Child care jobs in Australia continue to rank among the most stable and meaningful career options, especially for people seeking long-term employment, flexible work schedules, and consistent income growth. With increasing government investment in early childhood education and rising demand from working families, educator and assistant positions across Australia are expanding rapidly.
This in-depth guide explains how to work in child care in Australia, covering educator and assistant roles, eligibility requirements, salary structures, city-wise demand, official application links, top employers, career growth, and expert tips to secure higher-paying child care jobs.
Overview of Child Care Careers in Australia
Australia’s child care sector includes early learning centres, long day care facilities, family day care programs, preschools, and outside school hours care services. These centres employ thousands of child care assistants and early childhood educators across metropolitan cities and regional areas.
Child care careers are ideal for individuals interested in education, healthcare support, community services, and early childhood development. Many roles offer government-backed job security, paid training, and pathways to permanent residency for eligible visa holders.
Educator and Assistant Roles in Child Care
Child care centres in Australia hire staff for multiple educator and assistant positions depending on qualifications and experience.
- Child Care Assistant
- Early Childhood Educator
- Senior Educator
- Daycare Assistant
- Family Day Care Educator
- Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Assistant
- Room Leader
- Early Learning Support Worker
Assistant roles are often entry-level, while educator positions offer higher salaries and leadership responsibilities.
Eligibility and Requirements
Eligibility requirements vary slightly by state, but most child care jobs in Australia follow nationally regulated standards.
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- Police background verification
- Basic English communication skills
- First Aid, CPR, and Anaphylaxis certification
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education (preferred)
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education (for educator roles)
Many centres hire assistants without formal qualifications and provide on-the-job training, making child care an accessible career entry point.
Salary Structure for Child Care Jobs in Australia
Child care salaries in Australia depend on job role, qualifications, experience, and location. Educator roles and government-funded centres usually offer higher pay.
| Job Role | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Child Care Assistant | $3,200 – $4,200 |
| Daycare Assistant | $3,400 – $4,500 |
| Early Childhood Educator | $4,800 – $6,200 |
| Senior Educator / Room Leader | $6,000 – $7,500 |
Monthly Salary Comparison Chart
Child Care Assistant $3,200 |███████████ Daycare Assistant $3,900 |█████████████ Early Childhood Educator $5,500 |████████████████████ Senior Educator $7,000 |████████████████████████
City-Wise Child Care Job Opportunities
Child care vacancies are available nationwide, with strong hiring activity in major cities and regional locations.
- Sydney: High-paying educator and centre-based roles
- Melbourne: Assistant and room leader positions
- Brisbane: Family day care and OSHC jobs
- Perth: Community and regional child care roles
- Adelaide: Entry-level assistant jobs
- Regional Australia: Incentive-based and sponsored positions
How to Apply for Child Care Jobs in Australia
Always apply through official job portals or verified company career pages to ensure secure applications.
- Seek Australia
- Indeed Australia
- Workforce Australia
- State Government Early Childhood Career Portals
- Official Child Care Centre Websites
Ensure your resume highlights certifications, child supervision experience, and availability for flexible shifts.
Top Employers Hiring Child Care Staff
- Goodstart Early Learning
- G8 Education
- Busy Bees Australia
- Only About Children
- KU Children’s Services
- State and Local Government Child Care Centres
Career Growth in Child Care and Early Learning
Child care careers offer structured advancement and income growth.
- Assistant → Educator
- Educator → Senior Educator
- Senior Educator → Centre Manager
- Educator → Preschool Teacher
- Specialisation in Inclusion or Community Care
Additional qualifications and leadership experience significantly increase salary potential.
Tips to Get High-Paying Child Care Jobs
- 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, early childhood education and child care roles remain in high demand nationwide.
Can international workers apply for child care jobs?
Yes, eligible visa holders can apply, and some regional employers offer sponsorship.
Do assistant roles require qualifications?
Many assistant roles do not require formal qualifications and provide on-the-job training.
What is the average monthly salary for educators?
Early childhood educators typically earn between $4,800 and $6,200 per month.
Are part-time child care jobs available?
Yes, part-time, casual, and flexible shift roles are widely available.