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How to work in Australia: salary, tips and visa options

Want to understand your chances of immigrating to Australia?

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If you’re already in Australia, this matters:migration isn’t about trying harder, it’s about having the right profile and strategy.  Before spending more time or money, make sure you understand:👉 If your profile is eligible👉 Which visa fits your situation👉 What actually increases your chances  📍 Good Day offers clear, professional guidance. Talk to us.
Welcome, Samara!  Ela veio do Maranhão para estudar inglês na ILSC, em Sydney!  No Brasil, Samara atuava como supervisora comercial e decidiu fazer o intercâmbio para obter novas oportunidades profissionais, além de aprimorar suas habilidades na língua inglesa em um pais multicultural.  O intercâmbio na Austrália também será uma ótima oportunidade para que ela explore novas experiencias e cresça ainda mais o seu networking!  Desejamos muito sucesso e conte com a gente!  🇦🇺  Welcome, Samara!  She came from Maranhão to study English at @ilscsydney!  In Brazil, Samara worked as a sales supervisor and decided to do an exchange program to gain new professional opportunities, as well as improve her English language skills in a multicultural country.  The exchange program in Australia will also be a great opportunity for her to explore new experiences and further expand her network!  We wish her much success and count on us!  #Welcome #Australia #StudyAbroad #GoodDay
Muita gente pensa que o processo de residência é só “fazer um curso e esperar”.  Na prática, quatro fatores mudam tudo: inglês, demanda real da sua área, região onde você vive e sua experiência profissional na Austrália.  Quando você combina esses elementos com estratégia, o caminho até o PR fica muito mais claro (e muito mais rápido).  Quer entender qual é a melhor rota pro seu caso? A gente te ajuda.  🇦🇺  Many people think the PR process is just “study and wait”.  In reality, four factors change everything: English level, actual demand for your occupation, the region you choose, and your Australian work experience.  When you combine these with the right strategy, your pathway to PR becomes clearer (and faster).  Want to understand the best route for your case? We’re here to help.
Bem-vindo à Austrália! 🇦🇺  É com muita alegria que damos as boas-vindas ao Leonardo!  Vindo do Rio de Janeiro, o Leonardo escolheu a Kaplan para cursar o Graduate Diploma of IT na Gold Coast.  Formado em Sistemas de Informação pela Universidade Federal Fluminense, ele decidiu dar esse passo para conquistar uma visão mais ampla e internacional da área de IT, além de ampliar suas oportunidades no mercado de trabalho global. 💻🌍  Ah, e um detalhe especial: o Leonardo é irmão do Igor Tramont, nosso cliente querido 💙  Desejamos muito sucesso nessa nova fase. Que seja repleta de aprendizado, conquistas e experiências incríveis!  🇦🇺  Welcome to Australia!  We’re excited to welcome Leonardo to this new journey!  Coming from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Leonardo chose Kaplan to study the Graduate Diploma of IT on the beautiful Gold Coast.  He holds a degree in Information Systems from Universidade Federal Fluminense and decided to pursue this course to gain a broader, international perspective in the IT field, as well as to boost his career opportunities in the global job market. 💻🌎  Fun fact: Leonardo is also the brother of Igor Tramont, one of our valued clients 💙  Wishing you an amazing experience and lots of success in this new chapter!  #Australia #StudyingAbroad #GoldCoast #GoodDay

With a robust economy and a high quality of life, the Australia has become an increasingly attractive destination for Brazilians looking for new career opportunities. In addition, working in Australia can be an excellent way to improve your quality of life, gain international experience and even consider a permanent move.

In this updated guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to make this dream come true, with detailed and up-to-date information for 2024. If you prefer, use the index below:

What's the job market like?
Minimum wage
How to get your first job?
Steps to work in Australia
How to work during an exchange
I got a job in Australia! Now what?
Work-related visas
How to immigrate to the country
Conclusion

What is the job market like in Australia?

The job market in Australia has a demand increasing by qualified professionals in a variety of areas. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), sectors such as information technology, health, engineering, education and services are booming, offering numerous opportunities for foreign workers.

The Australian economy is stable and offers good working conditions, including competitive salaries and benefits for workers. In addition, the unemployment rate is at top 10 lowest in the worldThe country has immigration policies that favor the entry of qualified professionals, such as Brazilians.

trabalhar na australia
Career in Australia is a dream for many Brazilians

Professions in demand in Australia

Australia has a list of professions in demand which is regularly updated by the government. These professions are considered critical to the country's development and therefore have an easier time in the obtaining work visas. Some of the most sought-after professions include:

  • IT professionals (software developers, systems analysts)
  • Engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical)
  • Health professionals (nurses, doctors, dentists)
  • Educators (primary and secondary school teachers)
  • Accountants and auditors
  • Construction workers (carpenters, bricklayers)

To see the full list of professions, we recommend visiting the Australian Department of Immigration. In addition, another option is to talk to our immigration agent to understand if your occupation is in demand in the country and is a viable way to live in Australia.

carreira de tecnologia
Technology areas need qualified professionals

Australia's minimum wage

O minimum wage in Australia is one of the highest in the worldreflecting the country's strong economy. In 2024, the minimum wage is AUD 24.10 per hour. This means that, working full-time, you can expect an annual salary of over 40,000 Australian dollars.

Remember that salaries can vary according to industry, location and level of experience. Even so, a international student you can now start earn this amount per hour in his first job in Australia.

dolar australiano
Australia's minimum wage is one of the highest in the world

How to get your first job in Australia?

Getting your first job in Australia can be a challenge, because foreigners need time to adapt to a new environment. However, with preparation and strategyyou can find good opportunities.

Documents required

To work in Australia, you will need some important documents:

  • Appropriate visa: Make sure you have a visa that allows you to work. With a tourist visa, for example, it is forbidden to engage in any paid activity.
  • Tax File Number (TFN): A number of tax identification necessary to work legally and pay taxes. You can get it directly from ATO website. Being a Good Day student, we help you with this step.
trabalhar na australia documentos
Australia requires documents to work

Permits to work in Australia

Some types of jobs in Australia require specific certificates obtained through short courses held in the country. Most of them are focused on the hotel and tourism industry. These include:

  • RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol): Certification required to work with the sale of alcoholic beverages in pubs, restaurants and bars.
  • RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gambling): Certification that authorizes you to work with games and bets in casinos.
  • Senior First Aid: First aid course required to work in child and elderly care.
  • Whitecard: mandatory certificate to work on construction sites.
  • Greencard: Course in occupational safety techniques required for jobs in the construction industry.
  • Traffic control ticket: mandatory course for anyone who wants to be a traffic operator.

Work rights in Australia

As in any country, working in Australia also has its challenges. However foreigners are also protected by labor rights of the country.

Workers have the right to paid vacations and can take time off work, for example when they are ill or need to look after someone. And even in the case of casual jobs, i.e. those that are not permanent, workers also have their rights protected.

In case of doubt or non-compliance, there is a responsible body which even offers an interpreting service.

Steps to get a job and work in Australia

Resume

Make sure your CV is up to date and formatted according to the Australian standards. Highlight your skills, professional experience and education. Include professional references, if possible. In this postwe explain what you should have on your CV to find a good job in Australia.

One tip is adapt your CV for each type of vacancyhighlighting the skills that are most relevant to that occupation.

You must also submit a Cover Letter, which is a cover letter to explain why you should be interviewed and hired.

If you are applying for technical and more specific vacancies, you will need to submit diplomas, certificates and letters of recommendation.

curriculo australia
Curriculum must be adapted to the Australian market

Employment agencies for working in Australia

There are several employment agencies in Australia that can help you find a job that suits you. Some of the most popular are:

  • SEEK (seek.com.au);
  • Indeed (indeed.com.au);
  • Hays Recruitment (hays.com.au);
  • Randstad (randstad.com.au).

Networking

Networking also makes a difference in Australia. Attend events in your industry, job fairs and use platforms such as LinkedIn and groups on Facebook to connect with professionals in your field.

The important thing is to let people know that you're looking for a job.

Interview: how to stand out

Once you've landed an interview, it's important to prepare properly in order to stand out. Here are a few tips:

  • Search about the company and the position for which you are applying.
  • Prepare answers for common interview questions.
  • Research vocabulary that is related to the occupation. It's important to know the names of the dishes in a restaurant if you're interviewing there, for example.
  • Dress appropriately for the interview. For hospitality jobs, it's common to wear all-black clothing, including shoes. For construction jobs, safety equipment is required.
  • Show enthusiasm and interest in the job and the company.
  • Ask questions to the interviewer so that they don't have any doubts.
trabalhar na australia entrevista
Show interest in the interview

Trial: test to work in Australia

In Australia, it's common for companies to ask candidates to take a "trial", which is a trial period to assess their skills and compatibility with the team. This period, which must be paidIt can last from a few hours to a few days and is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your value.

How to work in Australia during your exchange

O international student can work in Australia as soon as they arrive. They are allowed to work up to 48 hours every fortnightaThis allows you not only to help with the cost of living in the country, but also to gain experience in your field of study.

Common types of work

Cleaner

Working as a cleaner is a very common option and flexible for students. Tasks include cleaning offices, homes and commercial premises. This job allows you to adjust your working hours according to your classes and doesn't require much previous experience. Pay can vary, but is generally paid by the hour.

Uber (food delivery)

To deliver food, you don't even need a car or motorcycle, a bicycle is enough. This job offers the flexibility to set your own hours and earn money while exploring the city. It is important to be aware of local traffic regulations and to wear protective equipment such as a helmet.

Construction

Working in construction can be physically demanding, but it's a good opportunity. Positions can range from general helper to more specialized roles, depending on your experience and qualifications. The construction industry in Australia is robust, and there is always a demand for workers, especially during the summer months.

trabalhar na australia
Working in construction is a good opportunity

Hospitality

The hospitality industry encompasses a wide range of jobsThese include waiter/waitress, bartender, receptionist and café attendant. These jobs are plentiful in tourist cities and allow you to interact with different cultures.

In addition, it is often possible to receive tips, which can significantly increase your income.

Traffic Controller

This job involves managing the flow of vehicles in construction areas or public events. It requires specific training, which can be completed in a few days. A remuneration is attractiveThe work can be both day and night, offering flexibility for students.

Working in any of these sectors offers not only a source of income, but also the opportunity to improve your English skills, meet new people and gain valuable experience in the Australian job market.

Higher education exchange

Many technical or higher education courses have compulsory internships, such as in the health sector, so that students can gain experience in the field.

This is also a great way to get into a specific area of work and network, for example.

hospitality
Customer service helps train English

English for work

There are also English courses preparing for the job market and help those who want to stand out professionally.

The course English for Businessfor example, is ideal for starting a business career with excellence. It includes three practical modules: Administration and Customer Service, Sales and Marketing, and Management and Human Resources. You can choose to focus on a specific area or complete all the modules to boost your career.

For those who need to improve their speech quickly and be easily understood, the course Pronunciation in Context focuses on the sounds, emphasis and rhythm of English, improving pronunciation for confident communication in a variety of situations, from ordering food to standing out in job interviews.

The English + Creative Technologyis a course designed for those who need to communicate in the field of technology, whether for study or work. With three practical modules that teach essential language skills for success in the technology field, you can choose a course for a specific need or gain a foundation for your future career by completing all the modules.

ingles para trabalhar
Specific English courses help your career

"I've got a job in Australia! Now what?"

If you are in Australia as a student, it is important to remember that you have obligations to fulfill in relation to their studies.

Students can only work at most, 48 hours over 15 daysfor the duration of the course. During vacations, the number of hours is free. Another condition is to remain enrolled at the educational institution, keep payments up to date and have good academic performance.

If these requirements are not met, there is a risk of having the visa canceled or difficulties when renewing. Remember: if you are in student visaits main objective in the country is to study.

emprego australia
Don't forget your obligations as a student

Work-related visas

Several types of visas allow you to work in Australia, each with specific requirements. Here are some of the most common:

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

O Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is for skilled workers who are appointed by a state or territory government. It allows you to live and work permanently in Australia. However, to qualify, you must have an occupation on the in-demand skills list and be nominated by an Australian state or territory.

Employer Sponsored Visa (subclass 482)

This seen allows qualified workers to work in Australia for a employer sponsoring them. But beware, there are different categories within this visa, including the TSS visa (Temporary Skill Shortage) which has a path to permanent residence after three years of work.

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)

O Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) is ideal for young people between 18 and 30 (or 35 for some countries) who wish to travel and work in Australia for up to a year. This is because it allows you to work for any employer for up to six months.

visto australia
To work in Australia, you need to provide documentation

Working in Australia: how to immigrate to the country

Immigrating to Australia through work can be a long but rewarding process. It is essential to have a well-structured planning and be aware of the immigration requirements. Here are the main steps:

  • Identify the occupation in demand: Check the list of in-demand skills and see if your profession is included.
  • Obtain a skills assessment: Some professions require assessment by a relevant Australian authority. For example, health professionals need to undergo assessment in the country.
  • Expressing interest (EOI): Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the SkillSelect system, indicating and explaining your interest in migrating to Australia.
  • Receive an invitation to apply: If your EOI is selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for a work visa.
  • Submit the visa application: Prepare and send all the necessary documents for the visa application.

Requirements

To Immigrating to AustraliaHowever, certain requirements must be met, such as age, English language proficiency and health checks. Therefore, good planning and advice from an expert makes a difference to a more assertive process.

sydney australia
Australia attracts Brazilians with high minimum wage

Working in Australia: conclusion

Working in Australia is an incredible opportunity to improve your career, experience a new culture and possibly make a permanent move to a country with an excellent quality of life.

So plan ahead, improve your knowledge so that you can pursue a successful career and count on the support of Good Day Education & Migration to ensure that the whole process is smooth and successful.

Want to know more about your options? Make an appointment with one of our educational agents or our immigration agent.

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