:
● The type of job (must be in eligible sectors like building, installation, site prep)
● The postcode (must be in a regional area)
Find the full list on the Australian Government website.
💡 Tips: Keep all pay slips and contracts to prove your work for visa extensions
D. Retail Jobs (Shops, Supermarkets, Malls)
Retail is another good option for backpackers and students. It’s usually less physical than farm or construction work and often located in cities or towns, making it convenient if you don’t want to travel far.
D.1 What Kind of Retail Jobs?
● Cashier – Operating the till and taking payments
● Sales Assistant – Helping customers and keeping the store tidy
● Shelf Stacker – Restocking items and arranging products
● Customer Service – Answering questions or handling complaints
● Stockroom Assistant – Working in the back with deliveries and inventory
D.2 Who’s Hiring?
Big chain stores and supermarkets often hire casual workers:
● Coles
● Woolworths
● Aldi
● Kmart
● Target
● Big W
● Cotton On Group
● JB Hi-Fi
D.3 What You Need
● A friendly and polite attitude
● Basic English (especially for customer-facing roles)
● Availability on weekends and public holidays (very important!)
💡Tips: No experience? No problem. Many stores train new staff.
D.4 Pay and Conditions
● Casual rate: Around $25–$30/hour
● Part-time/full-time: Around $23–$28/hour plus benefits
● Extra pay on weekends and public holidays
D.5 How to Find a Job in Retail
● Online: Seek, Indeed, Jora, company career pages
● In-person: Visit shopping centres and hand out resumes
● Facebook groups: Join city-based backpacker job groups
💡Tips: Bring a clean, simple resume and ask for the manager. Smile and show enthusiasm!
D.6 Tips for Success
● Be well-presented (clean clothes, tidy hair)
● Practice common English questions for customers
● Be flexible with shifts (especially nights or weekends)
● Try to learn about the products in your store
E. Delivery & Ride-Sharing Jobs (Flexible, Independent Work)
If you have a bicycle, scooter, or car, you can earn money delivering food or driving people around. These jobs are great for students and backpackers because you choose your hours.
E.1 Delivery Apps
Work as a delivery driver/rider for apps like:
● Uber Eats
● DoorDash
● Deliveroo (in limited areas)
● Menulog
💡Tips: You can deliver on a bicycle, scooter, or car.
E.2 Ride-Sharing Apps
Work as a driver for services like:
● Uber
● DiDi
● Ola
You must have:
● A valid driver’s licence (and possibly an international or Australian licence)
● A registered, insured car
● A clean driving record
Note: These jobs require an ABN (Australian Business Number) because you’re considered a contractor, not an employee.
E.3 How to Get Started
1. Download the app and create a profile
2. Upload documents (ID, licence, vehicle info, insurance, ABN)
3. Pass a background check (and sometimes vehicle inspection)
4. Start accepting orders or rides!
E.4 Pay and Tips
● Delivery: $20–$35/hour (depends on distance, tips, and time of day)
● Ride-share: $25–$45/hour (more during peak hours)
● You keep 100% of your tips
Note: Apps take a small percentage of your earnings (around 20–30%)
E.5 Pros and Cons
Pros:
● Flexible hours – work anytime
● No boss
● Great for exploring the city
Cons:
● You must pay your own tax
● You pay for fuel, phone data, vehicle maintenance
● You don’t earn if it’s quiet
E.6 What You Need
● ABN (apply free at abr.gov.au)
● TFN (Tax File Number – for tax purposes)
● Bank account to receive your money
● Good map app (like Google Maps or Waze)
💡Tip: Work during lunch/dinner or weekends for the best earnings.
F. Nanny & Au Pair Jobs (Live with a Family, Care for Children)
If you enjoy spending time with kids and want to live with an Australian family, working as a nanny or au pair could be perfect for you!
F.1 What’s the Difference?
● Au Pair – Live with the family, help with kids, and receive pocket money, food, and a room. It’s a cultural exchange.
● Nanny – A professional childcare job, usually paid by the hour. You may live with the family or commute.
F.2 Common Duties
● Taking children to/from school
● Helping with homework
● Preparing simple meals or lunchboxes
● Playing with kids, planning fun activities
● Doing light housework (tidying, laundry)
💡Tips: Most families expect around 25–35 hours/week for au pairs, and 30–40+ for nannies
F.3 Pay and Conditions
● Au Pair: $200–$350/week + accommodation + meals
● Nanny: $25–$35/hour (sometimes more with experience)
💡Tips: Live-in nannies may also get free room and food
F.4 Requirements
● WHV or Student Visa
● Good attitude and responsibility
● Experience with kids is a plus (but not always needed)
● Basic English
● Police check (sometimes)
● Driver’s license (optional but helpful)
F.5 Where to Find Jobs
● Au Pair World – Website to connect with families
● WeNeedANanny.com.au – Popular nanny job board
● Facebook groups – e.g. “Au Pairs in Australia”, “Australia Nanny Jobs”
● Gumtree – Some families post ads there
● AIFS Australia – Agency for au pair placements
💡Tip: Start looking before you arrive in Australia to have interviews ready
F.6 Pros and Cons
Pros:
● Free accommodation and food (au pair)
● Cultural experience
● Family environment
Cons:
● Less independence (you live where you work)
● Some families may expect more hours than agreed (set clear rules early)
💡 Tips: Make sure to agree on working hours, pay, and duties before you start
G. Important Documents You Need to Work in Australia
Before you start working in Australia, you need to have the right documents and numbers.
These include:
● TFN (Tax File Number)
● ABN (Australian Business Number, for contractors)
● Superannuation (retirement fund account)
Getting these documents can feel complicated, especially if English isn’t your first language. But don’t worry — we offer services to help you get everything done quickly and correctly!
Let Me Help You!
I can assist you with:
● Applying for your TFN
● Registering for your ABN (for delivery jobs or freelance work)
● Creating your superannuation account
● Making sure you’re ready to start working legally in Australia
💡 These services are designed for international backpackers and students who want help with all the admin. Visit our services or contact us directly to get started.
H. How to Find a Job in Australia
Finding a job in a new country can feel scary — but don’t worry! Australia has many options,
and jobs are often available for people with energy, a smile, and a strong work ethic.
H.1 Where to Look for Jobs
Here are the most common ways backpackers and students find jobs in Australia:
1. Job Websites:
● Seek.com.au
● Indeed.com.au
● Jora.com.au
● Backpacker Job Board
● Gumtree (be cautious of scams)
2. Facebook Groups:
● Search “Jobs in [City]” or “Backpacker Jobs Australia”
3. Walk-ins:
● Go to cafes, bars, or shops with your CV and ask to speak to the manager
4. Job Agencies:
● Sidekicker, Hays, SkillHire, Labour Solutions
Tips: But here’s the truth — it can take time and confidence to apply for jobs when you’re new to Australia. If you’re not sure where to begin, I can help!
Let Me Help You Find Your First Job 💼
As part of my service, I help backpackers and students:
● Improve and format their CV/resume
● Learn where and how to apply depending on their visa and skills
● Get ready for interviews and trial shifts
● Connect with job opportunities through my local network
👉 Don’t stress or waste time searching blindly — contact us or visit the website to get help finding a job in Australia.
I. Minimum Wage, Tax, and Getting Paid
Understanding how much you will earn — and how tax works — is important when working in Australia. Here’s a simple explanation tailored for backpackers and international students.
I.1 Minimum Wage (2025 Update)
● The national minimum wage is $24.10/hour (as of July 2025)
● If you’re a casual worker, you should get an extra 25% casual loading
● That means many casual jobs pay around $30/hour or more
💡 Tips: Jobs on weekends, nights, or public holidays may pay even more
I.2 How Tax Works
When you work in Australia, part of your pay goes to tax. The amount depends on your income and visa:
● Most backpackers pay around 15% tax on earnings up to $45,000
● You may be able to claim some money back when you leave the country or at tax time
💡 Tips: You will also see superannuation (retirement fund) on your payslip – your boss
must pay an extra 11% of your wage into your super fund (you can claim it back later).
I.3 What You Need to Get Paid
To start receiving your pay, you must have:
● TFN (Tax File Number)
● Australian bank account
● A job contract or payslip
💡 Tips: Not sure how to open a bank account or manage tax? W’ve got you covered!
Let Me Help You Set It All Up 💼
As part of my service for WHV holders and students, I also offer help with:
● Explaining your payslip and what taxes mean
● Choosing a good Australian bank account
● Setting up your tax number and superannuation fund
● Understanding your rights as a worker
👉 Contact us or check our services if you want help with the money side of working in Australia.
J. Your Rights at Work in Australia
Every worker in Australia has rights — even if you are on a Working Holiday or Student Visa.
Knowing your rights protects you from scams, unpaid trials, or being treated unfairly.
J.1 Your Legal Work Rights
As a WHV or student visa holder, you have the right to:
● Receive at least minimum wage ($24.10/hour in 2025)
● Be paid for every hour you work
● Take rest breaks and have safe working conditions
● Work in a place that follows Australian health and safety laws
● Say “no” to unpaid trial shifts or being paid in cash only
J.2 What to Watch Out For
● Unpaid or very long trials (more than 1–2 hours unpaid is not legal)
● Cash-in-hand jobs without payslips (not always illegal but risky)
● Bosses keeping your passport (this is illegal)
● No superannuation being paid (if you earn over $450/month)
💡Tips: If something feels wrong — trust your gut and ask for help!
J.3 What If You Have a Problem?
You can:
● Talk to your boss first if you feel comfortable
● Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free help: fairwork.gov.au
● Reach out to a local community centre or legal advice group
Need Help Understanding Your Rights?
If you’re confused by any of this, or unsure what to do in a work situation, We can help explain it
clearly and support you.
🛠 We offer personal guidance for backpackers and students:
● Know your rights before you start a job
● Learn what to say to a difficult boss
● Understand if you’re being underpaid
● Get support if you’re treated unfairly at work
👉 Contact us directly for a chat or visit our services for more details. You’re not alone — we’re here to help you feel safe, confident, and protected in your Aussie work adventure.
Key FAQs for WHV Job Seekers
Can I Work Full-Time on a WHV?
Yes! WHV holders can work full-time, but you can only stay with one employer for up to 6
months.
What’s Needed for a Second-Year WHV?
Completing 88 days of specified regional work in eligible areas qualifies you for a second-year
WHV.
Is It Easy to Find Work?
It depends on the season and location, but WHV holders often find work if they’re proactive and
flexible, especially in hospitality and agriculture.
What Type of Contract Will I Have?
Jobs may be offered as part-time, casual, or full-time. Casual contracts are common for WHV
workers, providing higher hourly pay but no job security or benefits. Full-time and part-time
contracts include regular hours and benefits but may be harder to secure for short-term stays.
How Often Will I Be Paid?
Payment frequency varies by employer and job type. Most WHV workers are paid weekly or
fortnightly, though monthly payments can occur, especially in more formal or office-based roles.
Can I Stay Longer than 6 Months in One Job?
No, WHV holders can only work for the same employer for up to 6 months unless specific
exemptions apply.
Do I Need a Tax File Number (TFN)?
Yes, it’s required for legal work in Australia.
Is Health Insurance Needed?
While not mandatory, having travel insurance or a local health plan is recommended.
Can I Work Night Shifts?
Yes, many jobs offer night shifts, especially in hospitality and warehouse roles.
