Get Paid AUD $28/Hour as an Administrative Officer in Australia

Administrative Officer jobs in Australia offer stable career paths, attractive salaries, and visa sponsorship opportunities for qualified immigrants.

With an average pay rate of AUD $28 per hour, this role provides a chance to earn a sustainable income while contributing to the efficient operations of various industries such as healthcare, education, government, and corporate organizations.

For many foreign professionals, this position also serves as a gateway to securing long-term employment and residency in Australia through employer-sponsored visa programs.

Australia’s growing need for skilled administrative workers is driven by the country’s expanding business sectors and public institutions. Companies rely heavily on administrative officers to coordinate schedules, maintain records, handle documentation, and ensure smooth internal communication.

The administrative profession is highly valued, with positions available in every region, from Sydney’s bustling corporate centers to Queensland’s public service offices.

For international candidates, securing an Administrative Officer job in Australia with visa sponsorship not only promises competitive pay but also long-term career stability.

With salaries reaching AUD $55,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on location and experience, this profession remains one of the most accessible and rewarding employment options for foreign workers seeking relocation.

The combination of stable employment, fair wages, and clear career progression makes administrative jobs in Australia an excellent choice for immigrants pursuing both income and settlement opportunities.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

Employers in Australia look for a combination of practical skills, educational qualifications, and interpersonal abilities when hiring Administrative Officers.

While entry-level candidates can secure positions without extensive experience, having some background in business administration, office management, or customer service greatly enhances employability and salary potential.

Most organizations prefer applicants with at least a Certificate III in Business Administration, Diploma in Office Management, or equivalent overseas qualifications that align with Australian standards.

The essential skills include proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and email communication. Administrative Officers are responsible for scheduling meetings, processing invoices, maintaining digital and paper records, and coordinating inter-departmental communications.

Attention to detail, time management, and problem-solving are critical competencies that directly influence job performance and salary growth. Entry-level employees typically start at AUD $26–$28 per hour, with rapid increases possible through experience and proven efficiency.

Experience in customer service, bookkeeping, or clerical support can help candidates stand out during the recruitment process. Many companies offer internal training programs that allow employees to advance into higher administrative or managerial positions.

A junior administrative officer can transition into an executive assistant or office manager role, with salaries ranging from AUD $65,000 to $85,000 annually after a few years of consistent performance.

Foreign applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English, as communication is central to administrative work. Having strong written and verbal English skills can significantly increase hiring chances and overall earning potential.

For those applying through visa sponsorship, demonstrating relevant experience from a previous administrative or support role can expedite visa approval and job matching processes.

Furthermore, knowledge of Australian business operations and familiarity with tools like MYOB, Xero, or SAP software can boost one’s competitive edge. Employers seek individuals who can handle both operational and administrative responsibilities efficiently, from managing correspondence to coordinating team logistics.

Even at entry level, administrative officers play a vital role in organizational productivity, making this job both high-demand and high-value across Australia’s public and private sectors.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

While Administrative Officer salaries in Australia generally average around AUD $28 per hour, the amount varies widely depending on region, industry demand, and cost of living.

The highest-paying locations for administrative professionals are typically found in New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia, where both private companies and government institutions compete for skilled administrative staff.

In Sydney, administrative professionals earn an average of AUD $30–$35 per hour, with full-time annual salaries reaching AUD $65,000 to $80,000. The city’s thriving corporate and financial sectors provide abundant opportunities for both local and international candidates.

Administrative officers working in multinational corporations or government agencies enjoy not only higher salaries but also comprehensive benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans, and paid leave.

Melbourne, located in Victoria, follows closely with average pay rates ranging between AUD $28–$33 per hour. The region’s growing tech, education, and healthcare sectors have boosted demand for administrative staff capable of managing complex office systems and supporting high-level executives.

Visa-sponsored roles are common here, as many companies face skill shortages in administrative positions and are willing to assist foreign workers in relocating under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa Subclass 482.

In Western Australia, particularly in Perth, salaries often surpass the national average due to the higher cost of living and the concentration of mining, energy, and construction firms.

Administrative officers in these industries can earn up to AUD $37 per hour, making Perth one of the most profitable cities for administrative employment.

Regional areas like Queensland’s Gold Coast and Brisbane also offer competitive pay, averaging AUD $27–$31 per hour, along with relocation and housing benefits for those under sponsored work programs.

For immigrants seeking long-term opportunities, these high-paying regions also provide excellent pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) through employer nomination schemes.

With the consistent demand for skilled administrative support across all Australian states, candidates have flexibility to choose both urban and regional locations based on their salary preferences, lifestyle goals, and visa options.

In essence, while Sydney and Melbourne dominate in pay and career advancement, regional Australia offers added incentives such as faster visa processing and lower living costs.

Whether in bustling city offices or regional government agencies, Administrative Officers across the country can expect steady income, valuable experience, and a strong chance for permanent settlement.

Salary Expectations for Administrative Officers

Administrative Officer salaries in Australia depend on multiple factors such as experience, qualifications, company size, and region. On average, professionals in this role earn around AUD $28 per hour, translating to approximately AUD $55,000 to $70,000 annually for full-time positions.

Entry-level administrative officers with less than two years of experience usually start at AUD $26–$28 per hour, while those with five or more years of experience can command AUD $32–$38 per hour.

In government and corporate sectors, Administrative Officers often enjoy additional financial benefits such as overtime allowances, annual bonuses, and superannuation contributions.

For example, government-employed administrative staff working in Canberra or Sydney can earn upwards of AUD $75,000 per year, with health insurance and paid leave packages included.

In comparison, private companies in the finance, healthcare, and education sectors may offer competitive hourly rates coupled with flexible work conditions and career advancement opportunities.

Administrative supervisors, executive assistants, and office managers fall within the same career stream but often receive higher compensation. Once an employee demonstrates strong organizational and leadership capabilities, their salary may increase to AUD $80,000–$100,000 per year.

These higher-level positions frequently qualify for employer sponsorship under skilled migration visas, making them especially attractive for immigrants seeking career progression and residency stability.

Part-time administrative positions are also common across Australia, often paying around AUD $25–$30 per hour with flexible scheduling. For international workers, this can be an ideal entry point while adjusting to the Australian work environment.

Many part-time employees later transition into full-time roles with increased pay once they demonstrate reliability and skill proficiency. When comparing salary expectations across industries, administrative roles in healthcare, mining, and finance consistently rank among the best-paying.

Hospitals, for instance, hire administrative officers to manage patient data, schedules, and billing systems, with salaries averaging AUD $33 per hour. Mining companies, particularly in Western Australia, may pay AUD $35–$40 per hour due to the remote nature of the work and additional logistical responsibilities.

Ultimately, Administrative Officer jobs in Australia offer excellent earning potential and clear career pathways. As organizations continue to expand, the demand for efficient administrative professionals remains steady.

For immigrants, the opportunity to earn competitive wages while benefiting from visa sponsorship makes this career choice both financially rewarding and strategically beneficial for long-term settlement goals.

Companies Hiring Administrative Officers in Australia

Australia’s administrative sector is one of the most stable and fast-growing employment markets, offering visa sponsorship opportunities and long-term career stability.

A wide range of industries, from healthcare and education to finance, mining, and public service, continuously seek skilled Administrative Officers to support their operations.

Companies value professionals who can maintain efficiency, manage documentation, and ensure proper workflow between departments.

Major Employers Offering Administrative Jobs

Several reputable employers consistently recruit Administrative Officers across Australia, providing competitive pay and benefits.

  • NSW Government and State Departments: Government roles in Sydney and other cities pay between AUD $65,000–$80,000 per year. These positions often include pension contributions, annual leave, and remote work options.
  • Healthscope and Ramsay Health Care: These major healthcare networks hire administrative staff for hospital and clinic management roles, paying AUD $30–$36 per hour.
  • University of Melbourne, Monash University, and UNSW: Universities employ administrative officers to manage student services, HR, and financial documentation, offering average salaries of AUD $70,000 annually.
  • Rio Tinto and BHP: In the mining industry, administrative jobs come with extra incentives such as housing and transportation allowances. Pay ranges from AUD $35–$40 per hour due to the remote locations.
  • ANZ Bank, Commonwealth Bank, and Westpac: The financial sector offers highly structured administrative positions with salaries of AUD $32–$37 per hour, emphasizing confidentiality and document control.

Industry Trends Affecting Hiring

Administrative hiring is particularly strong in healthcare, finance, education, and government, with rising demand in tech startups and logistics sectors.

The post-pandemic business transformation has also increased the need for remote administrative professionals who can coordinate virtual teams and digital operations.

Many companies now hire hybrid or remote Administrative Officers, allowing employees to work from home for part of the week. This flexibility, combined with steady pay and visa sponsorship, attracts international candidates looking for stable employment under fair labor conditions.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Employers offering visa sponsorship typically operate under Australia’s Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa Subclass 494 or Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa Subclass 482. Candidates with proven administrative experience, formal education, and English proficiency are prioritized.

Organizations experiencing labor shortages in administrative or clerical support are more likely to sponsor foreign applicants who meet these qualifications.

These sponsorships not only cover work visas but can also lead to Permanent Residency under certain conditions after several years of employment. Therefore, joining reputable organizations that actively participate in these programs is one of the most effective paths to building a career and life in Australia as an immigrant Administrative Officer.

Visa Types and Options for Administrative Officers

Australia’s visa framework is designed to attract skilled foreign workers to meet national labor shortages, including administrative professionals.

Administrative Officers fall under the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), allowing applicants to qualify for various temporary and permanent visas based on their qualifications, work experience, and sponsorship eligibility.

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482

The TSS Subclass 482 Visa is one of the most common routes for administrative workers. It allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign candidates for up to four years, depending on the occupation and labor market conditions.

Key requirements include:

  • Relevant work experience (minimum 2 years recommended)
  • Employer sponsorship from an approved Australian business
  • Competent English level (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE results)
  • Health and character checks

Holders of the 482 visa can work full-time, earn competitive wages (usually AUD $28–$35 per hour), and apply for Permanent Residency through employer nomination after meeting the required conditions.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494

This visa allows foreign administrative professionals to work in designated regional areas of Australia where there is a shortage of skilled workers. Administrative Officers under this visa can stay up to five years and later apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa.

Employers in regions such as Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia actively use this visa to recruit administrative staff willing to relocate outside major metropolitan centers.

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186

For experienced Administrative Officers already employed under a sponsorship, the ENS Subclass 186 Visa offers a pathway to permanent residence.

This visa category requires the employer to nominate the worker for a long-term position. Salaries under this visa generally exceed AUD $70,000 per year, reflecting a higher level of responsibility and long-term commitment.

Working Holiday and Graduate Visas

Younger candidates (aged 18–30) may qualify for Working Holiday Visas (Subclass 417 or 462), allowing short-term employment in administrative positions.

Similarly, recent graduates from Australian universities can work as administrative assistants under Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), providing an opportunity to gain local experience before transitioning to a sponsored or permanent visa.

Visa sponsorship plays a crucial role for international Administrative Officers, making it easier to secure employment while enjoying legal work rights, competitive salaries, and future migration prospects.

Each visa pathway has specific eligibility requirements, but all share a common benefit, offering a legitimate, structured entry into Australia’s strong labor market.

Where to Find Administrative Officer Job Opportunities

Administrative job opportunities are widespread across Australia and are regularly posted on official employment and recruitment platforms. Whether you are searching from overseas or already in Australia, it is essential to use legitimate websites that feature verified listings and visa sponsorship options.

Best Job Search Platforms

  • Seek (seek.com.au): Australia’s largest job search engine where thousands of administrative officer roles are listed daily. Many postings specify visa sponsorship options for international applicants.
  • Indeed Australia (au.indeed.com): A major global job board featuring administrative roles in various sectors such as education, healthcare, and finance.
  • LinkedIn Jobs: Provides access to professional networking opportunities and company-based hiring announcements.
  • JobActive (jobsearch.gov.au): The Australian government’s official employment platform, ideal for verified administrative positions in both private and public sectors.
  • Glassdoor and Adzuna: Offer insights into company culture, salary reviews, and hiring patterns, useful for evaluating potential employers before applying.

Recruitment Agencies Specializing in Administration

Australia hosts numerous recruitment firms dedicated to matching qualified administrative professionals with employers.

Agencies such as Hudson Recruitment, Hays, Adecco, and Robert Half are recognized leaders in this field. They assist with resume screening, interview preparation, and connecting candidates with visa-sponsoring employers.

For foreign workers, using these agencies provides an added advantage, as they often collaborate directly with companies approved under the Australian Migration Sponsorship Program. They can help streamline documentation and ensure that visa applications are properly processed.

Industry-Specific Opportunities

Administrative roles are not limited to office settings; many industries actively require administrative professionals, including:

  • Healthcare Administration: Hospitals, clinics, and aged-care facilities.
  • Education Administration: Universities, vocational schools, and private institutions.
  • Corporate and Banking Sectors: High-paying administrative positions in major financial hubs.
  • Government Agencies: Offering secure, long-term employment with benefits.

By targeting these key industries, job seekers increase their chances of landing well-paying administrative roles, often with full visa sponsorship and long-term growth potential.

How to Apply for Administrative Officer Jobs as an Immigrant in Australia

Applying for Administrative Officer positions as an immigrant requires preparation, professional presentation, and compliance with Australian employment standards.

The process involves verifying your eligibility, obtaining the necessary documentation, and aligning your qualifications with employer expectations.

Preparing the Right Application Documents

To stand out among applicants, ensure you have the following ready:

  • A professionally written resume (CV) tailored to the Australian market
  • A cover letter explaining your administrative experience and visa eligibility
  • Verified copies of educational qualifications (business administration or related field)
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
  • Previous employment references

Highlighting measurable achievements, such as “managed records for 500+ clients” or “streamlined communication systems,” increases your likelihood of being shortlisted.

Securing Employer Sponsorship

Foreign applicants must identify employers approved by the Department of Home Affairs to sponsor overseas workers. Once a job offer is received, the employer can nominate the candidate for the appropriate visa (usually Subclass 482 or 494).

Employers are required to demonstrate that no suitable local candidates were available before offering sponsorship, which enhances opportunities for qualified foreign professionals.

Application Procedure and Follow-Up

Applications are typically submitted online through company portals or job boards. Ensure all details are accurate and consistent with your visa documents. Once you submit, allow 1–3 weeks for response and prepare for interviews that may be conducted online or via phone. After receiving a job offer:

  1. Review the employment contract, ensuring the pay rate (minimum AUD $28/hour) and conditions align with Australian labor laws.
  2. Your employer will lodge a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs.
  3. Once approved, proceed with your visa application under the employer sponsorship stream.

After your visa is granted, you can legally begin working in Australia, gaining valuable international experience and potentially applying for permanent residency after meeting visa conditions.

Advantages for Immigrants

Administrative jobs offer immigrants a gateway to Australia’s professional landscape. Beyond salary, the role provides exposure to local business culture, networking opportunities, and stable pathways for career advancement.

Many sponsored administrative workers progress into senior management, HR coordination, or executive support roles, earning up to AUD $90,000 annually within a few years.

With proper documentation, training, and dedication, foreign applicants can build a rewarding and long-term career in Australia’s dynamic administrative sector.

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