There are many pathways to migrate into Australia. The lower end makes perfect sense for some people.

---

Why Low-Paid Jobs Still Matter for Migrants

Thousands of migrants take on Australia’s lowest-paid jobs each year. These roles are attractive for:

• Stepping stones — A way to gain local work experience and establish a foothold.
• Short-term goals — Pacific Islanders and Southeast Asian workers often spend 2–3 years in agriculture or processing jobs to save for a home or business back home.
• Cultural/travel experiences — Many working holidaymakers take hospitality or farm jobs to fund backpacking adventures across Australia.

Because most workers in these roles are not pursuing residency, the government allows employers more freedom. This flexibility keeps seasonal and service industries running while offering migrants income and experiences.

---

Migrant job sectors Commonly used towards residency

(job-side guidance only — no visa advice)

High-skill, consistently in demand

• Health & Care: nurses, allied health, aged/disability support, personal care.
• Education & Early Childhood: teachers, early childhood educators.
• Construction & Skilled Trades: carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, fitters.
• Engineering & Technical: civil, mechanical, electrical, QA/maintenance.
• ICT & Digital: software, data, cybersecurity, business analysis.
• Mining, Energy & Utilities: maintenance, electrical, process/plant roles.
• Manufacturing & Fabrication: metal fabrication, machining, production maintenance.

Accessible/entry pathways with strong hiring

• Aged & Disability Care (direct care workers).
• Meat Processing (boners/slicers, production).
• Horticulture & General Agriculture (harvest, packing, farm operations).
• Dairy Operations (farm assistants, senior stock).
• Hospitality & Tourism (chefs/cooks; service teams such as waitstaff, baristas, kitchenhands).
• Transport, Postal & Warehousing (storepersons, forklift, HC/MC drivers).

---

How to use this (job-side steps)

• Pick a specific occupation title and align to employer language (ANZSCO wording helps).
• Check pay bands vs. the market (aim for ≥ median where possible).
• Line up job-ready tickets: e.g., Cert III (care), RSA/food safety (hospo), LF forklift (warehousing), White Card (construction).
• Build a target list (20–40 employers per city/region) and tailor applications with metrics.
• Keep compliance docs ready: police check, medicals, vaccinations, references.

---

Important caveat (immigration research)

• We don’t provide visa advice. For official information, start at the Department of Home Affairs Visa pages (Visa Finder and program overviews):
  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas
• Types of visas you can research independently (no advice implied):
  • Employer-sponsored categories
  • Regional skilled pathways
  • Points-tested skilled visas
  • Designated area/industry programs
  • Family/partner, business/investor programs

If you’d like, we can recommend reputable, licensed migration agents for tailored immigration advice, while we help you get hired.

---

Living on the Minimum Wage in Australia

Minimum wage isn’t poverty. If you can work and reasonably healthy, you will be OK. Plus, there is a generous government safety net for permanent residents.

• For travellers: Working holidaymakers can live modestly, covering hostels, share-houses, or camper vans. A full-time minimum wage role provides enough to fund travel and basic savings.
• For families: Two adults on minimum wage (≈AUD $102,000 combined pre-tax) can afford rent, food, and transport in regional cities (Townsville, Launceston, Ballarat). Supporting children is possible, though still tight.
• In big cities: Sydney and Melbourne rents make single-income survival on minimum wage nearly impossible; even dual-income households are stretched.

---

International Comparisons (2025)

Country / Region	Hourly Minimum Wage	Equivalent AUD/hr	Notes
Australia	AUD $24.10	$24.10	Among highest globally
New Zealand	NZD $23.15	≈AUD $21.50	Slightly lower
USA – New York	USD $16.00	≈AUD $24	Comparable
USA – California	USD $16.00	≈AUD $24	Comparable
Canada – Ontario	CAD $17.20	≈AUD $19	Lower
UK	GBP £11.44	≈AUD $22	Slightly lower
Germany	EUR €12.41	≈AUD $20	Lower
Netherlands	EUR €13.27	≈AUD $21	Slightly lower
Norway	Collective agreements	≈AUD $28–31	Higher, no national minimum
Switzerland	CHF 22–24	≈AUD $38–42	Exceptionally high
Japan	JPY ¥1,004	≈AUD $12	Much lower

---

Conclusion: Risks, Benefits & Next Steps

For migrants, Australia’s bottom rung of work carries real trade-offs:

• Benefits: Easy to enter, often no skills required, steady income, and the chance to travel or save for goals back home.
• Risks: Physically demanding, limited residency options, and costly living in major cities.

These roles remain vital to Australia’s economy, keeping fruit on shelves, restaurants staffed, and care facilities running. For migrants, they are gateways to adventure, savings, and cultural exchange — though rarely permanent careers.

👉 To secure work more confidently and quickly, send your CV and job interests to Tate@employmentforimmigration.nz for guidance tailored to Australia’s job market.