Early childhood care careers across Australia offer stable employment, strong salary growth, and long-term career security. With increasing government funding, rising workforce participation, and a growing focus on early learning outcomes, demand for qualified and entry-level child care professionals continues to rise nationwide.
This comprehensive guide explores early childhood care jobs in Australia, including available roles, eligibility requirements, salary structures, city-wise opportunities, official application portals, top employers, career progression, and expert tips to secure higher-paying positions in the childcare and education sector.
Overview of Early Childhood Care Careers in Australia
Early childhood care in Australia covers services for children from birth to five years of age and includes long day care centres, preschools, family day care, and outside school hours care. These services are regulated under the National Quality Framework and supported by both government and private operators.
Careers in early childhood education align closely with healthcare, community services, and education sectors, making them attractive for individuals seeking meaningful, people-focused work with consistent job demand.
Popular Early Childhood Care Job Roles
Australia’s childcare sector offers a wide range of roles suitable for both entry-level candidates and experienced professionals.
- Child Care Assistant
- Early Childhood Educator
- Senior Educator
- Preschool Teacher
- Family Day Care Educator
- Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Worker
- Room Leader
- Child Care Centre Manager
Assistant roles focus on daily care and supervision, while educator and leadership roles involve curriculum planning, compliance, and team management.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements
Eligibility criteria for early childhood care jobs vary by role and employer, but most positions follow national standards.
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- National police background check
- Basic English communication skills
- First Aid, CPR, and Anaphylaxis certification
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education (preferred)
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education (required for senior roles)
Many employers offer traineeships, allowing candidates to earn while completing formal qualifications.
Salary Structure for Early Childhood Care Jobs
Salaries in early childhood care depend on qualifications, experience, location, and employer type. Government-funded and metropolitan centres generally offer higher pay.
| Job Role | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Child Care Assistant | $3,200 – $4,200 |
| Early Childhood Educator | $4,600 – $6,200 |
| Preschool Teacher | $5,800 – $7,500 |
| Centre Manager | $7,000 – $9,200 |
Monthly Salary Comparison Chart
Child Care Assistant $3,200 |███████████ Early Childhood Educator $5,200 |██████████████████ Preschool Teacher $6,800 |██████████████████████ Centre Manager $8,800 |██████████████████████████
City-Wise Early Childhood Job Opportunities
Early childhood care jobs are available across all Australian states, with strong demand in both urban and regional locations.
- Sydney: Educator and leadership roles with premium salaries
- Melbourne: Assistant and room leader positions
- Brisbane: Family day care and OSHC jobs
- Perth: Community and regional childcare roles
- Adelaide: Entry-level childcare assistant jobs
- Regional Areas: Incentives and employer-sponsored positions
How to Apply for Early Childhood Care Jobs
To ensure safe and verified applications, candidates should apply only through official job portals and company career pages.
- Seek Australia
- Indeed Australia
- Workforce Australia
- State Government Early Childhood Career Portals
- Official Child Care Centre Websites
Tailor your resume to highlight certifications, training, and hands-on experience with children.
Top Employers Hiring Early Childhood Professionals
- Goodstart Early Learning
- G8 Education
- Busy Bees Australia
- Only About Children
- KU Children’s Services
- State and Local Government Child Care Providers
Career Growth and Progression
Early childhood care careers provide structured pathways and long-term growth opportunities.
- Assistant → Educator
- Educator → Senior Educator
- Senior Educator → Centre Manager
- Educator → Preschool Teacher
- Specialisation in Inclusion or Educational Leadership
Additional qualifications and leadership experience significantly increase earning potential.
Tips to Secure High-Paying Early Childhood Jobs
- Complete nationally recognised childcare qualifications
- Maintain up-to-date First Aid and CPR certification
- Apply for regional roles with incentive packages
- Gain experience through traineeships and placements
- Stay compliant with childcare regulations and frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are early childhood care jobs in demand in Australia?
Yes, early childhood education remains one of Australia’s most in-demand sectors.
Can international workers apply for childcare jobs?
Eligible visa holders can apply, and some regional employers offer sponsorship opportunities.
Do I need qualifications to start in child care?
Entry-level roles may not require qualifications, but higher-paying roles do.
What is the average salary for early childhood educators?
Educators typically earn between $4,600 and $6,200 per month.
Are part-time roles available?
Yes, part-time, casual, and flexible early childhood care jobs are widely available.