If you’re ready to work and have the skills to care for, clean, cook, or help, Sydney needs you.
From busy families needing full-time help…
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To aging Australians who want to stay independent at home…
To professionals who just can’t keep up with laundry, cleaning, and kids…
Domestic workers are in high demand — yes, you can earn well doing honest, essential work.
Whether you’re:
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- A nanny from the Philippines
- A student on a visa looking for part-time hours
- A cleaner or carer with years of experience
- Or someone just starting fresh in Australia…
This guide provides everything you need to land a domestic job in Sydney—the legal, smart, and safe way.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
- The types of domestic jobs available in Sydney
- How much do they pay (hourly and weekly)
- Who can legally work (visa rules explained)
- Where to find real job offers
- What documents or training you’ll need
- How to avoid scams and work safely and legally
What Counts as a Domestic Job in Sydney?
Let’s keep it simple:
If you work in someone’s home — helping with care, cleaning, cooking, or household support — you’re doing domestic work.
And in Sydney, that work matters more than ever.
With thousands of dual-income households, a rapidly aging population, and rising demand for in-home support, domestic workers are becoming essential — not optional.
What Roles Are Considered Domestic Work?
Here’s what employers and agencies in Sydney typically hire for:
| Job Title | What You Do | Common Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Nanny / Babysitter | Look after children, school runs, feeding, play, light cleaning | Live-in or part-time |
| Housekeeper | Clean the home, wash clothes, iron, organize, deep clean | Part-time or live-in |
| Elder Carer / Home Companion | Help seniors with meals, hygiene, walking, safety, light tasks | Live-in or daily support |
| Disability Support Worker | Assist people with physical or mental disabilities | Via NDIS or private families |
| Au Pair | Light childcare & house help for free room + board + stipend | Cultural exchange; live-in only |
| Domestic Helper (All-In-One) | Mix of cleaning, childcare, errands, meal prep | Common with families from Asia / Middle East |
Important:
Even if you’ve never worked in Australia, your experience caring for children or elders in your home country counts.
So does housekeeping for a hotel, agency, or private client.
Domestic Work Is Not…
To be clear — domestic jobs are not the same as:
- Office cleaning (that’s commercial work)
- Medical care (that’s nursing or hospital-based)
- Hospitality or restaurant work (though similar in skill)
- Informal cash jobs with no contract (illegal if you’re on a visa)
If you’re working in someone’s home to meet their family’s needs, you’re in the right place.
Do You Qualify?
You may be qualified for domestic work in Sydney if you:
- Have experience caring for kids, seniors, or homes
- Can speak basic English
- Have a police check, or are you willing to get one
- Are legally allowed to work (citizen, PR, student visa, WHV, etc.)
No degree is required.
No formal training is needed (though it helps).
Show up with reliability, trust, and heart — and many families or agencies will hire you.
How Much Do Domestic Workers Earn in Sydney (2025)?
The good news:
Domestic jobs in Sydney pay fairly well, especially when you factor in:
- Free accommodation
- Meals
- Utilities or transport support
- No rent = big savings
And because Sydney’s cost of living is high, most families and agencies know they have to pay right — especially for trustworthy, full-time help.
Average Pay by Role
| Job Title | Pay Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| House Cleaner | AUD $25 – $35 /hour | Usually part-time or casual |
| Live-in Nanny | AUD $700 – $950 /week | Includes housing + food |
| Live-out Nanny | AUD $30 – $40 /hour | Higher pay, but more expenses |
| Aged Care Assistant (Non-medical) | AUD $28 – $40 /hour | Often through family or private |
| Disability Support (NDIS) | AUD $32 – $50 /hour | Must be registered or work via Mable |
| Au Pair | AUD $200 – $350 /week + room/board | Cultural-exchange role, not full salary |
Tip:
Live-in roles pay less in cash, but your expenses are near zero — meaning you save more.
Live-In vs. Live-Out Pay
| Type | Pay | Extras | Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live-In | Lower cash ($700 – $950 / week) | Free room, food, utilities | High (minimal expenses) |
| Live-Out | Higher cash ($30 – $40 / hour) | Must pay rent, food, transit | Varies by lifestyle |
If you’re new to Australia, live-in jobs are a great starting point.
You’ll earn less in cash but keep more — no rent, no commute, fewer bills.
What Affects Your Pay?
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Experience | More years = more trust → better pay |
| Certifications | First Aid, CPR, childcare = higher rates |
| Visa Type | Open work rights = more flexibility, better jobs |
| Language Skills | Strong English = more private clients |
| Live-in or not | Live-out = more cash, Live-in = more savings |
Can Foreigners Work in Domestic Jobs in Sydney, Australia?
Yes — but only with the right visa.
Many foreigners in Sydney are working as:
- Live-in nannies
- Au pairs
- Elder carers
- Cleaners
- Disability support workers
But here’s the truth:
If you don’t have legal work rights, you’re putting yourself (and the employer) at risk.
Let’s break down who can work and how to do it legally.
Which Visas Allow Domestic Work?
| Visa Type | Can You Work? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (subclass 500) | Yes – up to 48 hours/fortnight | Can work part-time in homes |
| Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 / 462) | Yes | Can take short-term domestic or au pair jobs |
| Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) | Rare | Only if employer secures sponsorship approval |
| Partner Visa / Dependant | Yes | Unrestricted work rights once granted |
| Bridging Visa | Depends | Must check whether work rights are included |
| Tourist Visa | No | Illegal to work in any job, even part-time or cash |
Can I Get Sponsored to Work in a Domestic Job?
Real talk: Domestic worker sponsorship in Australia is rare — but not impossible.
If you’re:
- A qualified aged carer
- Have years of verifiable experience
- Speak strong English
- And find a family willing to go through the TSS (482) process
- …you might be eligible for an employer-sponsored visa.
However, most domestic workers in Sydney come on:
- Student visas
- Working holiday visas
- Or partner/dependant visas
- …and find work legally through those pathways.
What Happens If You Work Without a Visa?
- You could be fined, banned from Australia, or even detained
- Your employer could be fined up to $315,000
- You’ll have no legal protection if anything goes wrong
Don’t risk it.
Work only under a valid visa that allows employment — and always get things in writing.
How Foreigners Legally Work in Domestic Roles:
Do this:
- Get a visa with clear work rights
- Apply through legal platforms (Care.com.au, Mable.com.au, AuPairWorld)
- Register for an ABN if doing freelance domestic work (cleaning, care)
Avoid this:
- Working on a visitor visa
- Accepting cash jobs with no contract
- Trusting Facebook ads that say “instant sponsorship.”
Where to Find Domestic Jobs in Sydney, Australia (With Legal Work Options)
You’ve got the skills. You’ve got a valid visa.
Now, here’s where to find real jobs — with real employers — who play by the rules.
We’re not sending you into the Wild West of Facebook groups and dodgy “cash job” ads.
These are verified platforms and reputable agencies used every day by:
- Families looking for nannies or carers
- NDIS clients hiring disability support workers
- Busy professionals needing housekeepers
- Agencies looking for trustworthy help
Best Job Boards for Domestic Work in Sydney
PlatformBest ForVisa-Friendly?Extra Notes
| Platform | Best For | Visa-Friendly? | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seek.com.au | Housekeeping, aged care, nanny | Yes | Filter by part-time / live-in |
| Care.com/au | Nanny, babysitter, elder care | Some families prefer PR/citizen | Mostly local hires; not for visa sponsorship |
| Mable.com.au | NDIS & home-care clients | Yes (ABN required) | Ideal for support workers |
| Jora.com.au | Domestic helper, cleaner roles | Yes | Broad range of local jobs |
| Aupairworld.com | Live-in au pair jobs | Yes (Working Holiday / Student visa) | Free housing + stipend |
| Gumtree Australia – Jobs | Cleaning, nanny, live-in roles | Vet carefully | Look for “ABN required” or “work rights needed” |
Pro tip: Always look for listings that clearly say:
- “Work rights required”
- “Must have ABN.”
- “Live-in position available”
- “Police check needed.”
- These are signs of legitimate, above-board roles.
Recommended Domestic Worker Agencies (Sydney-Based)
If you’re not confident applying on your own — or if you’re new to the country — consider applying through a licensed agency specializing in household placements.
| Agency | Focus | Visa-Friendly? |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Au Pairs Australia | Au pair / nanny placements | WHV, Student |
| AIFS (Australian Institute of Family Studies) | Nanny, live-in placements | WHV, Student visas |
| Home Instead Sydney | Elder care, companionship | Yes – many casual roles |
| Better Caring (now Mable) | Disability and aged care | ABN required |
| Prestige Inhome Care | Registered aged-care workers | Must have PR or open visa |
Most agencies will:
- Help with interview prep
- Offer job-matching services
- Require police checks, CPR, and sometimes training
- Not sponsor visas, but accept existing work rights
Filters to Use When Searching
Use these keyword filters to find better-fit jobs:
- “Live-in nanny”
- “Work with accommodation.”
- “ABN required cleaner.”
- “Elderly care casual”
- “Student visa job home helper”
- “Au pair Sydney 2025”
Avoid terms like:
“Cash job,” “no tax,” or “backdoor visa” almost always refer to illegal or unsafe roles.
What You Need to Work in Domestic Jobs in Sydney
Domestic work in Sydney isn’t just about skills — it’s about trust.
To get hired (especially by families or agencies), you’ll need to prove you’re:
- Legal to work
- Safe to hire
- Ready to start
Here’s what most employers and agencies will ask for:
Essentials to Get Hired
| Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Valid Visa with Work Rights | No legal work = no job (Student, WHV, PR, etc.) |
| Resume / CV | Even short experience counts — keep it simple & clear |
| Police Check (Australia) | Families want proof you’re safe around kids or seniors |
| Police Clearance (Home Country) | Often required if you’re a recent migrant |
| References (Written or Contact) | Past jobs, family care, agency placements |
| CPR / First Aid Certificate | Essential for child-care and elder-care roles |
| ABN (Australian Business Number) | Needed if working freelance via Mable or Gumtree |
| Working With Children Check (WWCC) | Mandatory when working with kids in NSW |
Tip: Apply for your ABN and WWCC online — both are quick and free or low-cost for individuals.
FAQs – Domestic Jobs in Sydney
Let’s address people’s most common and searched questions when looking for domestic jobs in Sydney.
Can I get a domestic job in Sydney if I’m not a citizen?
Yes — if you have a valid visa with work rights (e.g., student, WHV, partner visa).
No — if you’re on a tourist visa or without legal status.
Can domestic workers be sponsored to move to Australia?
Rarely.
Employer sponsorship (subclass 482) is possible for experienced aged carers or support workers but is uncommon for cleaning or nanny roles.
Do live-in jobs include food and housing?
Yes.
Most live-in jobs include a private room, meals, utilities — and no rent.
Can I work two domestic jobs at once?
Yes, if your visa allows unrestricted work (e.g., PR, open work visa, partner visa).
If you’re on a student visa, you’re limited to 48 hours per fortnight.
Do I need a police check?
Yes.
Most employers — especially families and care clients — require it.
Some may also ask for a police clearance from your home country.
Is domestic work a path to permanent residency?
Not directly.
Domestic roles don’t typically lead to PR unless you are part of a sponsored aged care pathway or are already on a PR-eligible visa.
Final Word – Domestic Work Can Be a Smart First Step in Australia
Let’s kill the noise:
You don’t need a degree. You don’t need a deep network. You don’t need a cheat code.
You need a skill. A visa. And a strategy.
And if you’re looking to land in Sydney, earn with dignity, and build momentum fast — domestic work is how you do it.
Because here’s the truth:
- It pays.
- It’s in demand.
- It gets you on the ground, working legally, saving money, and growing connections.
And every great opportunity? Starts with a first step.
This is yours.
You’ve just unlocked:
- A blueprint to navigate domestic jobs in Sydney
- Salary benchmarks that protect your time
- Trusted job boards and recruiters
- A checklist that removes the guesswork
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