jonecgroupAustralia has become one of the most sought-after destinations for immigrants searching for stable, well-paying jobs with visa sponsorship opportunities. Among the many in-demand roles, gardening jobs in Australia have emerged as a rewarding path for both skilled and unskilled foreign workers.
These positions not only offer competitive annual salaries averaging around $37,000 per year but also include benefits such as visa sponsorship, accommodation assistance, and long-term employment opportunities in various cities across the country.
Australia’s thriving landscaping, horticulture, and maintenance industries have driven a growing demand for gardeners, particularly in regions with booming housing and tourism sectors.
Employers are increasingly seeking reliable workers who can manage gardens, parks, resorts, and agricultural landscapes. This demand creates a perfect entry point for immigrants who wish to work legally in Australia while enjoying a steady income and the opportunity to grow within the field.
The appeal of gardening jobs with visa sponsorship in Australia lies in their accessibility. Many positions do not require advanced qualifications, making them ideal for newcomers seeking their first international job.
Immigrants from Africa, Asia, and Europe have successfully secured gardening and landscaping jobs with visa support, earning competitive hourly wages that range from $22 to $28 per hour, depending on the region and employer.
For those seeking job stability and career advancement, Australia’s gardening sector also provides structured pathways for professional development.
Employers often support workers in obtaining certifications in horticulture, landscape management, and sustainability practices, which can increase annual salaries up to $45,000–$50,000.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential entry-level skills required, regional pay structures, salary expectations, and practical tips for finding and applying for visa-sponsored gardening jobs in Australia.
Whether you are an experienced gardener or a beginner looking for your first opportunity abroad, this article provides every key detail you need to start your journey confidently.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
Securing a gardening job in Australia with visa sponsorship doesn’t always require a formal degree. However, candidates who possess certain basic skills, hands-on experience, and a strong work ethic stand a better chance of getting hired.
Employers value reliability, physical fitness, and attention to detail, as gardening involves long hours of outdoor work in diverse weather conditions.
Most entry-level positions pay between $22 and $27 per hour, which translates to an annual salary of approximately $37,000 to $42,000. Those who have prior experience in landscaping, horticulture, or groundskeeping may earn even higher rates.
For example, individuals with at least one year of experience managing large gardens or public parks can expect offers around $45,000–$50,000 per year.
Core Skills Employers Look For
Employers typically prioritize the following abilities when hiring gardeners under visa sponsorship programs:
- Plant Care and Maintenance: Understanding how to water, prune, fertilize, and protect plants from pests.
- Use of Gardening Tools: Safe and efficient use of tools like lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers.
- Basic Landscaping: Knowledge of soil preparation, lawn design, and general landscape maintenance.
- Time Management: Ability to complete assigned tasks efficiently without direct supervision.
- Team Collaboration: Working with others on large estate or city maintenance projects.
Work Experience and Training
While some gardeners enter the field without prior experience, having exposure to agricultural work or landscaping can boost employability. Certain employers also provide on-the-job training to immigrants, allowing them to learn Australian safety standards and environmental care practices.
Completing a Certificate II or III in Horticulture or Landscape Construction from an Australian training institute can significantly improve a candidate’s chance of obtaining long-term employment and permanent residency.
Entry-level workers can also start as garden maintenance assistants, earning around $800 to $1,000 per week, before moving up to senior gardener or supervisor roles that pay up to $60,000 annually.
In short, the key to securing a visa-sponsored gardening job in Australia is demonstrating your reliability, willingness to learn, and ability to perform physically demanding work efficiently.
Employers appreciate candidates who show commitment and adaptability, especially when they plan to stay long-term and contribute to the company’s landscaping or agricultural operations.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Australia’s vast geography offers different salary ranges for gardening jobs depending on location, demand, and cost of living. Immigrants seeking visa sponsorship jobs in gardening often target regions where pay rates and employment benefits are the most competitive.
New South Wales (Sydney & Surrounding Areas)
New South Wales remains one of the highest-paying regions for gardeners, largely due to its dense population, commercial landscaping contracts, and upscale residential developments.
Gardeners in Sydney typically earn between $25 and $32 per hour, translating to $45,000–$55,000 per year. Employers in this region often sponsor international workers to maintain public parks, luxury estates, and resort gardens.
Victoria (Melbourne)
Melbourne offers vast opportunities in municipal and private landscaping. The city’s sustainability projects and green urban planning initiatives have created a steady demand for gardeners.
The average pay for visa-sponsored workers here ranges from $23 to $28 per hour, and experienced horticulturists can earn above $60,000 per year. Many local councils in Victoria are open to sponsoring skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers under the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa program.
Western Australia (Perth and Regional Areas)
In Western Australia, the booming construction and tourism sectors drive demand for landscaping professionals. The cost of living is relatively high, so employers often compensate with competitive pay rates averaging $26–$30 per hour. Regional employers may also include accommodation or relocation bonuses, making it ideal for immigrants.
Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Cairns)
Queensland’s tropical climate ensures year-round gardening work, particularly in the resort and hotel industry. Wages are consistent, averaging $24 to $29 per hour, with visa sponsorship commonly available for experienced gardeners.
Employers in coastal towns prefer candidates who can handle both maintenance and design aspects, offering annual pay exceeding $50,000 for senior roles.
South Australia and Tasmania
While smaller in scale, these regions provide affordable living and steady employment. Gardeners in Adelaide or Hobart earn around $22–$25 per hour, but they often enjoy better work-life balance, less competition, and the potential for permanent residency through regional migration schemes.
Overall, Australia’s regional areas, especially those participating in government visa sponsorship initiatives, are the best starting points for immigrants. They offer stable salaries, longer contracts, and pathways to permanent settlement while maintaining reasonable living costs.
Salary Expectations for Gardeners
Salary is one of the most attractive aspects of working as a gardener in Australia under a visa sponsorship program. While pay may vary depending on skill level, region, and employer, most full-time gardeners earn between $37,000 and $55,000 per year. Hourly rates generally fall between $22 and $30, depending on the complexity of tasks and experience level.
Entry-level Salary
For new immigrants with little or no prior experience, starting salaries average around $37,000 annually, or about $22 per hour. Many employers offer flexible work hours, overtime pay, and seasonal bonuses, particularly during peak landscaping periods (spring and summer).
Experienced Gardeners
With one to three years of experience, salaries can rise to $45,000–$50,000 annually. Skilled horticulturists who manage irrigation systems, pest control, or large-scale landscaping projects may earn $55,000–$60,000 per year.
Gardeners working in metropolitan areas like Sydney or Melbourne often receive additional benefits such as fuel allowances, paid leave, and uniform stipends.
Specialized Roles
Some gardeners specialize in high-end services such as botanic maintenance, golf course landscaping, or estate management. These roles command premium pay, sometimes reaching $70,000 per year. Employers offering visa sponsorship typically provide accommodation or relocation assistance to foreign workers in these specialized positions.
Seasonal and Contract Work
Seasonal gardening jobs are also abundant, particularly in regional farming areas. These contracts typically pay higher hourly wages, around $28 to $32 per hour, to compensate for temporary employment. Immigrants on working holiday visas often find these roles ideal for gaining Australian work experience while earning competitive pay.
Long-term Career Outlook
Gardening is not just a temporary job, it can evolve into a sustainable career path. With experience and certification, workers can advance into supervisory or horticultural design roles with salaries exceeding $65,000 per year.
Many employers also sponsor permanent residency for loyal, long-term workers, making gardening one of the most secure visa sponsorship job categories for immigrants in Australia.
Companies Hiring Gardeners in Australia
Australia’s horticulture and landscaping industries are supported by a large network of employers who consistently recruit both local and immigrant workers for full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles. Many of these companies provide visa sponsorships, relocation support, and attractive salary packages to retain skilled and semi-skilled gardening professionals.
Top Landscaping and Gardening Companies Offering Sponsorship
1. Programmed Property Services: Programmed is one of Australia’s most reputable property maintenance companies, employing hundreds of gardeners across the country. They manage public parks, schools, universities, and commercial landscapes.
Immigrants hired through their sponsorship program earn an average of $25–$30 per hour, with benefits such as paid leave, safety training, and equipment provision.
2. ISS Facility Services: ISS specializes in facility and environmental services across Australia. They frequently hire international gardeners under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, offering annual salaries between $38,000 and $52,000.
Positions are available in cities like Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney, covering garden upkeep and landscape maintenance.
3. Citywide Service Solutions: This company manages municipal and infrastructure projects, making it a popular employer for immigrant gardeners. Their full-time contracts include superannuation, training programs, and performance bonuses.
Skilled gardeners earn around $55,000 annually, while entry-level workers receive approximately $37,000 per year with prospects of promotion.
4. Spotless Group Holdings: Known for servicing hotels, parks, and corporate spaces, Spotless employs foreign workers to maintain large green areas and hospitality gardens.
They sponsor overseas candidates with practical gardening experience and pay up to $28 per hour, depending on experience and work location.
5. Landscape Solutions Australia: A leading company in the design and maintenance of outdoor environments, Landscape Solutions recruits international gardeners for its projects nationwide.
Their visa sponsorship packages include relocation allowances and pathways to permanent residency after two years of continuous employment.
Industry Trends and Employer Expectations
Employers in Australia’s gardening industry are increasingly emphasizing sustainability and eco-friendly landscaping. Immigrants with skills in water-efficient gardening, organic plant care, or native species management have a competitive advantage.
Many companies also require workers to hold or obtain safety certifications like White Card (Construction Induction Training) and First Aid. Furthermore, major horticultural companies collaborate with government initiatives such as the Skilled Regional Visa Program, ensuring consistent recruitment of foreign labor for regional projects.
Candidates who show strong commitment, reliability, and communication skills often receive long-term employment sponsorships that lead to permanent residency.
Visa Types and Options for Gardeners
Securing a visa is one of the most important steps for immigrants aiming to work legally as gardeners in Australia. Fortunately, several visa pathways cater to foreign workers in agriculture, landscaping, and general labor sectors, each with distinct eligibility requirements and benefits.
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
This is one of the most common visa types used by employers to bring international workers into Australia. The TSS visa allows companies to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled gardeners for two to four years, depending on their employment needs. Applicants must demonstrate relevant work experience and meet basic English language requirements.
Key benefits include:
- Full-time employment with sponsorship
- Competitive salaries between $37,000 and $55,000 annually
- Eligibility to apply for permanent residency after working with the same employer for several years
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
For experienced gardeners already working in Australia, the ENS visa provides a direct route to permanent residency. Employers nominate candidates who have demonstrated consistent performance and reliability. The ENS visa is especially suited for immigrants who have already completed their TSS contracts and wish to settle permanently in Australia.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Regional employers use this visa to fill skill shortages outside major cities. Gardeners hired under this category typically receive regional incentives, such as housing support, travel assistance, and fast-tracked permanent residency. The annual income averages around $40,000–$50,000, depending on experience.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)
For younger immigrants aged 18–35, the Working Holiday Visa is a great option for short-term gardening work. It allows temporary employment in regional areas for up to one year, with the possibility of extension. Hourly pay for these roles ranges from $25 to $32, often including accommodation and food.
Seasonal Worker Program (SWP)
This government-supported initiative is ideal for workers from participating countries in Asia and the Pacific. Seasonal gardeners under this program are contracted for six to nine months, earning competitive hourly wages, superannuation, and overtime pay.
Each visa type offers unique opportunities for career growth, and understanding which suits your qualifications and goals ensures a smooth transition to working life in Australia’s horticultural industry.
Where to Find Gardening Job Opportunities
Finding legitimate gardening jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship requires the right strategy, reliable job sources, and awareness of active recruitment platforms. Immigrants can explore both online job portals and direct employer websites that frequently post verified openings.
Government-Supported Job Portals
The Australian government operates several platforms for immigrants to find legitimate work.
- JobSearch.gov.au: The national employment database listing thousands of sponsored gardening roles in regional and urban areas.
- Workforce Australia: Focuses on horticulture and seasonal employment opportunities across states.
These portals feature verified employers authorized to offer visa sponsorships, ensuring authenticity and compliance with Australian immigration laws.
Private Job Boards
Well-known commercial job sites like Indeed Australia, Seek, and Jora regularly publish openings for gardeners, landscapers, and groundskeepers. Job seekers can filter listings by “Visa Sponsorship Available” or “Temporary Skill Shortage Eligible” to find positions aligned with their profile.
Average salary listings include:
- Entry-level Gardeners: $37,000–$45,000 per year
- Experienced Horticulturalists: $55,000–$70,000 per year
Recruitment Agencies
Several reputable agencies assist immigrants in securing horticulture-related employment. These include AgriLabour Australia, Rural Enterprises, and AWX Recruitment. They connect foreign workers to seasonal and permanent gardening contracts with full legal support.
Direct Company Applications
Applying directly to landscaping companies or local councils increases your chance of success. Many councils run community gardening programs and maintain large green spaces requiring regular maintenance. Sending well-structured applications to employers such as Citywide, ISS, or Landscape Solutions can lead to quick sponsorship offers.
Networking and Community Referrals
Joining gardening associations or expatriate communities in Australia also helps identify job openings before they go public. Immigrants often share employment leads on Facebook job groups, Reddit forums, and migrant support networks, helping newcomers integrate and find steady work faster.
How to Apply for Gardening Jobs as an Immigrant in Australia
Applying for a gardening job in Australia with visa sponsorship requires a structured approach, proper documentation, and professional communication with potential employers. Each step, from preparing your resume to submitting visa paperwork, contributes to securing long-term employment.
Step 1 – Prepare an Australian-Style Resume
Employers in Australia prefer concise, skill-oriented resumes that clearly outline work history, qualifications, and references. Highlight your gardening experience, equipment handling skills, and any horticultural training. Include details of prior employment, specifying job duration, responsibilities, and measurable achievements.
Step 2 – Gather Required Documents
To apply successfully, you’ll need essential documents such as:
- Valid passport (minimum six months validity)
- Academic and training certificates (horticulture, landscaping, etc.)
- Proof of work experience (reference letters, payslips)
- English language test results (IELTS or equivalent)
Ensure that all documents are certified and translated into English if required.
Step 3 – Apply for Sponsored Positions
Visit the official websites of sponsoring employers or job boards like Seek, Indeed, and JobSearch Australia. Apply directly to openings mentioning “visa sponsorship available.” Structure your cover letter to each job by emphasizing reliability, adaptability, and willingness to work outdoors.
Step 4 – Employer Interview and Contract Offer
If shortlisted, you’ll attend a virtual or in-person interview. Employers often assess communication ability, attitude, and physical readiness for the role. Once selected, you’ll receive a job offer letter and sponsorship nomination, which you’ll use to apply for your visa.
Step 5 – Visa Application and Relocation
After receiving sponsorship, submit your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Once approved, you can legally travel and begin work. Some employers cover relocation expenses, including flight tickets or temporary accommodation, especially for full-time hires.
Career Progression and Permanent Residency
After working for two to three years under a sponsored visa, immigrants can transition to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme or Regional Migration Pathways.
This not only secures your legal stay but also opens doors for higher salaries, career advancement, and family relocation.
jonecgroup