Child care jobs in Australia have become one of the most stable and rewarding career paths, especially for individuals seeking long-term employment, flexible schedules, and meaningful work. With growing demand across early childhood education centres, daycare facilities, and community care services, Australia offers thousands of job openings for child care workers, educators, and support staff.
This guide explores early childhood and daycare careers in Australia, covering job roles, eligibility, salary expectations, city-wise opportunities, official application portals, and career growth paths. Whether you are an entry-level applicant or an experienced educator, child care careers provide strong income potential and job security.
Types of Child Care and Early Childhood Jobs in Australia
The Australian child care sector includes a wide range of roles across private daycare centres, government-funded early learning facilities, and community care programs.
- Early Childhood Educator
- Child Care Worker
- Daycare Assistant
- Family Day Care Educator
- Preschool Teacher
- Child Care Centre Manager
- Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Worker
- Early Learning Support Staff
These roles exist in full-time, part-time, casual, and shift-based formats, making them suitable for students, parents, and career switchers.
Eligibility and Requirements for Child Care Jobs
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the role and state, but most child care and daycare jobs in Australia follow standard guidelines.
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education (preferred)
- Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- Police background verification
- Basic English communication skills
- First Aid, CPR, and Anaphylaxis training
Entry-level roles may accept candidates without formal qualifications, especially for assistant or trainee positions, while higher-paying educator and teaching roles require certified training.
Salary Structure for Child Care Jobs in Australia
Child care salaries in Australia depend on experience, qualifications, and job location. Government-supported centres and metropolitan areas usually offer higher pay.
| Job Role | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Child Care Assistant | $3,200 – $4,200 |
| Early Childhood Educator | $4,000 – $5,500 |
| Preschool Teacher | $5,500 – $7,200 |
| Centre Manager | $6,800 – $9,000 |
Monthly Salary Comparison Chart
Child Care Assistant $3,200 |███████████ Early Childhood Educator $4,800 |████████████████ Preschool Teacher $6,500 |██████████████████████ Centre Manager $8,500 |██████████████████████████
City-Wise Child Care Job Opportunities
Child care vacancies are available nationwide, with strong demand in both metropolitan and regional areas.
- Sydney: High-paying educator and centre manager roles
- Melbourne: Daycare assistants and early learning staff
- Brisbane: Family day care and OSHC roles
- Perth: Community child care workers
- Adelaide: Entry-level daycare jobs
- Regional Australia: Sponsored and high-demand roles
How to Apply for Child Care Jobs in Australia
Always apply through official government portals or verified company career pages to avoid job scams.
- Seek Australia
- Indeed Australia
- Workforce Australia
- State Government Early Childhood Career Portals
- Official child care centre websites
Ensure your resume highlights certifications, training, and practical experience with children.
Top Employers Hiring Child Care Staff
- Goodstart Early Learning
- G8 Education
- Busy Bees Australia
- Only About Children
- KU Children’s Services
- State Government Child Care Centres
Career Growth in Early Childhood and Daycare Careers
Child care careers offer structured progression with increasing income and leadership opportunities.
- Child Care Assistant → Educator
- Educator → Senior Educator
- Senior Educator → Centre Manager
- Educator → Preschool Teacher
- Specialisation in Inclusion or Community Care
Additional certifications and experience significantly boost salary and job stability.
Tips to Get High-Paying Child Care Jobs in Australia
- Complete Certificate III or Diploma qualifications
- Gain First Aid and CPR certifications
- Apply for regional roles with incentives
- Build experience through trainee programs
- Stay updated with childcare regulations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are child care jobs in Australia in demand?
Yes, child care and early childhood education jobs are consistently in high demand across Australia.
Can foreigners apply for child care jobs in Australia?
Yes, eligible visa holders can apply. Some regional employers also offer sponsorship.
Do I need qualifications to work in daycare?
Entry-level roles may not require qualifications, but higher-paying roles need certified training.
What is the average salary for child care workers?
Most child care workers earn between $3,200 and $5,500 per month, depending on experience.
Are part-time and flexible jobs available?
Yes, part-time, casual, and shift-based child care jobs are widely available.