Relocating to a new country is not a small decision; Ambler Collins aims to provide you with the most up-to-date and reliable information on important aspects
of life in the country your interested in moving to. Please see the menu below for more information on life in
Australia.
Working in Australia
Australia has had a largely undersupplied labour market in recent years, and although how quickly you can find a job depends on a number of factors, work is readily available across a large number of sectors. Unemployment regularly sits at between 4 and 4.5% in Australia.
Wages in Australia vary across states and sectors, However western Australia, Queensland and South Australia have a significantly better cost of living vs wage rates, this is mostly dictated by cheaper housing in these areas. Average wages for each state and for a variety of sectors are listed below, however keep in mind your experience and the job level you are looking for work in will have a great influence on your expected salary.
Average Salary by state
Tasmania - $52,432
South Australia - $53,383
Queensland - $53,732
Northern Territory - $54,735
Victoria - $56,820
New South Wales - $59,410
Western Australia - $61,662
Capital Territory - $66,950
Average Salary by Sector
Retail - $49,034
Hospitality, Travel and Tourism - $51,702
Manufacturing - $53,264
Health and Community Services - $55,832
Construction - $58,438
Communication Services - $60,538
Government and Defense - $70,571
Property and Business Services - $61,792
Education - $63,618
Trades and services - $64,229
Legal - $72,026
Media, advertising, arts and entertainment - $72,249
Accounting - $74,273
Finance and Insurance - $76,731
Medical and Healthcare - $79,529
Mining - $92,014
IT and telecommunications - $95,568
Many job advertisements will print the salary in job description and this is a good way to gage you value in the workplace in Australia. Major newspapers (as listed in our Life and Culture in Australia section) and http://mycareer.com.au are good starting places for job listings.
Most full time employers in Australia are entitled to 4 weeks annual leave, and receive further 5 national public holidays, and more depending the state. Recent legal changes mean that Public holidays do not necessarily meant hat workers receive a holiday, or the traditional pay and half, this depends on the type of business and nature of employment.
For other Ambler Collins guides to life in a new country see here
Return to "Guide to Life in.. Section"
