Get special pay rates for overtime work, night shifts, holidays, and Sundays in your working holiday Australia. All common jobs + pay rates per hour
Update Australia’s minimum wage and pay rate!
Breaking: From 1st July 2024 the new minimum wage (and therefore the hourly pay rate) will be $24.10 for everybody working in Australia. Adjust the pay rate for casual jobs accordingly (+25% load = $30.13).
Dear Backpackers!
In this post I’m going to show you how much you can earn with typical backpacker jobs and you usual pay rates in Australia for backpackers and working holiday makers.
I will explain to you on which special occasions you will earn more money and your minimum wage rate. Furthermore, I will show you how much I earned doing casual jobs and you can too in 2024!
Keep in mind that the following examples are valid if you work on a casual basis and of course vary like elsewhere in the world.
Let’s talk about the golden rule of thumb when it comes to making more money while traveling – having specific knowledge for your job. Even as a backpacker, having specialized skills can lead to a higher pay rate.
Take, for example, being a car mechanic or a skilled laborer. These are jobs where having specific knowledge can really pay off. So people who already worked have a big advantage in Australia, then backpackers which just finished school or university. The more certificates and qualifications you have, the more money you can earn and the more job opportunities you can open up for yourself.
So, if you’re looking to make some extra cash while on the road, consider investing in some training or certifications in your field. It could be the key to unlocking better pay rates and more job options during your travels.
But don’t worry I didn’t have any previous experience nor any certificates in whatsoever job (I was a student back in Germany) and still managed to earn more than $37000 in my first working holiday in Australia.
Overview of your working holiday journey
- Part 1 is all about visa requirements and eligibility for your working holiday in Australia (read before coming to Australia)
- >>Part 1.1 I lead you step-by-step with screenshots through the official working holiday visa application!
- Part 2 is all about relevant working terms to get started in your first days in Australia. I show you Australia’s minimum wage, what TFN, ABN, RSA, SUPER etc. is and where to apply in order to work legally in Australia.
- Part 3 is all about pay rates and work. I show you my payslips, what I earned, and you can too in 2024! I show you all special occasions where you can earn more money!
- Part 4 is all about finding typical backpacker jobs and pay rates. I show you all relevant ways, platforms, and websites where you can find jobs and as well as typical pay rates!
- Part 5 is all about extending your working holiday visa in Australia and the required 88 days of specified work! (Farm work)
Recent Minimum Wage and pay rates Australia Backpackers
Let’s dive into the most exciting topic about Down Under: Pay rates in Australia!
As I explained to you already in the second part of this Australia series with together with all the working terms you need to know, Australia’s minimum wage is pretty impressive—it’s one of the highest globally. As of May 2024, it stands at $23.23 per hour or $882.80 for a 38-hour week in New South Wales (Sydney) before taxes.
However, this $23.23 rate applies only if you’re 21 or older. If you’re a backpacker aged 18-20, you’ll likely see lower rates, especially in the service industry, where some employers stick to the smaller minimum wage for younger workers.
But wait, if you’re doing casual work for instance in New South Wales (NSW), you might score a minimum 25% casual loading, bumping your pay to around $29.03 per hour. This is because casual workers don’t have a fixed commitment to the company and work on an as-needed basis. Essentially, you can expect to earn anywhere from $25 to $30 per hour as a base rate!
Remember, these rates can vary depending on which state you’re in and the sector you’re working in. But, never settle for less than the minimum wage! I’d say aim for at least $25 per hour, especially in today’s market.
Occasions with higher pay rates in Australia
Pay rate on Holidays and Sundays
Overtime pay rate in Australia
Overtime is where the real money is made!
If you decide or have the opportunity to work overtime that means more than the regular working hours (8-9h a day), your pay rate will increase every hour you work more. The bonuses are probably similar to your home country, but extremely lucrative for young people, especially for backpackers coming from non-English-speaking countries.
Up to 100%-200% from your usual pay rate once you pass the 11-12 hour day threshold. The exact %-rate is subject to your industry. In the screenshot above, I worked for instance 1h overtime in the construction industry and got 1.5x (times) my normal rate of $26.03, which sums up to $39.05 for 1 hour.
Let’s assume you get paid minimum wage, $25-30. That means after 12h you get paid $50-60! (updated Mai 2024)
Another example:
You have a 12h work day with 8h normal rate (at least minimum wage), 9-10h special overtime rate varies from 1.25x-1.5x your casual rate and the 11-12h your overtime rate doubles (2x)!
Night shift pay rate
Similar to overtime rates are night shift rates. It varies from field to field, but you can expect to earn $35-$70 an hour working at night shifts. As far as I remember, the night shift rate starts already from 7-8 pm. If you work overtime and get into night shift, you have to add up to your rate as well! However, it’s very rare though.
So for every hour worked at night shift, you get paid around double rate. It also counts when you start working during the day and fall into night shift. For example, you work from 3 pm – 11 pm (8 hours). You will get paid special night shift rates from 7 pm till 11 pm.
Sundays and holiday pay rate
For working on holidays in Australia, you will get payed up to 2x-3x rate by default! On Sundays, you will also get a special rate, as you can see in the payslip above. In this case, Sunday pay rate was $33.13 (1.4x) my normal pay rate of $23.66 (old minimum wage for casual jobs back in 2018). Overtime also applies once you pass 8h, as explained above.
So make sure you always work on holidays and Sundays if you can! All rates will be mentioned in your casual contract or by arrangement in case you work for cash, so don’t worry!
Further payslip explanations
PAYG means “Pay as you go”. It means that the 15% flat tax is already included, so you don’t have to pay any tax on top.
Year to date means what I have earned so far with that employer til this week of the year, in that case $8011.33!
Superannuation or just “Super” is the retirement fund Australians get on top (Cbus company in my case). You can withdraw your Super before or after leaving Australia. Every employer have to pay you Super once you pass the threshold of approximately $400 (or two day of working).
Typical backpacker jobs and pay rates
In the following, I will show you the most typical backpacker job in Down Under! The examples mirror normal rates not including overtime, night shift, Sunday, or holidays rate unless marked otherwise!
If you want to know where to apply and many more, click here!
Construction and Landscaping
Construction work sometimes involves night shifts, which can offer lucrative pay.
Labor-intensive construction jobs are predominantly popular among males (blocs in Australia). Long-term positions often entail extended shifts, including overtime, Sunday work, holidays, and occasional night shifts. It’s all about maximizing your earnings!
While experience is preferred, it’s not always necessary. I, for example, had never handled a saw, hammer, jackhammer, or even automatic screwdriver before. Simply stating you have at least one year of experience is often sufficient. Don’t fret if you lack hands-on experience with construction tools; learning on the job onsite is common practice in Australia, and everybody knows it!
Savety first! Always wear a uniform during construction jobs, prioritizing safety and comfort. Essential items include steel-capped boots, a hardhat, and a high-visibility shirt or sweater (also called PPE). I also recommend bringing working gloves and sunscreen for added protection. Get travel insurance here!
To start working in the construction industry legally, you’ll need a White Card. If you’re unsure what this entails or how to obtain one, I’ve got you covered here.
Like stated in the beginning, the more certifications or specialties you acquire, the higher your earning potential. Having a forklift license, for instance, can significantly boost your value in the construction sector. You can get paid up to $10 more per hour if you possess a forklift license!
Examples:
- General laborer with little to no experience: Pay rate of $30-45 (working on residential sites, demolition, bricklaying, cleaning, etc.)
- General laborer with a forklift license: From $5 more per hour up to $20
- Specialized laborers (e.g., working at heights, scaffolding): $35-60 per hour
- Traffic controller with additional certifications: $20-50 per hour (a popular job choice for females on larger construction sites)
Landscaping typically offers pay rates ranging from $30-35 per hour.
Cash-in-hand jobs in construction and general labor may pay anywhere from $20-40 per hour and often include miner positions like, construction assistance, cleaning site, landscaping, heavy lifting, and general labor.
Warehouse and Factory Work
Warehouse laborers and factory workers primarily work indoors, with females typically working more in factories and males in warehouses. While the pay rate may be slightly lower compared to construction jobs (around $25-33 per hour), having a forklift license can increase your hourly wage by $5-20.
Typical tasks include sorting, ordering, lifting, packing, moving items, and general cleaning duties in the warehouse.
Hospitality
In the hospitality sector, teamwork is crucial. Depending on the establishment, you may receive special pay rates, particularly for night shifts (after 7 pm), when restaurants and bars experience peak business hours. Tips are also a common addition to your income. You may share all received tips with the whole team, as waiters get more tips than kitchen hands or cooks.
Experience is desirable but not always necessary. Simply stating you have at least one year of experience can often suffice. Learning on the job is prevalent in this industry as well.
To work legally in hospitality, you’ll need to obtain RSA/RSG certifications. Unsure what these entail? I’ve got you covered in this post here.
Examples:
- Waiters, runners (bringing and removing drinks), all-rounders in cafés and restaurants typically earn $25-33 per hour, plus tips and night shift and overtime rates.
- Dishwashers and kitchen hands (kitchen helper) may earn $25-33 per hour, plus night shift and overtime rates.
- Bartenders typically earn $30-40 per hour, plus tips and night shift and overtime rates.
Farm Work and Other Outback Opportunities
Farm work is a classic backpacker job in Australia, often paid per unit/piece. Pay can vary widely depending on factors like experience, speed, and motivation, hard work. Moreover, completing 88 days of specified work will qualify you for a second working holiday visa.
More about the visa extension here! (Coming soon!)
Examples:
- Fruit picking: Pay rates vary widely but can range from $10-50 per hour, with occasional minimum wage offers.
- Solar farms offer pay rates of $30-45 per hour, plus potential overtime and accommodation allowances.
- Roadhouses in the outback typically pay around $25-33 per hour, plus tips and accommodation.
- The mining industry offers substantial pay rates ranging from $40-60 per hour, with overtime and accommodation provided.
- Fishing-related work can be paid either per unit or at a standard rate, with earnings ranging from $25-35 per hour, plus potential overtime and accommodation allowances.
For more information about farm work and the 88-day requirement, stay tuned for an upcoming post!
Office and Reception Positions
Office and reception roles offer a diverse range of opportunities, with reception work in hostels and hotels typically pays around $25 per hour. While the pay may not be as high as other industries, the learning experience and networking opportunities can be invaluable.
Examples:
- Hotel roles typically pay $25-35 per hour, with potential night shift rates and overtime.
- Administrative positions often pay $25-35 per hour.
- Marketing roles can get pay rates of $30-45 per hour.
Outdoor Sales and Door-to-Door fundraising
Sales roles can vary widely, from selling fun activities like paintball to travel packages and promoting energy providers or non-profit organizations. You can find this offers at backpackerjobboard (put Sydney as location)
While experience isn’t always required, a one-week training program is typically provided before starting. Sales roles are usually commission-based, with the potential for additional commission.
Removalist, Mobile Cleaner, and Delivery Driver Roles
Removalists, cleaning services and delivery driver positions typically require a driver’s license and involve physically demanding work. However, the pay can be rewarding, with rates ranging from $25-35 per hour.
Cleaning roles typically pay at least minimum wage, with opportunities for full-time employment.
Cleaner (private houses, pools, carpets, halls and other objects): Pay rate 25-35$
Delivery driver (post services): Pay rate 30-33$ + overtime
Retail Customer Service Representative
Retail roles may offer lower pay rates compared to other industries, with typical rates around minimum wage ($23.23 per hour). However, working on Sundays can often result in special pay rates. Moreover, they get special pay rate from 6pm onwards.
Here as example, my payslip in a big retail store in Sydney:
Uber Eats Delivery Driver
Driving for Uber Eats can be a flexible and lucrative option for both genders. Particularly in busy cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth its very recommended. Pay rates vary depending on factors like experience, motivation, and speed, but you can expect to earn between $20-50 per hour + tips.
Typically students do uber eats, because they can just work 20h per week during their semester and full time just in the holidays.
Keep in mind that you have fixed costs before you start:
- Uber Eats bag $20-50 (Look in Facebook Market)
- Good locker from $20
- E-bike/Scooter from $79 week + eventually bike insurance from $5
- Helmet $5 (obligatory in Australia)
- Completing a police background check for Uber $30-40
I highly recommend combining Uber Eats with other jobs! While with the right approach, you can earn a substantial income with Uber itself, and enjoying the freedom and flexibility of being your own boss.
You can earn a lot of money with Uber eats if you see it as a full-time job! In the screenshot below you can see that I worked 31h and 47 min and got payed $743.52 for that week. You can earn as much as $1500 per week! Unfortunately, sometimes there is just not many orders, and you wait hours for nothing!
Here is my payslip for a week of driving with E-bike:
The best about doing Uber Eats:
It’s really no experience required besides to be able to ride a bike. And you work outside, will get to know all the city and doing workout everyday at the same time!
You can also do Uber Eats the badass way and looking for a job in hospitality while driving! Click here to check more about that at the UBER EATS section!
Limitations:
- Unfortunately Uber Eats is just profitable if you work in big cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Perth on the West Coast. Don’t expect to earn much in smaller cities like Cairns or Darwin in the North.
- Must drive on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to earn good money
- Must drive when it’s raining
- Must drive in 2-shift-system if you want to earn exceptional well (morning and night)
If you consider to start with Uber Eats, it’s also part of my consulting package.
I will show you the best and secrets spots doing Uber Eats in Sydney. I will consult you about bikes, and help you with the registration process. I will show you where to drive and which day and which exact hours and many many more!
You will earn very well right away! Without having to figure out all that yourself like I was!
Click here to see my service packages 🙂
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out via your preferred social media platform.
Final thoughts and conclusion
In conclusion, your Australian working holiday journey can be both adventurous and financially rewarding. Understanding special pay rates for overtime, night shifts, holidays, and Sundays is key to maximizing earnings.
Specialized skills enhance pay opportunities, but even without experience or certifications, there are ample chances to earn. From construction to hospitality, farm work to office roles, Australia offers diverse opportunities for backpackers.
Seize the day, explore new horizons, and make the most of your working holiday adventure Down Under! For further guidance, connect via social media.
Happy travels, and I’ll see you soon!
Eduard from Clueless? Travel!
Overview of your working holiday journey
- Part 1 is all about visa requirements and eligibility for your working holiday in Australia (read before coming to Australia)
- >>Part 1.1 I lead you step-by-step with screenshots through the official working holiday visa application!
- Part 2 is all about relevant working terms to get started in your first days in Australia. I show you Australia’s minimum wage, what TFN, ABN, RSA, SUPER etc. is and where to apply in order to work legally in Australia.
- Part 3 is all about pay rates and work. I show you my payslips, what I earned, and you can too in 2024! I show you all special occasions where you can earn more money!
- Part 4 is all about finding typical backpacker jobs and pay rates. I show you all relevant ways, platforms, and websites where you can find jobs and as well as typical pay rates!
- Part 5 is all about extending your working holiday visa in Australia and the required 88 days of specified work! (Farm work)
What’s next in your journey?
For working holiday starters:
- Apply for the working holiday maker visa subclass 417 (usual approval time 1 min – 14 days) or 462 (usual approval time at least 14 days due to further requirements)
- Provide further details if necessary to get the application going (health examination etc.) in your immigration account (ImmiAccount)
- Get credit cards, especially a WISE account (Australian bank account) and check passport validity! (min. 2 weeks – 1 month before you plan to flight)
- Book your flights (AFTER received approval letter from immigration)
- Packing list 2024 (Coming soon)
- Get travel insurance before you fly (SavetyWing or Heymondo)
- Get an Onward ticket ALWAYS! (24-48h before your flight, evidence of leaving the country you enter). For working holiday Australia visa holders, it’s NOT necessary.
- Book your accommodation via hostelworld to get to know people quickly. I recommend the first two weeks at the same spot
- Job hunting and other bureaucratic stuff (once in Australia)
- Open up your US LLC to get your Freelancer business started!
- Sign up to my Newsletter to get a smarter traveler and stay up-to-date
