1. Introduction
Sydney, Australia’s largest city, is not only a financial hub but also one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants seeking stable employment. With its vibrant economy, multicultural society, and growing demand for household services, Sydney has become a hotspot for domestic job opportunities with competitive pay and visa sponsorship options.
Busy professional households, dual-income families, and an aging population have fueled a consistent demand for skilled domestic workers such as nannies, housekeepers, caregivers, and personal chefs. For immigrants, these roles not only provide a pathway to financial stability but also open doors to permanent residency through visa sponsorship programs.
This article highlights the top high-paying domestic jobs in Sydney, their salary ranges, responsibilities, and how international workers can secure these positions with visa support.
2. Why Domestic Jobs in Sydney Are in Demand
Domestic roles have always been essential, but in Sydney, the demand has grown significantly in recent years due to several factors:
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Busy Lifestyles: With more dual-income families, parents often seek childcare and household help.
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Population Growth: Sydney’s rapidly expanding population has increased the need for home-based services.
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Aging Population: More Australians are in need of aged care and disability support at home.
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Multicultural Influence: Many families prefer domestic workers who bring cultural diversity and international experience.
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Government Programs: Australia’s visa schemes, particularly for caregivers and aged care workers, make it possible for skilled immigrants to relocate and fill critical labor shortages.
These trends make domestic jobs not just accessible but also a viable career pathway for immigrants seeking sponsorship in Australia.
3. High-Paying Domestic Jobs in Sydney with Visa Support
Domestic employment in Sydney covers a wide range of services, many of which come with competitive pay and strong visa sponsorship prospects. Below are the top roles currently in demand.
3.1 Nannies & Childcare Workers
Childcare is one of the most in-demand domestic services in Sydney. Families are willing to pay generously for skilled nannies who provide both care and early learning support.
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Average Pay: AUD $55,000 – $75,000 annually.
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Key Responsibilities: Supervising children, preparing meals, assisting with homework, organizing activities, and ensuring a safe environment.
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Visa Support: Families and childcare agencies often sponsor nannies under the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa.
Immigrants with childcare certifications, First Aid training, or teaching backgrounds are highly favored for these roles.
3.2 Housekeepers & Domestic Managers
Sydney’s growing number of high-income households has led to a rise in demand for professional housekeepers and domestic managers.
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Average Pay: AUD $50,000 – $70,000 annually.
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Key Responsibilities: Cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and managing household schedules.
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Visa Support: Full-time live-in and live-out housekeeping roles can qualify for employer sponsorship, especially through recruitment agencies.
Housekeepers with prior experience in luxury households or hospitality are particularly competitive in this field.
3.3 Aged Care & Disability Support Workers
With an aging population, aged care workers are among the most in-demand domestic professionals in Sydney.
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Average Pay: AUD $60,000 – $80,000 annually.
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Key Responsibilities: Assisting elderly individuals with daily activities, providing companionship, administering medication, and offering mobility support.
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Visa Support: Australia has introduced special immigration programs to attract aged care workers, making this one of the strongest pathways for sponsorship.
Immigrants with healthcare or caregiving backgrounds can easily transition into this role with short certification programs.
3.4 Personal Chefs & Cooks
Sydney’s wealthy households and corporate executives often hire private chefs to prepare high-quality meals. This role is not only lucrative but also offers significant career growth opportunities.
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Average Pay: AUD $55,000 – $85,000 annually.
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Key Responsibilities: Meal planning, cooking, catering for special events, and accommodating dietary needs.
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Visa Support: Employers sponsor chefs under hospitality shortage categories via the Subclass 482 TSS Visa.
For immigrants with culinary training and experience, working as a personal chef provides both financial stability and long-term visa prospects.
3.5 Domestic Chauffeurs & Drivers
High-net-worth families and executives in Sydney often employ personal chauffeurs for convenience and safety.
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Average Pay: AUD $50,000 – $65,000 annually.
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Key Responsibilities: Driving employers to work, school runs, events, and maintaining vehicle safety.
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Visa Support: Some private households and companies sponsor skilled drivers, especially those with experience in VIP or corporate transport.
Candidates with clean driving records, defensive driving training, and flexibility in work schedules are most sought after.
3.6 Live-In Domestic Assistants
For immigrants looking for a simple entry point into Sydney’s domestic job market, live-in assistant roles are an excellent option.
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Average Pay: AUD $45,000 – $60,000 annually + free accommodation and meals.
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Key Responsibilities: A combination of childcare, cleaning, cooking, and caregiving.
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Visa Support: Families often provide sponsorship for live-in assistants, especially through the TFWP-style arrangements under domestic service visas.
This role is especially appealing to newcomers as it reduces living expenses while offering stable employment.
4. Visa Options for Domestic Workers in Australia
Australia provides several visa pathways for immigrants seeking domestic employment in Sydney. These visas allow foreign workers to secure sponsorship and, in some cases, transition to permanent residency.
4.1 Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
The Subclass 482 TSS Visa is one of the most common visas for skilled foreign workers. It allows employers to sponsor international candidates to fill positions where local workers are in short supply. Domestic roles such as aged care workers, childcare workers, and cooks often fall under this category.
4.2 Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
This permanent residency visa allows employers to nominate foreign workers for long-term positions. Experienced domestic professionals, especially those in caregiving and aged care, may qualify for this sponsorship pathway after proving relevant skills and work history.
4.3 Aged Care Sector Programs
Australia has launched targeted initiatives to address the shortage of aged care and disability support workers. These programs streamline visa processing for qualified candidates, making it easier for immigrants to relocate and start working in Sydney’s healthcare and caregiving sector.
4.4 Employer-Sponsored Visas
Private households and domestic staffing agencies in Sydney frequently sponsor skilled domestic workers, particularly in live-in roles where demand is high.
With these options, immigrants can enter Australia on a temporary work visa and later transition to permanent residency, making domestic jobs a viable long-term opportunity.
5. Where to Find Domestic Jobs in Sydney with Sponsorship
Finding sponsored domestic work in Sydney requires using the right platforms and networking effectively.
5.1 Job Portals
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Seek – Australia’s largest job board, with listings across childcare, caregiving, and housekeeping.
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Indeed Australia – Many employers specify “visa sponsorship available” in postings.
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Jora – A popular job portal for live-in domestic roles.
5.2 Domestic & Caregiver Recruitment Agencies
Specialized agencies in Sydney recruit nannies, caregivers, and housekeepers for high-income families. Many of these agencies also handle sponsorship paperwork on behalf of employers.
5.3 Expat and Community Networks
Joining online communities, such as Facebook groups for immigrants in Sydney or cultural associations, can open doors to referral-based opportunities.
5.4 Government-Approved Job Listings
The Australian government’s Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL) highlight roles eligible for sponsorship, including caregiving and aged care jobs. Checking state and federal listings can help identify employer-sponsored roles.
6. Tips for Immigrants to Boost Employability
To stand out in Sydney’s competitive domestic job market, immigrants should prepare both professionally and culturally.
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Obtain Relevant Certifications: First Aid, Childcare Certificates (Certificate III in Early Childhood Education), and Aged Care Training (Certificate III in Individual Support) are highly valued.
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Meet Language Requirements: Most visa sponsorships require proof of English proficiency through IELTS or OET exams.
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Highlight Experience: Employers prefer candidates with proven experience in domestic roles, hospitality, or caregiving.
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Prepare a Professional Resume: Tailor your CV to Australian standards, focusing on responsibilities, achievements, and certifications.
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Show Flexibility: Being open to live-in arrangements or rural placements often leads to faster sponsorship opportunities.
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Maintain Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrating adaptability and respect for Australian customs helps immigrants build trust with employers.
These steps significantly increase the chances of securing high-paying domestic roles with visa sponsorship in Sydney.
7. Conclusion
Sydney’s thriving economy and busy lifestyle have created a growing demand for skilled domestic workers. From nannies and housekeepers to aged care workers and personal chefs, these roles not only provide competitive salaries but also open the door to visa sponsorship and permanent residency in Australia.
With pathways such as the Subclass 482 TSS Visa, Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), and specialized aged care programs, immigrants have multiple options to secure sponsorship. By gaining the right certifications, showcasing relevant experience, and using trusted job platforms, foreign workers can find rewarding opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
For immigrants looking to build both a career and a future in Australia, domestic jobs in Sydney offer financial stability, long-term security, and a pathway to permanent settlement.