Domestic Jobs in Sydney, Australia Today

TITLE: Domestic Jobs in Sydney, Australia Today

The domestic job market in Sydney, Australia, is thriving more than ever in 2025. With growing demand for household assistance, cleaning, elderly care, and child supervision, thousands of domestic jobs are now available across the Sydney metropolitan area and its surrounding suburbs.

For foreigners seeking visa sponsorship, these opportunities present an attractive pathway to secure employment and permanent residence in one of the most livable cities in the world.

Many employers are actively offering visa sponsorship under various programs such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme.

Domestic workers in Sydney typically earn between AUD 55,000 and AUD 80,000 per year, depending on their experience and job type. The sector has remained stable despite global economic fluctuations, making it a reliable option for migrants and residents seeking steady income.

With flexible working hours, job security, and access to employee benefits like accommodation and health insurance, domestic employment continues to attract skilled and unskilled workers alike.

This guide explores why working in the domestic industry can be rewarding, the different job types available with visa sponsorship, required skills, and the best-paying regions in Sydney for domestic professionals.

Why Work in the Domestic Industry?

Working in the domestic industry in Sydney offers not just financial stability but also long-term professional growth, especially for foreigners entering Australia’s workforce through visa sponsorship programs.

The domestic services sector has expanded rapidly in response to lifestyle changes, dual-income households, and the growing demand for personalized home care.

The industry covers a wide range of positions, including housekeepers, nannies, cooks, caregivers, and cleaning attendants. Many Australian households rely on foreign workers to meet these demands due to a persistent labor shortage.

This labor gap has prompted both small businesses and private families to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers through visa programs that allow legal employment and potential pathways to permanent residency.

Job Security and Stability

Domestic jobs are among the most stable positions available in Australia’s service sector. Many domestic workers are employed full-time under fair employment contracts, earning between AUD 25 to AUD 40 per hour, depending on experience and job duties.

Live-in positions often include free accommodation, meals, and paid holidays. Employers are required to comply with Australia’s Fair Work Act, ensuring minimum wage compliance and occupational safety standards.

High Demand Across Sydney

The demand for domestic workers is highest in affluent suburbs like Mosman, Vaucluse, Bondi, and North Sydney, where families prefer professional domestic assistance.

In these regions, live-in housekeepers or childcare attendants may earn up to AUD 85,000 annually, with bonuses and end-of-year incentives. This consistent demand guarantees job availability, making the domestic industry a secure choice for both locals and migrants.

Visa Sponsorship Advantage

Many employers in Sydney prefer hiring foreign workers through the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa or the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.

These programs allow long-term employment while providing a path toward permanent residency. Applicants with prior domestic service experience, even from overseas, can qualify if they meet the English language and health requirements.

Work-Life Balance

Unlike industrial or construction roles, domestic jobs often come with flexible hours. Many employers offer part-time arrangements, which can be ideal for parents or students. Additionally, domestic workers enjoy the comfort of working in private homes rather than in large, stressful workplaces.

Working in the domestic industry in Sydney not only offers financial security but also the opportunity to live in one of the most dynamic cities in the world with access to education, healthcare, and cultural diversity.

Types of Domestic Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Australia

Domestic jobs in Sydney cover a broad range of occupations, each offering different responsibilities, salary levels, and visa sponsorship opportunities. Foreigners can find positions tailored to their skills, whether in cleaning, childcare, cooking, or elderly care.

Housekeeping and Cleaning Jobs

Housekeeping jobs are the most common domestic roles available in Sydney. Housekeepers typically earn between AUD 60,000 and AUD 70,000 per year, depending on the employer.

Tasks include cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, and maintaining household order. Major employers in this sector include cleaning service agencies that provide full-time staff to residential properties, luxury apartments, and hotels.

Visa sponsorship for housekeepers is common under the TSS (482) visa, especially for candidates with at least two years of experience in hospitality or domestic cleaning. Live-in housekeepers often receive accommodation, meals, and insurance coverage as part of their employment benefits.

Childcare and Nanny Jobs

Nanny positions are highly sought after, especially by foreign applicants with childcare or teaching experience. Nannies in Sydney earn approximately AUD 30 to AUD 45 per hour, depending on the family’s requirements and the age of the children. Live-in nannies can earn up to AUD 85,000 annually, including benefits.

Australian families often prefer bilingual nannies who can assist children with language learning and early education. Visa sponsorship is available under both the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) for qualified candidates.

Aged Care and Home Support Jobs

Elderly care is another high-demand area. Sydney’s aging population has created thousands of openings for compassionate caregivers. Domestic aged-care workers earn around AUD 65,000 to AUD 90,000 annually, depending on experience and certification.

Employers prefer applicants with first aid certification and aged-care training, which can be obtained locally through Registered Training Organizations (RTOs).

Visa sponsorship is common under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, enabling foreign workers to fill critical shortages in residential and private home care.

Cooking and Domestic Chef Roles

Cooking jobs in private homes are among the highest-paying domestic positions in Sydney. A household chef or personal cook can earn between AUD 70,000 and AUD 100,000 per year, depending on their culinary expertise and the size of the household.

Employers often provide visa sponsorship for foreign chefs with formal culinary qualifications or experience in hotel kitchens.

Laundry and Maintenance Assistance

Some large households and estates employ domestic assistants to handle laundry, gardening, and maintenance. Salaries range between AUD 55,000 and AUD 75,000 per year. Many of these positions are sponsored under the hospitality or support services category within the Australian visa framework.

These domestic roles not only provide competitive salaries but also long-term security, making them attractive to foreign workers seeking stability and growth in Australia.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

While some domestic positions in Sydney require formal training or experience, many are open to entry-level workers willing to learn on the job. Employers typically value reliability, honesty, and attention to detail more than formal education.

Core Competencies

Employers look for basic communication skills in English, time management, and the ability to follow instructions. Candidates should also possess interpersonal skills, particularly for roles involving children or elderly individuals. Live-in domestic workers must demonstrate adaptability and respect for privacy since they operate within private households.

Preferred Qualifications

Although not mandatory, vocational courses in hospitality, cleaning operations, or caregiving can improve employability and salary prospects.

Certificates like Certificate III in Cleaning Operations (CPP30316) or Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) are widely recognized in the domestic job market and increase the chances of securing visa sponsorship.

Applicants with prior overseas experience in domestic service or hospitality can also gain a competitive advantage. Employers often consider foreign references, provided they are verifiable.

Entry-level Opportunities

Foreigners entering on a working holiday visa or a temporary skill visa can start as assistant cleaners or junior caregivers earning AUD 25 to AUD 30 per hour. With dedication and skill development, salaries can rise to AUD 40–45 per hour or more.

Those seeking sponsorship should focus on full-time positions, as part-time or casual roles rarely qualify for employer-sponsored visas. Many agencies in Sydney recruit directly for domestic employers who are ready to sponsor qualified candidates under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) 494 visa.

Key Advantages for Foreigners

Domestic employment provides an accessible pathway into Australia’s workforce, even for those without advanced education. Entry-level domestic workers enjoy benefits like health coverage, superannuation contributions, and opportunities for career advancement.

Many foreign workers who started as domestic aides have gone on to become supervisors or facility managers after gaining local experience.

In summary, the domestic industry in Sydney welcomes both skilled and semi-skilled workers. As long as applicants can demonstrate reliability, adaptability, and a willingness to perform household duties, they stand a good chance of obtaining well-paying jobs, often with visa sponsorship and accommodation included.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

Sydney’s domestic job salaries vary significantly depending on the suburb, type of employer, and living conditions provided. Certain regions in Sydney are known for offering higher pay to domestic workers, especially where the cost of living and demand for quality domestic services are high.

Eastern Suburbs

The Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, including Vaucluse, Bellevue Hill, Bondi, and Double Bay, are home to some of Australia’s most affluent families.

Domestic workers in these neighborhoods enjoy higher salaries due to the scale of properties and service expectations. Live-in housekeepers or nannies here earn between AUD 80,000 and AUD 100,000 annually, with accommodation and meals included.

These areas frequently employ:

• Private household managers
• Nannies for multilingual or international families
• Domestic chefs and cooks with international experience

Visa sponsorship is also common in this region because employers prefer stability and long-term service from trusted domestic staff.

North Shore and Northern Beaches

The North Shore and Northern Beaches areas, such as Mosman, Manly, and Chatswood, also offer competitive wages.

Domestic workers earn approximately AUD 70,000 to AUD 90,000 per year, depending on the position. The families here often hire caregivers for the elderly and personal assistants for home management.

Many workers in these areas are on Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visas sponsored by household employers who need full-time, dependable domestic assistance.

Western Sydney

In Parramatta, Blacktown, and Penrith, domestic jobs are available at moderate salary levels, averaging AUD 55,000 to AUD 70,000 per year.

However, these regions provide affordable living and more flexible part-time work arrangements. Domestic workers here often serve multiple households under one agency, which can lead to higher cumulative earnings if overtime or extra shifts are taken.

Inner City and CBD

In Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) and nearby areas like Surry Hills and Pyrmont, domestic roles often cater to busy professionals and expatriates.

Cleaners, laundry attendants, and domestic assistants can earn AUD 30 to AUD 45 per hour, with many employed by high-end serviced apartments and luxury residences.

The proximity to transportation, public amenities, and business centers makes these regions ideal for foreign workers seeking sponsored domestic jobs with stable working hours.

Salary Expectations for Domestic Workers

Salaries for domestic workers in Sydney depend on multiple factors including job role, working hours, experience, and whether the position is live-in or live-out. However, with the current labor demand, salaries across all categories have seen significant increases, offering excellent earning potential for foreigners under visa sponsorship.

Average Salary Range

As of 2025, the general salary scale for domestic workers in Sydney is as follows:

• Housekeepers/Cleaners: AUD 55,000–70,000 per year
• Nannies/Childcare Attendants: AUD 60,000–85,000 per year
• Aged Care Workers: AUD 65,000–90,000 per year
• Private Cooks/Chefs: AUD 70,000–100,000 per year
• Domestic Assistants (Laundry, Gardening, Maintenance): AUD 50,000–75,000 per year

Live-in roles typically include accommodation, meals, and utility coverage, saving workers up to AUD 20,000 annually on living expenses.

Payment by Experience

• Entry-level workers with less than one year of experience typically earn AUD 25 to AUD 30 per hour.
• Mid-level workers with 2–4 years of experience can expect AUD 35 to AUD 40 per hour.
• Experienced domestic professionals can command rates of AUD 45 to AUD 50 per hour, particularly when employed in private households with specific duties like elderly care or gourmet cooking.

Benefits and Bonuses

Domestic workers under full-time employment are entitled to:

• Superannuation (retirement contributions)
• Paid annual leave (4 weeks minimum)
• Sick leave and public holiday compensation
• Occasional end-of-year bonuses or pay raises after contract renewal

Visa-sponsored employees may also receive healthcare coverage and training subsidies under employer agreements.

Economic Outlook

With Sydney’s growing population and continued demand for domestic support services, the domestic job market is projected to expand by 12% between 2025 and 2027. The combination of high living standards, competitive pay, and visa sponsorship availability makes Sydney one of the most profitable locations for domestic professionals globally.

Visa Types and Options for Domestic Workers

Australia offers several visa options that allow foreign domestic workers to live and work legally in the country. Employers in Sydney are often willing to sponsor international applicants, especially when there’s a local labor shortage. Understanding these visa types helps workers select the most suitable pathway for long-term residency and employment security.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

The TSS 482 visa is the most common visa type for domestic workers. It allows employers to sponsor foreign workers when suitable Australian candidates are unavailable. This visa can be valid for up to four years, depending on the occupation and employer’s eligibility.

To qualify:

• The applicant must have relevant work experience in domestic service or hospitality.
• The employer must be an approved sponsor.
• The job must meet salary and skill level requirements as per the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Many Sydney families and domestic service agencies use this visa to hire full-time housekeepers, nannies, or cooks.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

The ENS 186 visa is ideal for those seeking permanent residency through employment. After completing a certain period on the TSS visa, a worker can transition to this visa with employer support. It grants full work rights and eligibility for permanent settlement in Australia.

Workers under this scheme often include long-term domestic employees who have proven reliability and professionalism.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa (Subclass 494)

For workers willing to work in regional parts of New South Wales outside Sydney, the 494 visa offers an opportunity for a five-year stay with a clear path to permanent residency. Many employers in surrounding areas like the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, and Wollongong sponsor domestic workers under this category.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

This visa allows young adults from partner countries to work temporarily in Australia while traveling. While it does not directly offer sponsorship, it provides an entry pathway for gaining local experience, which can later qualify the worker for employer-sponsored visas.

Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement

This is a specialized arrangement allowing employers in aged care or domestic support for the elderly to hire foreign caregivers. Workers under this agreement often receive TSS visas and later transition to permanent residency if they maintain continuous employment.

These visa options make Australia’s domestic job market one of the most welcoming for foreigners, offering both short-term work and permanent settlement opportunities.

How to Find Domestic Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Australia

Finding domestic jobs with visa sponsorship in Sydney requires strategy, authenticity, and the use of reliable recruitment channels. Australia’s domestic labor market values transparency, verified documentation, and consistency. Candidates who approach their search with the right tools and credentials often secure employment quickly.

Recruitment Agencies

Several licensed agencies in Sydney specialize in matching domestic workers with sponsoring employers. Examples include:

• Australian Maid Services
• Sydney Nanny Agency

These agencies assist with job matching, visa paperwork, and even accommodation arrangements. Registered agencies typically require proof of experience, police checks, and references.

Online Job Portals

Visa-sponsored domestic job listings frequently appear on:

• Seek
• Indeed Australia
• JobActive
• Jora Australia

Applicants should include relevant keywords like “domestic worker visa sponsorship Sydney” or “housekeeper jobs with accommodation Australia” in their searches to find targeted results.

Employer Direct Sponsorship

Many private families in Sydney advertise directly through classified websites and social media platforms. Direct sponsorship often provides quicker visa processing, as employers already understand the sponsorship obligations.

However, applicants should verify the employer’s authenticity and ensure contracts comply with Australian labor standards.

Training and Certification Routes

Foreigners without experience can increase their chances of sponsorship by enrolling in short domestic service or hospitality courses in Australia. For instance, completing a Certificate III in Individual Support can qualify a candidate for aged care positions with sponsorship.

Application Tips

When applying for domestic jobs with sponsorship, ensure the following:

• A clear, well-written resume highlighting relevant experience
• References from past employers (domestic or hospitality)
• Certificates in cleaning, caregiving, or culinary training
• A valid passport and clean criminal record

Persistence and consistency matter most. Many successful foreign domestic workers in Sydney began as part-time assistants before obtaining full-time, sponsored positions.

 

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