Looking for high paying domestic jobs in Sydney? You’re in luck. Sydney has plenty of well-paid opportunities for housekeepers, nannies, caregivers, and cleaners. Many jobs include free housing, good benefits, and stable income.
This guide shows you the best domestic jobs in Sydney, how much they pay, what you need to apply, and how to get hired—whether you live in Australia or want to move there.
Why Sydney Needs Domestic Workers
Sydney is Australia’s biggest city, and it’s always busy. More families now hire professional domestic workers because:
- Both parents work full-time and need help at home
- The population is aging and needs caregivers
- Busy professionals want cleaners and housekeepers
- Families need qualified nannies for their children
Good news: Employers pay competitive wages and often provide free accommodation to attract reliable workers.
Benefits of Domestic Work in Sydney
1. High Hourly Wages
Domestic workers earn between AUD $28 and $45 per hour. Some specialized roles pay even more.
2. Steady Work
Thousands of Sydney households need domestic help year-round. Long-term contracts are common.
3. Free Accommodation
Many live-in positions include free housing and meals, which saves you hundreds of dollars each week.
4. Flexible Hours
You can choose part-time or full-time work that fits your schedule.
5. Visa Support
Some employers and agencies help foreign workers get work visas or even permanent residency.
Top High Paying Domestic Jobs in Sydney
1. Live-In Housekeeper
Live-in housekeepers clean homes, do laundry, organize spaces, and maintain the household.
What You Do:
- Clean all rooms and spaces
- Wash and iron clothes
- Organize closets and storage
- Manage household supplies
Benefits:
- Free room and meals included
- Weekly salary plus bonuses
- Long-term contracts available
Pay: AUD $1,000 – $1,400 per week (about $52,000 – $73,000 yearly)
2. Nanny or Childcare Assistant
Sydney families pay premium rates for experienced nannies who care for their children.
What You Do:
- Watch and care for children
- Prepare meals and snacks
- Help with homework
- Drive kids to school and activities
- Plan educational activities
Requirements:
- Experience working with children
- First aid certification
- Working with Children Check (government clearance)
Benefits:
- Free accommodation (for live-in nannies)
- Paid vacation days
- Health insurance
Pay: AUD $30 – $45 per hour (about $62,000 – $93,000 yearly for full-time)
3. Elderly Caregiver / Personal Support Worker
This is one of the highest-paying domestic jobs in Sydney. Australia’s growing senior population needs qualified caregivers.
What You Do:
- Help seniors with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating)
- Give medications on schedule
- Provide companionship and emotional support
- Assist with light housework
- Take seniors to medical appointments
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Individual Support (or willingness to study)
- Patient and caring personality
- Good physical fitness
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship available under aged care programs
- Free training and certification provided
- Free or subsidized accommodation
- Career advancement opportunities
Pay: AUD $32 – $48 per hour (about $66,000 – $100,000 yearly)
4. Professional House Cleaner
Cleaning jobs are always in demand across Sydney—from regular homes to luxury properties.
What You Do:
- Deep clean all rooms
- Vacuum, mop, and dust
- Clean bathrooms and kitchens
- Organize spaces
Benefits:
- Flexible schedules
- Equipment provided by employer
- Weekend and overtime bonuses
- Work through agencies or directly for families
Pay: AUD $28 – $40 per hour (about $58,000 – $83,000 yearly for full-time)
5. Domestic Couple / Household Team
Wealthy families hire couples to manage their entire household—one person handles cleaning and cooking, the other manages maintenance and driving.
What You Do:
- Clean and maintain the home
- Prepare meals
- Manage gardens and outdoor spaces
- Drive family members
- Handle errands and shopping
Benefits:
- Shared accommodation provided
- Both earn separate incomes
- Very stable employment
- Often long-term positions (years)
Pay: AUD $90,000 – $120,000 per year combined
6. Private Cook / Personal Chef
If you love cooking, this is one of the best-paid domestic jobs in Sydney’s wealthy neighborhoods.
What You Do:
- Plan weekly menus
- Shop for fresh ingredients
- Prepare daily meals
- Accommodate special diets (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)
- Keep kitchen clean and organized
Requirements:
- Professional cooking experience
- Food safety certificate (helpful)
- Knowledge of nutrition
Benefits:
- High hourly pay
- Free accommodation for live-in chefs
- Holiday bonuses
- Creative freedom in meal planning
Pay: AUD $35 – $55 per hour (about $73,000 – $114,000 yearly)
What You Need to Apply
Before applying for domestic jobs in Sydney, prepare these documents:
- Valid Passport or ID – Proof of who you are
- Work Visa or Residency – Required if you’re from another country
- Police Clearance Certificate – Shows you have no criminal record (mandatory)
- First Aid Certificate – Required for nannies and caregivers
- References – Contact details from previous employers
- Resume/CV – List your work history and skills
- Training Certificates – Any relevant courses you’ve completed
Pro Tip: Taking short courses in cleaning, aged care, or childcare increases your chances of getting hired and earning more money.
Where to Find High Paying Domestic Jobs
Job Search Websites
- SEEK Australia – Australia’s biggest job site
- Indeed.com.au – Thousands of domestic job listings
- Jora Australia – Easy-to-use job search
- Adzuna – Job aggregator with salary info
Specialized Domestic Agencies
- Sydney Nanny Agency – Childcare and housekeeping roles
- Home Care Heroes – Aged care and support positions
- Houseproud Cleaning Sydney – Professional cleaning jobs
- Care.com.au – Connects caregivers with families
Social Media and Community Groups
- Join Facebook job groups for Sydney
- Check community noticeboards
- Connect through WhatsApp domestic worker networks
- Ask friends and family for referrals
Salary Overview for Domestic Jobs
Here’s what you can expect to earn in different domestic roles:
Housekeeper (Live-In)
- Weekly: AUD $1,200
- Yearly: $60,000 – $70,000
Nanny / Childcare Worker
- Weekly: AUD $1,400
- Yearly: $70,000 – $85,000
Caregiver / Support Worker
- Weekly: AUD $1,500
- Yearly: $75,000 – $90,000
Professional Cleaner
- Weekly: AUD $1,000
- Yearly: $50,000 – $60,000
Private Cook / Chef
- Weekly: AUD $1,800
- Yearly: $80,000 – $100,000
Note: Actual earnings depend on hours worked, experience level, and your employer.
Visa Options for Foreign Workers
Can you work in Sydney if you’re from another country? Yes! Here are your options:
Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
- For workers with skills Australia needs
- Employer must sponsor you
- Can lead to permanent residency
Subclass 408 – Temporary Activity Visa
- For specific caregiving or domestic roles
- Short to medium-term work
- Employer applies for you
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462)
- For young people aged 18-30 (or 35 for some countries)
- Work while traveling Australia
- Can do domestic jobs for up to 6 months per employer
Important: Aged care and support worker positions often qualify for visa sponsorship.
Real Success Story
Maria from the Philippines found a live-in housekeeper job in Sydney through Indeed.com.au. Her employer provided:
- Free private room and bathroom
- All meals included
- AUD $1,200 weekly salary
- Paid holidays
After one year, Maria switched to an elderly caregiver role. Her new employer sponsored her visa. She now earns AUD $38 per hour and is applying for permanent residency.
Maria’s story shows that domestic jobs can lead to a stable, long-term future in Australia.
Living Costs in Sydney
If you’re not in a live-in position, here’s what living in Sydney costs:
- Room Rent: AUD $200-400 per week
- Food: AUD $80-150 per week
- Transport: AUD $30-60 per week
- Phone/Internet: AUD $20-40 per week
- Entertainment: AUD $50-100 per week
Total Monthly: About AUD $1,500-3,000 depending on your lifestyle
Good news: Live-in jobs save you most of these costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can foreigners get domestic jobs in Sydney? A: Yes. Some agencies and families hire international workers and provide visa sponsorship.
Q: Do I need to speak perfect English? A: Good English helps, but many employers value reliability and experience more than perfect language skills.
Q: Are domestic jobs respected in Australia? A: Yes. Domestic work is professional employment with fair wages and legal protections.
Q: How long does it take to find a job? A: If you have the right documents and experience, you can find work within 2-6 weeks.
Q: Can I bring my family? A: Some visas allow you to include family members as dependents.
Q: Do I get sick leave and holidays? A: Yes. Australian employment law requires paid leave for most workers.
Tips for Getting Hired
- Create a Professional Resume – List all relevant experience clearly
- Get Your Documents Ready – Have everything certified and translated if needed
- Be Honest About Your Skills – Don’t exaggerate your experience
- Apply to Multiple Jobs – More applications mean better chances
- Follow Up After Applying – Send a polite email after a few days
- Be Professional in Interviews – Dress well and arrive on time
- Ask Questions – Show you’re interested in the position
Start Your Sydney Career Today
High paying domestic jobs in Sydney offer excellent opportunities for hardworking people. With good salaries, free accommodation options, steady employment, and visa pathways, Sydney is one of the best cities for domestic workers.
Whether you want to be a housekeeper, nanny, caregiver, or cook, Sydney has jobs waiting for qualified workers like you.
Ready to start? Prepare your documents, update your resume, and begin applying to domestic jobs in Sydney today. Your Australian dream career could be just one application away.