Average pay rates

Many visitors to Australia actively seek employment whilst here. Listed below are some common occupations, and the average hourly rate you would expect to get paid.

To work in Australia you will need a work visa, (see our visa section), a tax file number from the Australian Tax Office, and a bank account. There are a variety of employment agencies in the main regional centres who specialise in employment, and many hostels and travel agents also offer employment assistance.

If you are working in Australia, you will have to pay tax on your income. As a traveller on a working holiday maker visa, you are not entitled to as many government services as Australians and you also have to pay tax on every dollar you earn, while Australians enjoy a $6,000 tax-free threshold.

You will need a tax file number to avoid paying the higher tax rates and you'll have to quote this number when applying for work. If you have a working holiday visa and an Australian address you can apply for a tax file number online at the Australian Taxation Office's website or phone 13 28 61 after you arrive.

At the end of the Australian tax year (30 June) and before you return home, you will need to complete a tax return. In Australia this is more complex than in the UK and many travellers get an accountant or tax agent to do this for them; an accountant will charge around $120 for this service. You a face a fine of up to $550 of you fail to lodge a return... and visitors on a working visa, are not able to claim a tax refund.