GENERAL INFORMATION

Pay rates and workplace conditions are set by Australian law. All people working in Australia, including those from overseas have rights and protections at work. These cannot be taken away by contracts or agreements. If you have questions about your pay and conditions whilst in Australia, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free help. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman by phone within Australia on 13 13 94.

Pay

The national minimum wage is reviewed every year and may change. Please note that as an 18 year old it is legal for an employer to pay at 80% or the adult wage, the same is true for 19 year olds at 90%. You can calculate your correct pay and entitlements using the Pay Calculator. Most of our employers pay way above the minimum with accommodation and bills included. Usually the take home is around £600-800 per week.
 

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

There are some differences when working in agriculture or with horses because hours are often not set. Other factors are also taken into account such as most of your living costs including food, accommodation, access to free transport etc.

Often you live as one of the family and the financial benefits to this can be very good. In terms of work, sometimes you may have to take part in a 4 day equine event over the weekend, other times you may be paid to sleep in a truck as you drive for a couple of hours. Remember 38 hours per week is a guideline and you will need to view this with a bit of flexibility.
 
You will then need to take into account Superannuation and Tax. Tax is 15% until you earn $37,000 (at time of publishing). After this you are then taxed at the same rate as Australian residents. You can find more information here.
 
Superfunds vary but the percentage is approximate 9.5% and is easily claimable for working holiday visa holders on departure from Australia.

WHAT CAN I SAVE?

Rural jobs offer the chance to save because there is little to spend your money on. You should expect approximately $400-800 AUD per week that if sensible, you will be able to bank.  

LETS COMPARE

Fruit picking

This type of work is similar in pay,  but often your wage is calculated per bin or basket. You have to learn how to be fast if you are going to make enough money and this can take time. Rarely are food, accommodation, transport and social life costs taken into account.  Often farms are in association with certain hostels and you can only work on the farm if you stay at a particular establishment. If you are going to partake in this sort of work then we highly recommend that you stick with a friend, ask local advice on the reliability of the farm, and get a pay structure in place before you arrive. 

City Work

The temptations of city life can often mean there is not much cash left at the end of the week to save, so it good that you have banked some savings working with horses first. You will need to find accommodation, pay higher costs for food and often transport to your job. To rent an apartment you will need to provide quite a high 'bond' (deposit) as an upfront cost, and often references. As a working tourist, job offers will be entry level. City work can be great fun, and like you, many choose to save up money working rurally in the country first… and then head to the bright lights :)