Your Guide on Jobs and Finding Work in Australia

Jump right in:

• How to get a job in Australia as a foreigner
• Minimum wage and average salaries
• Self-employment in Australia
• Australian business culture
• Social security benefits in Australia

How to get a job in Australia as a foreigner

If you’re planning to work in Australia, there are many things you will have to take into consideration. For example, you must first ensure that you meet the requirements for doing so legally.

Eligibility for working in Australia

Unless you’re a citizen of New Zealand, working in Australia as a foreigner will most likely require a visa. Australia has several different visa types, including for highly skilled workers, specialized workers, entrepreneurs, and business owners. Each visa type has its own set of unique requirements. Most likely, your job will need to be on the skilled occupation list for you to be issued a work permit.

For more on this, see our guide on Visa and Work Permits for Australia.

Best way to get a job in Australia as a foreigner

Best begin your search online. This is the easiest route, especially if you are still abroad and have not relocated yet. Common job opportunities in Australia for foreigners are in the education, healthcare, maintenance, or public sector.

Relevant job search websites include:

• SEEK
• AustralianJobSearch
• Jora

Once you’ve found a few positions that you’re interested in, make sure to prepare an Australian-style CV and cover letter. These should be written in Australian English, which follows the British rather than American spelling.

Australian-style CV

In Australia, the words resume and CV are used interchangeably and refer to the same type of document (however, ‘resume’ is what you will hear most often). Unlike other countries, where resumes are kept short, it is normal for CVs to be up to three or four pages in Australia. However, if you are entry-level or a recent graduate with little experience, two pages is acceptable.

Tips for creating an Australian CV

• No photo required – Adding a professional headshot is not standard practice in Australia.
• Include basic contact details – Full name, phone number, email address, and home address.
• Leave out personal information – Marital status, age, nationality, and religion aren’t necessary.
• Use reverse-chronological order – List your most recent job first, including dates, title, responsibilities, and key achievements.
• List education the same way – Start with the most recent qualification and include dates, school name, degree or certificate, and area of study. Optional sections you can include (if relevant) are: significant achievements and awards, skills, volunteer experiences, and references.

Contact information for references is not required, but add a note stating they are available upon request (see below for more details on professional references).

Cover letter tips

Even if a cover letter isn’t required, including one can boost your chances. Some employers may not even consider a candidate’s resume if it is not accompanied by a cover letter.

Keep these points in mind when writing your cover letter:

• Tailor it to the job and company – Just like your resume, it should be specific to the role you’re applying for.
• Keep it short – One page is enough.
• Focus on key achievements – Mention highlights that aren’t already listed in your resume.
• Show why you’re a good fit – Explain how your experience connects with the role and the company’s needs.
• Address anything unusual – If applicable, briefly explain career changes, employment gaps, and the like.
• Keep it professional but personal – Show genuine interest and enthusiasm without being too formal. Interview tips

If you’ve been invited to an interview, that’s a great sign — now it’s time to prepare. Here are a few tips to help you make a strong impression:

• Do your research – Learn about the company’s work, values, and recent projects. Try to mention something specific during the interview and know who you’ll be speaking to if possible.
• Dress appropriately – Match the company’s dress code. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to be slightly overdressed than too casual.
• Be on time – Aim to arrive 15–30 minutes early. Punctuality matters.
• Show confidence and enthusiasm – Be friendly, open, and positive throughout the conversation.
• Practice your answers – Get comfortable answering common questions with clear, focused responses (1–2 minutes long). Back up your points with real examples from past roles.

Business networking tips

Many people think that networking is about selling yourself to people in your industry or colleagues that could help you later on. But proper networking is about establishing genuine and authentic connections with professionals in your field.

The following are tips that may help you at networking functions:

• Instead of talking endlessly about yourself, try to listen first.
• Come prepared with unique questions to help you understand different people on a deeper level.
• Try and avoid the rehearsed elevator pitch. When it does come time for you to speak, do so honestly and enthusiastically.
• After the event, follow up and connect with any new contacts you made. This could be as simple as an email.

Required references & qualifications

Some companies and hiring managers may ask you for references as a part of the job application process. This could be a good indication that you’re being given serious consideration as a potential candidate for the position. The company may want to check your references to confirm information you’ve provided in your resume or interview.

It is important to provide credible references. This could be previous employers or professors if you’re a recent graduate. Try to stick to references who’ve worked with you within the last three years. Go further back only if it is very relevant to the position.

Important: Always let your references know in advance that they may be contacted. Give them a bit of context — who interviewed you, what the job is, and what kind of company it is. This helps them give a more focused and helpful response.

If your professional qualifications are from another country and you want them recognised in Australia, there are services to help (fees may apply):

• If you’re a permanent resident, state and territory governments can assess your qualifications.
• If you’re not a resident, you can go through the Australian Government’s Department of Education via their Qualifications Recognition service.

Minimum wage and average salary

As of July 2025, the national minimum wage in Australia is 24.95 AUD per hour (about 17.30 USD), which amounts to roughly 948 AUD per week based on a 38-hour workweek.

The average full-time salary in Australia is approximately 1,975 AUD per week (about 1,370 USD), which adds up to around 102,740 AUD annually (71,250 USD).

Is this a good salary? While it might provide a comfortable lifestyle in some countries, the high cost of living in Australia, especially in major cities, means you often need to earn more than average to live comfortably.

The most in-demand jobs (& how much they pay)

The following are average annual salaries for top jobs in Australia:

Note: Salaries are approximate and can vary based on experience, location, and specific employer.

Other Jobs and Their Salaries

Here is a look at other occupations in Australia along with the average yearly salary for each:

Note: Salaries are approximate and can vary based on experience, location, and specific employer.

Self-employment in Australia

Self-employment in Australia requires proof of sufficient funds and a strong business plan. The country offers various visa streams for foreign businesspeople and non-resident entrepreneurs, each with their own requirements. To learn the full details, see our Visas and Work Permits page.

In Australia, there is a difference between starting a new business and being a business owner. If you want to buy a business, the best way is through a buyer’s agent who can help you find companies you may be interested in. They can also inform you of tax requirements, insurance, etc. It is advisable to hire an accountant, too.

Being a business owner

If you buy a business, keep in mind that some may be on the market because they’re not financially stable. In this case, only invest your money and buy if you genuinely believe you have the resources and skills to turn the company around.

Starting a business

Those starting a business in the country will need to register for an Australian Business Number (ABN). This is an 11-digit number that identifies your business to the government for tax purposes. The number is free, and you apply for it online.

Your company in Australia will be liable for taxes even if you are not considered a tax resident yourself. Learn more about taxes for self-employed workers in the Banks and Taxes section of our guide.

Typically for new expats in the country, it is much easier to buy an existing company than to establish one.

Top self-employed jobs in Australia

In Australia, self-employed jobs with strong growth tend to be in blue-collar trades, largely due to ongoing skill shortages. These include:

• plumbers
• construction workers
• electricians
• glaziers (specialists in glass installation and repair)
• landscapers
• pool and spa maintenance and installers
• security

If you’re applying for a visa as a self-employed worker in one of these fields, you’ll usually need to demonstrate how your work will benefit the Australian economy, such as by creating jobs or filling critical gaps.

You can check the Skilled occupation list to see if this applies to your job.

Self-employed benefits in Australia

Starting a business or working as a self-employed person in Australia comes with several useful benefits designed to support your growth and financial health. Here’s what you should know:

Superannuation co-contribution

If you earn up to 47,488 AUD (about 32,000 USD) per year, the government will match 50 cents for every dollar you contribute to your superannuation (your retirement fund), up to 500 AUD (340 USD) annually.

This support phases out completely once your income hits 62,488 AUD (42,100 USD). To qualify, you need to make voluntary contributions to your super fund and meet eligibility rules.

Tax deductions for super contributions

You can claim a tax deduction for up to 30,000 AUD (20,400 USD) a year in personal super contributions. This reduces your taxable income and lowers your tax bill, which is a solid incentive to boost your retirement savings.

Instant asset write-off

Small businesses with turnover below 10 million AUD (6.8 million USD) can immediately deduct the full cost of eligible assets under 20,000 AUD (13,600 USD) each. This instant write-off helps you manage cash flow and invest in tools or equipment without waiting for depreciation.

Reduced company tax rate

If your business is classified as a “base rate entity” — meaning your turnover is less than 50 million AUD (34 million USD) and most income isn’t passive — you can benefit from a reduced company tax rate of 25% instead of the standard rate.

E-invoicing system

Australia encourages businesses to adopt electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) through the Peppol network. While voluntary, it streamlines billing processes and cuts down administrative work, saving time and money.

These programs are part of Australia’s ongoing effort to help self-employed entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive. Taking advantage of these benefits can improve your financial stability and make running your business easier.

Australian business culture

In Australia business culture is open and straightforward. People don’t generally require building a relationship first before engaging in business.

Things to know about Australian work culture

• New ideas are always welcomed.
• Modesty is appreciated.
• Pushy and aggressive sales techniques are frowned upon.
• Be friendly, honest, and direct.
• First names are often used even at first meetings.
• Decision making is slow and patience required.
• Collaboration is encouraged and top management will most likely consult and include subordinates in the process.
• Businesses usually operate Monday to Friday between 09:00 to 17:00.

Dress code at an Australian workplace

In Australian offices, men usually wear dark business suits, while women can go for a suit or smart dress. In warmer cities like Brisbane, the dress code can be more relaxed — even Bermuda shorts are sometimes fine. Many companies also have “Casual Fridays,” when smart casual is allowed.

If you’re new, follow what your colleagues and managers wear — it’s the safest guide.

Most Australians are happy with their workplace dress code, whether it’s a uniform, smart casual, or formal attire. Uniforms are most common, especially in retail, healthcare, hospitality, and trades, while smart casual is popular in offices. Younger workers (18–34) feel judged more for what they wear and may even choose jobs based on dress code.

Overall, dressing appropriately helps you feel confident and professional, but most people say it doesn’t heavily affect motivation or career progression. The key is to match your environment while keeping a bit of your own style.

Your Australian tax file number (TFN)

Australia’s tax file number is a unique nine-digit number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to taxpaying individuals and businesses in Australia. Businesses require both a TFN and ABN (Australian business number).

The TFN is yours for life and does not change, so you must keep it secure. While having a TFN is not a requirement, you’ll end up paying more taxes without one. Without a TFN, you’ll also not have access to government benefits (see below to learn more on this); be able to submit your tax return online; or apply for an ABN.

How to get a tax file number in Australia

Can a foreigner get a tax file number? Yes. You apply for it online. Applying for a tax file number in Australia requires proof of identity and your visa number. It is issued by the ATO and takes about a month to receive (it will be sent to your Australian address).

Unlike some countries, you won’t get a tax file card in Australia, but rather a document with the number on it.

Social security and benefits in Australia

Under Australia’s Social Security Act, some of the benefits administered by Centrelink (branch of the Department of Human Services) include:

• age pension — for people (65 years and over) planning to retire or who have retired
• carer allowance and payment — for people who care for someone with a disability
• disability support pension — for people who cannot work for two years due to a disability, injury, or sickness
• sickness allowance — for employed workers suffering from an injury, disability, or illness (under two years) who have no access to or used up all of their leave time
• double orphan pension — for people raising orphans
• new start allowance — for people looking for work
• special benefit — for people going through financial hardship who cannot support themselves
• income support — support payment to help with living costs (can include service pension, veteran payment, rent assistance, and wife pension)
• pharmaceutical allowance — helps cover the cost of prescription medicines for those receiving Centrelink payments
• telephone allowance — for eligible people receiving pension payments
• widow allowance — payment for widowed, divorced, or separated women over a certain age
• farm household allowance — payment for farming families going through financial hardships
• bereavement allowance — short-term payment if you have recently lost your partner

However, eligibility typically depends on your status — most social security benefits are for permanent residents and Australian citizens only — or whether or not your home country has any reciprocal agreements with Australia.

Maternity & paternity leave in Australia

Parental leave in Australia is a combination of paid and unpaid leave.

Unpaid parental leave is set down in the Fair Work Act and enables employees to take up to 12 months of unpaid leave after the birth or adoption of a child. You’re typically only eligible if you’ve been with your employer for at least a year already, though some exceptions apply.

How you take that time is flexible and can for instance be split into separate periods within a total of 24 months. A possible extensive of a further 12 months of unpaid leave can be requested, too.

During this time, your job is protected so that you can return to the same or an equal position.

Paid maternity and paternity leave in Australia is included under the Parental Leave Pay Scheme. It’s a short-term pay while you are on leave to care for the newest addition to your family. Some employers (especially in the public sector) offer an additional paid leave for parents.

To be eligible, you must:

• be the primary caregiver of the child;
• have individually earned less than 175,788 AUD (~114,7001 USD) in the previous financial year (threshold as of 2025);
• be on leave and not working while receiving Parental Leave Pay;
• meet the residency rules (i.e., be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or on a specific visa);
• have worked for ten of the 13 months before the birth or adoption of the child;
• have worked a total of at least 330 hours (approximately one day per week) in those ten months.

Eligible employees are entitled to 24 weeks of paid leave at the national minimum wage (26 weeks as of July 2026).

Later on, you may be entitled to the family tax benefit, which is a two-part payment to help with the costs of raising kids.