As one of Australia’s busiest cities, Sydney has a high demand for domestic workers across households and service sectors. There are various types of domestic jobs, including housekeeping, childcare, cleaning, elderly care, gardening, and general home support. The majority of these positions are suitable for immigrants, students, and temporary visa holders depending on the conditions of their visas.
An overview of “domestic jobs”
The term domestic work refers to jobs that support the functioning of a household. Among them are:
- Housekeeper / Home cleaner
- Nanny / Babysitter
- Aged care assistant (in-home care)
- Personal caregiver
- Cleaner (vacation rentals, Airbnb, hotels)
- Laundry and ironing services
- Private chef or kitchen helper
- House manager (for larger households)
- Pet care and dog walking
The roles can be casual (hourly), part-time, or full-time.
Considerations related to visas
On a student visa or temporary work visa, you may usually work up to 40 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
A permanent visa or a working holiday visa allows you to work full-time in domestic roles without restriction.
It is always a good idea to check your visa’s conditions in order to avoid violating your work restrictions.
The requirements for domestic work
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It is not necessary to have a formal education in order to work in the domestic sector, but having skills and certificates will improve your chances:
- Check with the police or a Working With Children’s Check (for nannies or child care providers)
- Certification in First Aid and CPR (valuable for childcare and elderly care)
- Cleaning or housekeeping experience
- Communication proficiency in English
- References from previous employers
Healthcare programs may require training certificates or formal qualifications for some in-home care roles (e.g., Certificate III in Individual Support).
Pay rates on average
In Sydney, domestic jobs generally pay the following:
- House cleaner / housekeeping: AUD 25–32 per hour
- Babysitter / nanny: AUD 25–35 per hour
- Aged care assistant (in-home): AUD 28–36 per hour
- Private chef / kitchen helper: AUD 27–40 per hour
Rates vary based on experience, employer, responsibilities, and whether employment is casual or regular.
The most common locations for these jobs
There are usually domestic jobs available in the following areas:
- Near the center of the city, in the inner suburbs
- Eastern suburbs
- Northern beaches
- Sutherland Shire
- Parramatta and surrounding areas
There are usually more job openings in areas with a higher density of housing or affluent families.
Sydney Domestic Jobs: How to Find Them
1. Online Job Platforms
Search for keywords such as “house cleaner,” “nanny Sydney,” “care assistant,” and “home helper.”
It is possible to find casual and long-term employment on these sites.
2. Local Community Groups and Noticeboards
Local gigs are frequently advertised by church groups, community centers, and Facebook neighbourhood groups.
3. Employment agencies
It is possible for agencies to specialize in domestic placements, childcare, or aged care support.
4. Word of Mouth / Local Networks
Referrals are often used to fill domestic roles. It is possible to find opportunities by networking locally – talking to neighbors, friends, or members of the community.
5. Hospitality & Holiday Rental Companies
A large number of cleaners are employed by companies that provide services to vacation rental properties and holiday apartments.
How to Get Hired Faster
1. Prepare a Simple Resume
Highlights include:
- Experience in cleaning or caring for animals
- Any certifications (e.g., First Aid, CPR)
- Hours of availability
- working rights in Australia
2. Prepare your checks
It is often necessary to obtain a police clearance and a Working With Children Check before accepting a position in childcare or care. Having them ready increases your chances of success.
3. Provide a trial period for the work
It is common for households to request a short paid trial period. It is more likely that they will hire you if you perform well.
4. Build Good References
Consider asking former employers, family members, or community leaders for references. It is very helpful to have strong personal references.
5. Be Reliable and Punctual
Domestic jobs are based on trust. It is important to demonstrate reliability and good communication in order to earn long-term positions and word-of-mouth referrals.
Employers look for in candidates
- Reliability and trustworthiness
- Attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Professional attitude
- Flexibility with hours
- Ability to follow instructions
- Comfortable with light domestic equipment and supplies
Children’s and aged care roles require empathy and patience as well.
Conditions of employment
There are several types of domestic work:
- casual (hourly gigs)
- part-time
- full-time
- Live-in (for certain positions such as nanny or house manager)
Each household has its own contract. Be sure to agree on the job duties, pay rate, and schedule before beginning the job.
Conclusions
Newcomers who want to work while settling in Sydney will find domestic jobs in Sydney to be accessible, flexible, and a good entry point into the work force. Whether you are seeking casual hours or a steady position, there are several opportunities in the fields of housekeeping, childcare, home care, and cleaning. A good reputation and respect for visa conditions will enable you to find meaningful work that will support your stay in Australia.
