What are the best backpacker jobs in Sydney? Australia offers an amazing visa type for citizens of many countries- the work and holiday visa. This allows you to, well, work and travel, across Australia. It’s certainly an amazing opportunity and can allow you to earn money while traveling or it can open the doors to sponsorship or other ways to stay in Australia longer.
However, there are some downsides- you have to be under the age of 30, although this has recently been extended to 35- only for Irish and Canadian citizens. The working holiday visa also limits your ability to work for one employer for up to six months at a time, which can make it challenging to find jobs. This means if you want to work in Australia for one year, you could do two work placements, each up to six months each.
Depending on your country of origin, you may qualify for either the 462 or 417 visa type- consult the Department of Immigration for more details. However, the opportunity to work and travel Australia is so incredible, I would recommend the expat experience to anyone.
It can be a little overwhelming to move here on a work and holiday visa, especially if you’re on a tight budget and hoping to start earning right away.
We’ve created this comprehensive guide to provide an overview of some of the best backpacker jobs in Sydney, and what you’ll need to do, know, and prepare for before applying for work.
Please note that COVID entry requirements into Australia can change at any time, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information.
Is it hard to get a job in Sydney?
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Yes and no- not a helpful answer, I know. I say yes because Sydney is Australia’s largest city, and has, by far, the most job opportunities to be found within the country. Although, because it is very competitive, many students, backpackers, young Australians, or even retirees looking for casual income may all be competing within the same job pool.
To help find a job fast, be flexible- unfortunately, you may not land a job in your dream field right away, but I am sure you’ll be able to find something fairly quickly. When I moved to Sydney as an expat on a working holiday visa, I was able to find work within the first month of being here, and most others I know were able to do the same. You can also start doing research or sending off applications before you arrive, or at least reaching out to potential companies.
Suppose my answer is, therefore- no, it’s not too hard to find work in Sydney, but finding your dream job might be a bit harder. That being said, Covid has left Australia with industry shortages in plenty of fields, such as retail and hospitality, so this can definitely work to your advantage at the moment.
Looking to work abroad in Australia, or elsewhere? Check out these helpful working abroad resources.
What is the minimum wage in Sydney?
One of the biggest drawcards to backpacking and working in Australia are the salaries- generally considered quite high. The current minimum wage in Australia is $20.33 per hour, or $772.60 per 38-hour week (before tax). If you are working weekends, holidays, late night, or early mornings, you may also qualify for penalty rates. Penalty rates are government-mandated increases in pay, to make up for having to work at times when most people are enjoying time off. Overtime pay may also be applicable if you’re working more than 40 hours per week.
Although working on weekends or nights, when most of your friends are out enjoying themselves, can definitely be a downer, willingness to work undesirable shift times can quickly lead to larger paychecks. This is great for saving money to travel throughout Australia or elsewhere.
Although the cost of living in Sydney can be high, depending on where you’re coming from, I find the generous wages really help. As someone coming from the US, I was really surprised how amazing salaries were here compared to back home. Not to mention the annual leave- while it’s common to only have one or two weeks in the states, the Australian system provides a minimum of four weeks, plus public holidays. We also have a two-week company shut-down over Christmas and New Year, fantastic for heading home, travel, or just relaxing in the Aussie sunshine- I spent last Christmas at Byron Bay– would highly recommend!
Do I need a CV or resume?
Yes, 100%. Any potential employer, no matter what industry, will want to see your work experience, education or qualifications, and probably references (although these will often be asked for later on after you’ve already applied and interviewed for the job).
Do include your local address and contact details on your resume, and also mention your visa status- this will make it a lot easier for potential employers to know that (a) you’re already in the country and ready to work and (b) that you are eligible to legally work in the country.
There’s a huge range of resources online to help create and format your resume in the Australian style, although I find it’s not really any different than the American style. Recruitment agencies are also really helpful when it comes to sprucing up your resume and making sure it is best showcasing your skills- this is another really good reason to sign up with one. Speaking of…
What’s the deal with recruitment agencies?
When you start searching for jobs in Sydney, you’ll notice that so many ads are by recruitment agencies. Agencies are really big in Sydney, and you’ll find them for almost any industry. Agencies work as a middleman between companies and job-seekers to match jobs with candidates. Their fees are paid by the company using the service to find staff and are paid either an hourly fee or a placement fee for landing an employee in the role, depending on whether the role is a temp job or permanent.
There is no fee to you as a job-seeker to utilise an agency, and you generally aren’t limited to just working with one, so register with as many as you can. As the incentive is on them to find you work, as that’s how they get paid commission, they will often work really hard to help place you in a role. Many jobs are also solely recruited through agencies. They can also assist with getting your resume ready, interview tips, or just provide an overview of how the working culture is in Sydney, so are a really valuable tool for new arrivals.
As with all services, you’ll find some that are fantastic and go above and beyond, and some that really aren’t helpful at all. Search for recruitment agencies within your preferred field (such as retail, admin, finance, etc.) to get started, and don’t be afraid to look elsewhere if you’re not happy with the help you’re getting from them. For these reasons, I won’t name names of agencies to recommend or avoid, as everyone has different experiences.
Best backpacker jobs in Sydney
There are so many types of jobs for backpackers in Australia, whether you are looking for a stepping-stone into a career or a long term stay in Sydney, or simply want to save some money for traveling. Here’s a broad overview of some of the types of work to look for in Sydney, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box!
With the working holiday visa, you are limited to working up to six months per employer. This can be a real drag, however, I’ve tried to outline some of the types of work that is commonly more willing and able to hire short-term workers.
There are so many job sites out there, but some great starting points are Seek, Indeed, Jora, CareerOne, and EthicalJobs.
Job type- Retail
Retail jobs can be found everywhere in Sydney, ranging from fashion, groceries, bookstores, or anything else. You can also earn penalty rates for working nights and weekends, and you often get an employee discount from your employer. That being said, retail jobs can be competitive, since you’re also competing with high school or uni students looking for extra money. Salaries can also be entry level unless you’re in management.
However, if you’re looking for work in the lead-up to the Christmas holidays, many companies hire Christmas casual workers to handle the extra shoppers, making it a great job for a few months.
Requirements-
Retail jobs like to see customer service experience, and reliability, professionalism, and friendliness. Flexibility when it comes to working nights and weekends is also usually desirable.
Job type- Service industry (restaurant, bar work, catering)
I’ve worked in bars and restaurants in the US, and it can be a really fun job and a great way to meet new people. Although tips aren’t as common here as the US (unless you’re in a more upscale restaurant), it’s still a great job option. However, it’s also a really popular job with backpackers, meaning bar, cafe, and restaurant jobs can be really competitive.
There are also many catering companies in Sydney, often in need of events staff or regular workers, which could be a lot of fun too.
If you’re hoping to land a bar job in Sydney, some experience in the industry will probably be required, or at least highly desirable, as will your RSA certification.
What’s an RSA? The Responsible Service of Alcohol, or RSA, is a certification required to show that you are familiar with how to handle intoxicated patrons, when to stop serving someone, and the dangers and risks of alcohol consumption. It is a legal requirement from the New South Wales government to have this certification if you’re working in an establishment that serves alcohol. The good news is it can be done online in less than a day if you don’t want to attend face-to-face training, and it is reasonably priced at about $120 AUD. Consider completing it before you arrive, or soon after if you’re looking for bar jobs in Australia.
However, if you’re not set on being in Sydney, a lot of regional tourism towns are desperate for staff! Places like the Northern Territory, Perisher or Thredbo, or Queensland resorts are all good options, depending on your interests. Thredbo in particular is a good option if you’re looking for work in the Australian winter months.
Want to read more about Sydney life? Expats and bloggers in Sydney recommend their top secret places to explore around the city.
Requirements-
RSA certification, previous experience highly desired, willingness to work evenings and weekends, customer service skills, food and wine knowledge for higher-end establishments. Budding baristas may also consider taking a short barista course, really valuable if you’re looking for coffee shop or cafe work- also read up on the coffee styles in Australia- Australian cafe culture is different than the US, and it definitely confused me at first!
Job type- Office administration/temp work
Office work, such as administration, is always available in Sydney, with so many local, national, and international businesses based in the city. If you already have qualifications in areas such as HR, finance, project management, or marketing, there are many opportunities to be found. This could short-term work to fill in while a staff member is on leave, longer-term maternity coverage, or businesses looking for additional staff to help with large projects.
As mentioned above, recruitment agencies are one of the best ways to find this type of work. They can also be great if you’re looking for work that might lead to sponsorship, so talk to them about your experience, education, and career goals, and hopefully, you can work together to find an awesome job. If you’re unsure what direction to take, temping in short term roles also allows you to gain experience in a variety of workplaces, learn new skills, and build a better understanding of what sort of work you might want to do in the future. Employees are usually paid weekly through the agency, which is convenient.
Requirements-
This will vary depending on the role, but strong Microsoft Office skills and computer knowledge, customer skills, experience, or at least willingness to learn, and a professional attitude will go a long way.
Job type- Fundraising and sales (including telemarketing)
Fundraising- love it or hate it? This can range from inbound calling, outbound (warm or cold) calling, street fundraising, or any other job relating to selling a project or service, encouraging others to donate to a charity, or generating leads.
For me, I really don’t have the personality type to do sales or marketing, and I must admit I often avoid eye contact with street fundraisers (sorry guys!), so I don’t have much experience with these jobs. However, if you’re more extroverted and skilled than I am, you might love this sort of work! You’re often likely to work with a lot of fellow backpackers, and many companies try to encourage staff with perks such as Friday drinks or free meals. Some jobs might also include travel.
Requirements-
For entry-level fundraising and sales jobs, there tends to often be high staff turnover- therefore, a lot of experience isn’t always needed, more so just willingness and a can-do attitude. Being friendly, confident, and outgoing also goes a long way.
Job type- Construction/labouring
Day labourers, construction workers, or talented tradesmen can often find work in Sydney. There is so much construction going on here, and extra hands are always needed. Great work if you don’t want to sit at a desk all day, don’t mind some manual labour, or if you have experience or training already in a trade.
Requirements-
A White Card certification is usually required- this is a short course on general construction industry training and safety, best practices, and OH&S. This can be obtained online through a number of registered training providers. In addition, experience, the ability to withstand hot days in the sun while labouring, teamwork, and a professional and safety-conscious approach to working is really important.
If you’re working outside, be super careful in the sun- here’s why expats need to be extra careful in the Aussie sun.
Job type- Au pair/nannying
If you love working with children, an au pair or nannying job might be for you. Au pairs are really popular in Sydney, and they also often are provided with accommodation and meals as part of their employment package, meaning you’ll be living with your family. In addition, you’ll be paid a wage- as accommodation can be so pricey in Sydney, au pair work is a good way to save money.
Register with an agency for the best chances of finding this type of work- you’ll also need to undertake a background check, known as the Working with Children Check.
If full-time nannying isn’t for you, casual babysitting jobs can also be found pretty easily, especially good if you’re able to build up some regular clients- these jobs also generally cash in hand.
Requirements-
In addition to the background check, CPR and First Aid qualifications are usually needed, and families also often want au pairs to have a full driving license. Experience in childcare also helps- although you will, of course, have days off, you’ll still be spending a lot of time with someone else’s kids, and all the good and bad this can entail, so make sure you’re completely comfortable with this. Oh, and some basic cooking skills are also helpful.
Job type- Cleaning
Cleaning homes or offices may not be the glamourous job of your dreams, but if you’re willing to try it out, this could be a great steady income source if you’re on a working holiday visa. You could advertise services on your own, but probably easier to work for a pre-existing company. Cleaning jobs can be found on nearly all the major job sites.
Requirements-
Attention to detail, reliability, strong work ethic.
Job type- Gig economy
If you’re looking for something different, there are always jobs to be found with companies like Uber, Uber Eats, or Lyft, particularly handy if you have your own transportation. Delivery services such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo are hugely popular and continuing to expand- I don’t have any first-hand information about what it’s like to work with companies like Uber, but it could be worth exploring. You can set your own hours as an Uber driver.
Requirements-
Reliability, access to a car, motorcycle, or bike, a good sense of direction.
Job type- Casual work
When it comes to casual work or one-off jobs, anything goes! Are you good at assembling Ikea furniture? Can you help out with Photoshop, pick up groceries, or help move a couch? If so, the app Airtasker is an amazing thing to explore. Users can submit job requests for one-off or regular projects or tasks, and you can then submit an interest in completing the job request. This is more an opportunity for short term, casual work in Sydney, but worth looking into if you’re stuck and in need of some quick money.
Casual work can also range from helping out at ticket sales for an event, serving food at a local backyard birthday party, or helping with cleaning or relocating. Great places to find work like this, other than Airtasker, are sites such as Gumtree and also community Facebook groups. Nearly every local area seems to have a local group for the community, and people are constantly asking for dog walkers, babysitters, cat sitters, and so forth, at least in my local community. You could probably even promote your services in the group to let others in your area know that you’re available.
Requirements-
I’d say this completely varies, depending on what sort of job you’re doing. As with any job, friendliness, willingness to help, and reliability goes a long way.
I know the above is only the tip of the iceberg- other jobs might include house or pet sitting, teaching English online, tutoring, working in tourism, teaching, or anything else under the sun. Hopefully, though, it may help point you in the right direction when thinking about what sort of work to look for in Sydney.
How to find jobs in Sydney – top tips
- Have a local address on your CV- Employers often receive tons of applications for each job- if it’s not quickly clear to them that you’re already based in Sydney and ready to work, you may get tossed to the bottom of the pile.
- YHA Australia, a great hostel organisation, have created a fantastic online jobs board called Y-Jobs. It’s free and you can upload your CV, search by job type, and browse all of the available listings.
- Include your visa status on your CV- As per above, you can help out employers by clearly noting your visa type and work status, so they know right away that you have work rights (this can also be verified by employers via the Department of Immigration).
- Register with multiple recruitment agencies- I found my first few jobs through agencies, if you can have multiple people working with you to find work, it will only increase your chances of finding something sooner.
- Be persistent- Job hunting can be soul-destroying, frustrating, and massively time-consuming, I know. However, try not to take rejections personally, and keep at it- you will find something, it’s just a matter of time.
- Looking for more expat help? Check out our guide to living and working in Sydney, some differences between the US and Aus, and the best places to find American food in Sydney.
What was your first job in Sydney? Or, if you’re heading to Australia soon, what type of work are you looking for? Would love to hear in the comments below!