Sydney, Australia’s most populous and vibrant city, is not just a hub for finance, tourism, and technology—it also offers a wide array of domestic jobs. These jobs are crucial to the daily functioning of homes and communities, providing employment for thousands of people, both locals and migrants. Whether you’re a newcomer, a temporary visa holder, or someone seeking stable and practical employment, domestic jobs can offer flexible hours, decent wages, and a path to long-term stability.
In this article, we’ll explore the types of domestic jobs available in Sydney, the skills and qualifications needed, legal considerations, pay scales, and how to find work in this sector.
1. What Are Domestic Jobs?
Domestic jobs refer to work carried out in private homes or households rather than in offices, factories, or retail spaces. These roles support families and individuals by helping manage daily tasks and home maintenance. In Sydney, domestic jobs are in steady demand due to:
- Dual-income households needing help at home
- A growing elderly population
- Increased demand for in-home care and childcare
- Busy professional lifestyles
2. Types of Domestic Jobs in Sydney
a. Housekeeping and Cleaning
- Duties: General cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, washing, laundry, ironing
- May be part-time or full-time
- Can be freelance (through apps like Airtasker) or through agencies
- Hourly pay: AUD $25–$35
b. Nanny or Childcare
- Duties: Supervising children, preparing meals, helping with homework, school pick-ups/drop-offs
- Qualifications in childcare (like a Certificate III) are often preferred
- A Working With Children Check (WWCC) is mandatory
- Hourly pay: AUD $28–$40
c. Aged Care and Disability Support
- Duties: Assisting elderly or disabled clients with daily routines—bathing, cooking, transportation, companionship
- Often employed through NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) providers
- Requires relevant certifications (e.g., Certificate III in Individual Support)
- Hourly pay: AUD $30–$45
d. Cooking and Meal Preparation
- Some households hire domestic cooks to prepare meals regularly
- Especially common in multicultural households
- Hourly pay: AUD $25–$40
e. Gardening and Outdoor Maintenance
- Includes lawn mowing, weeding, trimming, and basic landscaping
- Tools are often provided by the homeowner
- Hourly pay: AUD $25–$35
f. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
- Common in suburbs with high pet ownership
- Duties: Walking dogs, feeding pets, or house-sitting with pets during owner absence
- Flexible and often casual work
- Pay: AUD $20–$30 per hour or flat daily rates
3. Who Can Apply?
Domestic jobs are open to a broad range of people:
- Australian citizens and permanent residents
- Temporary visa holders (with work rights)
- International students (part-time work)
- Backpackers and Working Holiday visa holders
⚠️ Note: Ensure you have the right to work in Australia. Employers may require identification, a Tax File Number (TFN), and possibly an ABN if you’re a freelancer.
4. Legal Requirements and Certifications
Some roles require specific clearances and certifications:
- Police Check – Required for private home work (cost approx. AUD $50–$60)
- Working With Children Check (WWCC) – Mandatory for any childcare job
- First Aid Certification – Valued in childcare, aged care, and disability support
- Certificate III or IV – For Childcare, Individual Support, or Community Services
5. How Much Do Domestic Workers Earn in Sydney?
| Job Type | Average Hourly Pay (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Cleaner (private home) | $25–$35 |
| Nanny/Childcare Worker | $28–$40 |
| Aged Care Support | $30–$45 |
| Gardener | $25–$35 |
| Pet Sitter/Dog Walker | $20–$30 |
| Home Cook | $25–$40 |
Some roles offer accommodation and meals, especially live-in positions.
6. How to Find Domestic Jobs in Sydney
a. Online Platforms
- Airtasker – Short-term cleaning, gardening, repair tasks
- Maid2Match, UrbanYou, Whizz – Cleaning platforms
- Jora, Seek, Indeed – For formal care/childcare roles
- Find A Babysitter, WeNeedANanny – Childcare-focused
- Facebook Groups – e.g., “Jobs in Sydney”, “Sydney Nanny Network”
b. Agencies
Agencies provide job matching and paperwork handling:
- Nanny Australia
- Prestige Inhome Care
- Dial-An-Angel
- Absolute Domestics
c. Word of Mouth
Referrals are powerful—build a good reputation and ask for recommendations.
d. Flyers and Community Boards
Use boards at supermarkets, churches, and community centers.
7. Pros and Cons of Domestic Work in Sydney
Pros:
- Flexible hours
- Steady demand
- Low entry barriers
- Possibility of multiple jobs
Cons:
- Physically demanding
- Potential for unfair pay (know your rights)
- Irregular income
- Need to travel between jobs
8. Rights and Protections
You’re protected by the Fair Work Act, which guarantees:
- Minimum wage (AUD $24.10/hour for casuals as of 2025)
- Superannuation
- Safe conditions
- Paid leave for permanent employees
✅ Tip: Always get agreements in writing (job duties, hours, and pay).
9. Career Progression
Domestic jobs can open doors:
- Nannies → Certified educators
- Aged care → Nursing careers
- Cleaners → Own cleaning businesses
- More qualifications = Higher pay and more opportunities
Conclusion
Domestic jobs in Sydney are a viable path for migrants, students, and temporary residents. As Sydney’s pace of life increases, so does the demand for domestic help. Whether you’re starting out or building a long-term career, domestic work offers flexibility, financial stability, and a meaningful role in the community.
