Sydney has more working holiday jobs than anywhere else in Australia. The biggest areas are hospitality, cafes and bars, tourism, events, retail, construction labour, warehousing and office temp work. Summer, from December to February, is the busiest time to look, with New Year’s Eve the peak.
Last checked: 7 November 2026
Sydney jobs hiring now
- MSP Service Delivery Specialist LiveCX, Sydney NSW 2000
- GARDENING Assistant $35ph Casual No Company, Sydney NSW 2023
- Contract Site Supervisor Hays, Sydney NSW 2302
What work is there in Sydney?
| Type of work | What to know |
|---|---|
| Hospitality, cafes and bars | The biggest employer of backpackers. Barista skills and an RSA certificate get you hired faster. |
| Tourism and hostels | Tour companies, hostels and attractions around the Harbour, Bondi and Manly. |
| Events | Concerts, festivals, sport and New Year’s Eve all need casual crews. |
| Construction and labouring | Steady work on building sites. You need a White Card. |
| Warehousing and logistics | Pick and pack, forklift and delivery work, often with shifts that suit backpackers. |
| Office and admin temps | Reception, data entry and admin through temp agencies, good if you have office experience. |
Pay
The national minimum wage is $26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026, and at least $33.05 an hour if you are a casual. Many jobs are covered by an award with higher rates, plus extra for weekends, nights and public holidays. Working holiday makers pay 15% tax on the first $45,000. Read more about pay rates and tax.
Best time to find work in Sydney
Summer (December to February) is peak season for hospitality, tourism and events. Winter is quieter for tourism, but construction, warehousing and office work run all year.
How to get hired fast
- Build an Australian style CV on the TAW CV builder and keep it to 1 or 2 pages.
- Get a local phone number and your Tax File Number before you start applying.
- Get the right certificate: an RSA for bar work, a White Card for building sites, and a barista course if you want cafe work.
- Apply early in the day and follow up in person where you can.
- Read our interview tips and the job safety checklist.
Living in Sydney
Hostels around Central Station are close to most of the city and its transport. Read moving to Sydney and our Sydney hostel picks.
While you move around, a TAW Mailbox gives you a real Australian address for your bank card, tax letters and payslips.
Land in Sydney with a plan
Hello Sydney is our 4 day, 3 night welcome package: a social hostel, a city tour, a group, and a session on your TFN, bank account, super and CV.
Hiring in Sydney? Post a job for working holiday makers.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Can I get a job in Sydney on a working holiday visa?
Yes. With a 417 or 462 visa you can work in any job for up to 6 months with one employer. Every job on TAW is open to working holiday makers.
What jobs can backpackers get in Sydney?
Hospitality, cafes and bars, Tourism and hostels, Events and Construction and labouring are the most common.
How much do backpacker jobs in Sydney pay?
At least the national minimum wage of $26.44 an hour, or $33.05 as a casual, from 1 July 2026. Award rates and weekend penalty rates are often higher.
How long does it take to find work in Sydney?
Many working holiday makers find work within 1 to 3 weeks, faster in peak season and with a good CV and the right certificates.
Does work in Sydney count for my second year visa?
Most jobs in the city do not. Your 88 days of specified work, like farm work, must be in an eligible regional postcode. See our second year visa guide.
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman: minimum wages, Home Affairs: Working Holiday visa (417).
